Shuster Pleads Guilty

Anthony A. Shuster, Jr., also known as “Tiny,” 35, of Caldwell, Ohio, has admitted to distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a highly addictive and dangerous drug. Shuster pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of More than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine” in a West Virginia court.

According to the U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, Shuster sold the methamphetamine in January 2019 in Ritchie County. The drug, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” is a major contributor to the opioid epidemic sweeping the nation. Shuster’s actions have put countless lives at risk, and he now faces the consequences of his actions.

Amy S. Lambert-Shuster, 41, also of Caldwell, Ohio, and Shuster’s partner, has also admitted to her role in the crimes. She pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Unlawful Transfer of a Machinegun.” In January 2019, Lambert-Shuster transferred an AR15-type firearm in Ritchie County, a serious offense that carries significant penalties.

Shuster faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. The severity of the sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense and the danger that Shuster posed to the community. Lambert-Shuster, on the other hand, faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the crimes, working tirelessly to bring Shuster and Lambert-Shuster to justice. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided over the proceedings, ensuring that justice was served.

The guilty pleas of Shuster and Lambert-Shuster serve as a reminder that drug trafficking and firearms offenses will not be tolerated in our communities. The Department of Justice and law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to hold perpetrators accountable and keep our streets safe. As the case moves forward, the people of West Virginia and Ohio can rest assured that justice will be served and that those who engage in such criminal activity will face the consequences of their actions.

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