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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Two men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a drug trafficking organization operating in Mercer County.
Keith Blakely, also known as ‘Bumpy,’ 43 of New York, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, oxymorphone, oxycodone, and hydromorphone. Jan Rucker, 29, of McDowell County, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute hydromorphone and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Blakely also forfeited $69,962 in proceeds generated from his drug trafficking activity along with several firearms, while Rucker agreed to forfeit $1,543 and two firearms. Both men previously pleaded guilty to the charges that resulted from a long-term, multi-state investigation known as Operation X-Nation.
Between August 2017 and August 31, 2019, Blakely was participating in a DTO that was operating in and around Princeton. Law enforcement officers intercepted telephone conversations in which Blakely was discussing the distribution of controlled substances with other members of the drug trafficking operation, including the pricing and quantities of substances to be distributed.
On August 30, 2019, law enforcement officers conducted a search of the apartment Blakely was living in near Bluefield and found large quantities of oxymorphone, oxycodone, and hydromorphone pills that he intended to distribute, along with three firearms and approximately $69,962 in cash.
Rucker was stopped by law enforcement officers on August 30, 2019, while driving his truck in Princeton. The officers found approximately 507 hydromorphone pills, $1,543 in cash and two firearms during the traffic stop.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which is composed of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Princeton Police Department and the Bluefield Police Department.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution.
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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