West Virginia Man Gets 15-Month Sentence for Fentanyl & Heroin Sale

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – In a stunning blow to the local drug trade, Eric W. Hathcock has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for his role in distributing deadly fentanyl and heroin.

The 37-year-old resident of Martinsburg pled guilty to a single count of ‘Distribution of Fentanyl and Heroin’ in May 2020, following a plea agreement. His admission came after he was caught selling the illegal substances in June 2019 within Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Helman led the prosecution on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, played a crucial role in the investigation alongside the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.

This sentence is a direct result of an extensive investigation supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep, this initiative targets ‘hot spot’ areas for synthetic opioids to reduce overdoses and identify international distribution networks.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided over the sentencing hearing. The sentence handed down sends a clear message that those who deal in drugs will be held accountable.

Hathcock’s conviction underscores the ongoing efforts by local, state, and federal law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in West Virginia.

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