Fayette County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crimes
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In a shocking turn of events, William Joseph Kessler III, 44, of Beckwith, pleaded guilty on Thursday, December 11, 2025, to one count of distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl and one count of distribution of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 25, 2024, Kessler sold a total of 18 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant over the course of two transactions, one in Raleigh County and the other at Kessler’s residence in Beckwith. On June 26, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Kessler’s residence and seized approximately 45 grams of methamphetamine, 300 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and ketamine, and a firearm.
Kessler is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $2 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito commended the investigative work of the Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, without mentioning their involvement in the plea hearing.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-146.
As part of his plea agreement, Kessler will face a lengthy prison sentence and significant fines. This conviction serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution in our communities.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. McLaughlin. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing.
Related Federal Cases
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- Calvin Norris Herron, Distribution of Methamphetamine, West Virginia 2023 · Texas
- David Maxwell, Methamphetamine Distribution, West Virginia 2024 · Virginia
- Christina Crites, Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity of a Protected Location, West Virginia 2024 · Virginia
- Sean Michael Moser, Methamphetamine Distribution, West Virginia 2023 · Virginia
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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