Huntington, W.Va. – In a major blow to the heroin and fentanyl trade in West Virginia, Willie Peterson, 50, a Detroit resident, pleaded guilty to a federal drug conspiracy charge on December 10, 2018.
According to the plea agreement, Peterson conspired with individuals to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and quantities of fentanyl in Huntington, West Virginia, between July 2017 and April 2018. Peterson admitted that he distributed quantities of heroin to his brother, Manget Peterson, also known as “Money,” for him to distribute in Huntington in exchange for money. Individuals in Huntington would send Peterson drug proceeds in Detroit, Michigan from drug sales in Huntington, West Virginia.
As part of his plea agreement, Peterson also admitted that in March 2018, he assisted David Miller, also known as “John,” in placing fentanyl and cocaine in a black box and attaching the box to Miller’s vehicle. Miller intended to transport the controlled substances to Huntington for distribution purposes. However, the Michigan State Police conducted a traffic stop on Miller and seized the controlled substances.
Peterson faces between 5 years and up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on December 10, 2018.
This case is part of the ongoing federal investigation into the heroin and fentanyl trade in West Virginia, known as Operation Saigon Sunset. The joint investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West.
Peterson’s guilty plea brings the total number of defendants charged in the indictment to 15, with 11 of them having entered guilty pleas to date.
Corey Beach, 30, from Jacksonville, Florida, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin on December 10, 2018. Beach faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced.
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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