CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Another dealer peddling poison near a college campus is facing serious time. Hashim Hussein, a 21-year-old citizen of Kuwait, pled guilty today to distributing cocaine hydrochloride within spitting distance of West Virginia University, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced. The case underscores the ongoing struggle to keep narcotics away from students and the surrounding community.
Hussein, also known on the streets as “Kuwait,” admitted to the December 2019 sale in Monongalia County. The specifics of the deal haven’t been fully released, but the location – near WVU – automatically ratchets up the severity of the charge. Federal authorities aren’t playing around when it comes to protecting these so-called “protected locations,” which include schools and universities.
The charge: one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride within 1000 Feet of Protected Location.” It’s a hefty accusation, and the potential consequences are equally substantial. Hussein is staring down the barrel of at least one year, but potentially up to 40 years behind bars. He’s also facing a potential fine of up to $2,000,000 – a sum that will likely wipe out any profit he made from his illicit activities.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is building the case against Hussein. She’ll be presenting sentencing recommendations based on the specifics of the crime and, crucially, any prior criminal history. Federal Sentencing Guidelines are complex, and Wesley will be looking to maximize the penalty given the proximity to a university campus and the inherent dangers of cocaine trafficking.
The investigation wasn’t a solo effort. The FBI, along with the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force – a HIDTA (High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) funded initiative – worked tirelessly to bring Hussein to justice. These task forces are crucial in coordinating efforts across multiple agencies to combat the flow of drugs into West Virginia and other vulnerable areas.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michal John Aloi presided over the guilty plea. While a sentencing date hasn’t been announced, Hussein can expect a lengthy process before learning his fate. This case serves as a grim reminder that dealing drugs, especially near educational institutions, carries significant federal penalties. Expect more aggressive enforcement in the area as the FBI and local task forces continue to target drug traffickers preying on the student population.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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