Zachary James Parsons, Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base, West Virginia 2023

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Wheeling man has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, authorities announced.

Zachary James Parsons, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of ‘Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base.’

According to court records, Parsons admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as ‘crack,’ in January 2020 in Ohio County.

Parsons now faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided over the case.

Parsons’ guilty plea marks a significant development in the ongoing effort to combat drug trafficking in the region.

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