California Man Charged With Distribution Of Painkillers In West Virginia

1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
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WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A California man has been charged in Federal court in West Virginia as part of a painkiller distribution ring.

United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced that Mario O. GARCIA, age 41, of Van Nuys, California, was indicted last week and arrested today in Los Angeles on charges of “Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone” and “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Oxycodone.” It is alleged that GARCIA was responsible for causing thousands of oxycodone pills to be shipped to Marshall County, West Virginia for illegal distribution. Five other individuals have already been prosecuted and convicted in Federal court in Northern West Virginia as part of the same investigation.

If convicted, GARCIA faces up to twenty years in prison and a $1 million fine. The United States is also seeking money judgment in the amount of $82,500 against GARCIA, an amount that is alleged to be proceeds of the illegal activity. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offense and his prior criminal history, if any.

The case will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. and was investigated by the Marshall County Drug Task Force which includes officers and agents from the Moundsville Police Department, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

An indictment is merely an accusation and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.