News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2009
In matters prosecuted by the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia:
HUNTINGTON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG & GUN CHARGE
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Roderick Devine McNeal, 26, of Huntington, West Virginia, pled guilty today before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, McNeal was arrested on May 11, 2009, by federal and local law enforcement following several controlled drug purchases. Upon arrest, authorities seized oxycodone pills and $5,791 in cash from NcNeal's person, and a 9mm pistol from McNeal's vehicle. McNeal, who is scheduled to be sentenced on February 8, 2010, faces up to 40 years in prison and a $1.25 million fine. The Huntington Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration jointly conducted the investigation.
CHARLESTON MAN SENTENCED ON GUN CHARGE
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Benjamin Carter, 31, of Charleston, West Virginia, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin to three years probation for being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. Carter pled guilty to the federal gun charge in August 2009. During a search of Carter's apartment on August 1, 2008, Charleston Police officers found two firearms. Carter admitted to the officers that he used marijuana.
Federal law prohibits the possession of firearms and ammunition by unlawful users of controlled substances; those addicted to a controlled substances; those subject to a final protective order; those convicted of crimes of domestic violence; fugitives from justice; those who have renounced US citizenship; felons; those who have been adjudicated mentally defective or who have been committed to a mental institution; those dishonorably discharged from the armed services; and illegal aliens.
The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston handled the prosecution.