Detroit Men Sentenced To Federal Prison For Large-scale Heroin Distribution In Huntington

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Detroit man were sentenced today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Huntington in 2013 and 2014, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Christopher Lamarr-Shawn Harris, also known as “C” and “Caesar,” 28, who previously pleaded guilty in July of 2014 to conspiring to distribute a kilogram or more of heroin, was sentenced to 12 years and three months in federal prison.  Denzell Lamar Bunkley, also known as “Chotty” and “King,” 22, who also pleaded guilty in July of 2014 to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, was sentenced to three years and one month.

From at least the summer of 2013 to April 2, 2014, Harris led a conspiracy with Bunkley and others, including Steven Edward Lewis, Jakaiser Wesley Jackson, and Brandon S. Keaton, to distribute heroin, primarily in West Huntington. Harris recruited co-conspirators and frequently arranged for the transportation of heroin from Detroit, Michigan, to Huntington. Harris used multiple locations to store, prepare and distribute heroin, including the Red Roof Inn Hotel located on Route 60 in Huntington and an apartment located at 1416 Jefferson Avenue in West Huntington. In addition to Bunkley, Jackson, and Keaton, Harris also recruited local residents to assist with drug distribution.

On December 31, 2013, officers with the Huntington Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at the Jefferson Avenue apartment. Officers seized approximately 413 grams of heroin and $12,349 in cash during the search. Officers also arrested Harris, Bunkley, and Lewis who were located inside the apartment.

Harris was again arrested on February 20, 2014, in Ohio by the Ohio State Highway Patrol while travelling from Huntington to Detroit. During his arrest, officers seized a total of $24,930 in cash from Harris.
Harris was arrested for a third time on April 2, 2014, after officers received information that he was again present at the Red Roof Inn in Huntington distributing heroin. Officers searched two rooms at the hotel and seized approximately 192 grams of heroin along with $3,000 in cash. Harris, along with Jackson, had arranged to transport the heroin from Detroit to Huntington days prior to the search.

During today’s hearing, the Court found Harris responsible for arranging the distribution of over one kilogram of heroin, primarily in West Huntington, during the conspiracy. The Court also found that Harris served as a manager and organizer of the conspiracy and that he maintained a residence in West Huntington for the purpose of distributing heroin.

The Huntington Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the West Virginia State Police, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Marshals Service all participated in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.

This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of heroin and prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiates and heroin in communities across the Southern District.