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October 14, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ranson Resident Enters Guilty Plea
To Cocaine Charge Within 1,000 Feet of a School

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA — A 26 year old Ranson, West Virginia, resident entered a plea of guilty on October 7, 2010, in United States District Court in Martinsburg before Magistrate Judge David J. Joel.

United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that BENJAMIN LOPEZ RAMIREZ, also known as ARMANDO CRISTSTOMO MARTINEZ, entered a plea of guilty to one count of an Indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride within 1,000 feet of a school on January 29, 2010.

RAMIREZ, who is currently in custody, faces a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment and a fine of $2,000,000.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul T. Camilletti. It was investigated by the Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.