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March 24, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Buckhannon Resident Enters
Guilty Plea to Methamphetamine Charge

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA — A 47 year old Buckhannon, West Virginia, resident entered a plea of guilty on March 23, 2011, in United States District Court in Clarksburg before Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull.

United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that LAURIE ANN WALKER entered a plea of guilty to one count of an Indictment charging her with aiding and abetting David Helmick in stealing anhydrous ammonia, intending it to be used to manufacture methamphetamine on August 17, 2009, in Upshur County.

WALKER, who is currently free on bond pending sentencing, faces a maximum penalty of four years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.

David Helmick pled guilty to his role in this offense last month and is awaiting sentencing.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen D. Warner. The case was investigated by the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department.