R. Booth Goodwin II, United States Attorney
Southern District of West Virginia
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Melvin Smith
July 6, 2011 melvin.smith@usdoj.gov
HUNTINGTON WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Courtnie Tamikia White, 26, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today in federal court before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to distribution of crack cocaine. White admitted that on November 24, 2010, she delivered approximately three ounces of crack cocaine to an undercover agent working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The drug delivery took place at the Smokin’ Aces store that was located in Huntington. The November 2010 drug transaction was prearranged by co-defendant, Mark Cole, who subsequently collected the buy money from the undercover agent.
White faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when she is sentenced on November 7, 2011.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of a yearlong undercover operation that targeted illegal drugs and firearms crimes in the Huntington area. The operation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and assisted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Huntington Police Department, and various other law enforcement agencies. It was announced to the public in March after a grand jury returned indictments against 55 defendants.
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