Barbour County man admits to drug charge

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Nicholas Joseph Buono, of Philippi, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Buono, 34, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Buono admitted to selling methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in August 2020 in Barbour County.

Buono faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1 million. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.