Braxton County man admits to drug distribution

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Lee Frederick, of Duck, West Virginia, has admitted to drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Frederick, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Frederick admitted to selling methamphetamine near Gilmer County High School in September 2018.

Frederick faces not less than one and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. 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 Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.