Georgia man admits to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – James Matthew Hembree, of Snellville, Georgia, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Hembree, 40, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Hembree admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in September 2019 in Ohio County. During a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Hembree was a passenger, Wheeling Police officers found more than 371 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” a digital scale, and baggies typically used for resale.

Hembree faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.