Grant County man admits to drug charge

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Lawrence Allen Keplinger, of Lahmansville, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Keplinger, age 39, is pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” involving more than 50 grams of “crystal meth” or “ice.” Keplinger admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in March 2019 in Grant County. 

Keplinger 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.