Grant County woman admits to fentanyl charge

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Melissa Danielle Valkos, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Valkos, 30, pleaded guilty this week to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” She admitted to having fentanyl in Hardy County in February 2021.

Valkos faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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 Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.