Hampshire County man found guilty of possessing materials to manufacture methamphetamine

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal jury convicted Aaron Matthew Reed, 37, of Romney, West Virginia of possessing materials capable of manufacturing methamphetamine, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Evidence presented at trial indicated that Reed was in possession of a pill grinder, wire cutters, Coleman fuel, Pure Lye, plastic tubing, lithium batteries, cold compress packs, and a pill bottle with salt, all of which may be used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Following a two day trial, a jury found Reed guilty of one count of “Possession of Material Used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. 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. Attorneys Anna Z. Krasinski and Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resource Criminal Investigation, and the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office.

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.