Hampshire County man sentenced for role in drug trafficking operation

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Michael Bourne, of Shanks, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months of incarceration for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Bourne, age 37, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin. Fentanyl, and Cocaine Base.” Bourne admitted to working with another individual to distribute the controlled substances from January 2020 through October 2020.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Attorney’s Office worked closely with the Hampshire County Prosecutor’s Office to bring this case forward. In addition, the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crime task Force, a HIDTA funded initiative, investigated. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the Mineral County Sheriff's Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff's Office, the Hardy County Sheriff's Office, the Keyser Police Department, and the Grant County Sheriff's Office

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