Hardy County man admits to role in drug trafficking operation

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Allan Howell, of Moorefield, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

Howell, 43, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Howell admitted to having methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” or “ice,” in October 2018 in Hardy County.

Howell 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, and the Moorefield Police Department

investigated. The task force consists of the FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/hardy-county-man-appears-drug-charges