Jefferson County, Ohio man guilty of drug distribution and firearms charges

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – After a two-day trial, Emory Chiles, of Steubenville, Ohio, was found guilty on all counts today by a jury, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

After 26 minutes of deliberations, a jury found Chiles, age 43, guilty of one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” one count of “Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Offense,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Chiles distributed heroin and possessed a 9mm pistol in Monongalia County in November 2017. Chiles was previously convicted of a felony in the Northern District of West Virginia

“I appreciate the hard work of our trial team and judgement of the jury.  We will continue to aggressively pursue those who violate our drug laws and be particularly vigilant when prohibited individuals have firearms.  Firearms and drugs often go hand in hand and keeping our communities safe is our number one priority,” said Powell.

Chiles faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the first count, faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the second count, and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the third count. 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.