Marion County man admits to drug charges

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Copen, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Copen, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” and three counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity of a Protected Location.” Cope admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Marion County in October of 2017, March of 2018, and April of 2018.

The United States is also seeking forfeiture of $37,829 as proceeds derived directly or indirectly from the alleged crime.

Copen faces up to 20 years 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 Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Three Rivers Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.