Marion County man sentenced for meth charge

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Charles Costello, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Costello, 53, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Costello admitted to selling 50 grams or more of methamphetamine for $7,500 in July 2020 in Marion County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the West Virginia State Police, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarksburg Police Department, and the Bridgeport Police Department.

U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.