Martins Ferry, Ohio man convicted of cocaine trafficking

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martins Ferry, Ohio man was convicted today in federal court of cocaine trafficking, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Shawndale Saunders, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute 280 Grams or More of Cocaine Base.” Throughout April and May 2016, Saunders admitted to conspiring with other individuals to transport cocaine across state lines from Ohio into West Virginia in order to possess and sell the drug in Ohio County, West Virginia. 

Saunders faces 10 years to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10 million. 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 L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the Belmont County Drug Task Force, and the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.