Martinsburg man indicted on a drug charges

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg, West Virginia man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on cocaine and heroin distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Jarod Arthur Blakney, also known as “Papi,” age 28, is charged with one count of “Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base,” and three counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Blakney is accused of selling heroin and cocaine in Berkeley County in May and June of 2017.

Blakney faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.