Monongalia County woman pleads guilty to drug distribution charge

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Morgantown, West Virginia woman has admitted to a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Jayla Shade, age 21, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Shade admitted to using a phone to distribute and assist in a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. The crime occurred in Monongalia County in February 2017.

Shade faces up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.