Ohio man admits to drug trafficking

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Lee Edgell, of Belmont, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

Edgell, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Edgell admitted to distributing methamphetamine in January 2021 in Ohio County. Law enforcement seized 191 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” and 89 grams of fentanyl during a search of Edgell’s vehicle. They also recovered $12,380.00, which Edgell agreed to forfeit.

Edgell faces up to 20 years of 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.