Ohio man charged with distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Eric Alexander Young, 37, of Bridgeport, Ohio with distributing cocaine and methamphetamine, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

In April 2016, Young allegedly distributed cocaine on Wheeling Island in Ohio County, West Virginia. In May 2016, he allegedly distributed methamphetamine and cocaine near a playground in Benwood, West Virginia.

Young was charged with one count of “Distribution of Cocaine,” one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1,000 Feet of a Playground,” and one count of “Distribution of Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of a Playground.” He faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine up to $1,000,000 for the distribution of cocaine count; up to four years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for the use of a telephone count; and up to forty years in prison and a fine up to $2,000,000 for each of the distribution near a playground counts. 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 is handling the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police is investigating.
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.