Pleasants County man convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald William Butler, 56, of Saint Marys, West Virginia, was convicted in federal court today for his role in a methamphetamine manufacturing operation based in Pleasants County, West Virginia, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Butler, also known as “Amos,” was among six individuals charged in a 19-count federal indictment in June 2015. He was discovered in Pleasants County in possession of materials commonly utilized to manufacture methamphetamine. Those materials included lye drain opener, hydrogen peroxide, fuel additive, matches, and pseudoephedrine packages.

Butler pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of Material Used in the Manufacturing of Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting.” He faces up to 10 years in prison 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 Shawn Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Pleasants Count Sheriff’s Department investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.