Randolph County Man Admits to Drug Trafficking

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Gary Duane Cool, age 41, of Monterville, West Virginia, has admitted to possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Cool crashed his car in Valley Head, West Virginia and fled the accident on foot. A witness reported Cool dropped some items in a nearby yard. Officers recovered a backpack with nearly 500 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm.

Cool is facing at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.