Three convicted of oxycodone trafficking

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy Charles Burnette, 45, Erik Jones, 27, both of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Terri Shuttlesworth, 24, of Fairmont, West Virginia were convicted in federal court today for their role in a Pennsylvania to West Virginia prescription painkiller distribution operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

An investigation by the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation revealed that each of the three defendants participated in a drug distribution operation in which prescription painkillers were transported across state lines from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Morgantown, West Virginia for redistribution and sale.

Jones and Shuttlesworth admitted that they sold oxycodone in Monongalia County, West Virginia in late 2013 and early 2014. They each pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone.” They each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00.

Burnette admitted that in June 2014, he utilized a telephone system to make arrangements to purchase a quantity of oxycodone pills. He pled guilty today to one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Oxycodone.” He faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

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 defendants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.