Two Upshur County men charged with methamphetamine trafficking

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Arwen Tinuviel Palmer, 35, and Dustin Lynn Phillips, 33, both of Buckhannon, West Virginia, with methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Palmer and Phillips allegedly possessed and distributed methamphetamine in Upshur County, West Virginia throughout 2014.

Both defendants are charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Palmer is further charged with three counts of “Methamphetamine Distribution.” Phillips is further charged with two counts of “Methamphetamine Distribution.” They each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00 on each count. 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 Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office and the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force are leading the investigation.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.