Virginia man admits to drug charge

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terry William Jimenez Morales, of Strasburg, Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Morales, 26, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Morales admitted to having more than 85 grams of cocaine hydrochloride in March 2019 in Jefferson County.

Morales faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Ranson Police Department investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.