Wetzel County residents admit to connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler Counties

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Susan Kotson and Randy Peffer, both of New Martinsville, West Virginia, have admitted to their involvement in methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Kotson, age 53, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Maintaining of a Drug-Involved Premises.” Kotson admitted to maintaining a house on Ohio Street in New Martinsville for the purpose of distributing and using drugs. 

Peffer, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Peffer admitted to selling methamphetamine in September 2017 in Wetzel County.

Kotson and Peffer each face up to 20 years 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. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., and Shawn M. Adkins are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol; Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office; the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office; the Sistersville Police Department; the Paden City Police Department; and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated. The Columbus, Ohio, Police Department Gang Crimes Unit assisted in the case. 

The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

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