Wheeling woman admits to distributing methamphetamine

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –Lauren Hedges, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine near a school, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Hedges, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Hedges admitted to distributing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of Wheeling Central Catholic High School in November 2018. 

Hedges faces not less than one and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. 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 Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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