Wheeling woman sentenced for role in drug trafficking operation

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kristen Hoffler, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Hoffler, age 26, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Fentanyl,” one count of  “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin within 1000 feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Hoffler admitted to working with other individuals to distribute heroin and cocaine base, also known as crack, near Luau Manor, a housing facility owned by a public housing authority, in April 2020.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

Original case indictment here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling