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Press Release

Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 4, 2021, law enforcement officers utilized a confidential informant to conduct a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Curtis Harris, 34, at his residence in Beckley.  Harris sold approximately 2.5 grams of fentanyl and a Cobra .380 handgun to the informant in the same transaction for $550.  On March 11, 2021, law enforcement officers utilized a confidential informant to conduct a second controlled purchase of fentanyl from Harris.  Harris sold approximately 14 grams of fentanyl to the informant for $1400. 

Harris pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison when he is sentenced on April 8, 2022.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Alex Hamner is handling the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-00148.

 

 

 

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Updated December 20, 2021

Topic
Firearms Offenses