Press Release
Charleston Career Offender Sentenced to Almost 16 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Charge
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia
BECKLEY, W.Va. –A Charleston man was sentenced today to 188 months -- almost 16 years -- in prison for a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Clarence Murray, 41, previously pled guilty to distribution of heroin. Stuart praised the joint efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) for their work during this investigation.
“Gun-toting drug dealers cause fear and chaos in our communities,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “16 years because this guy couldn’t figure out that selling drugs is just plain stupid. Now he gets to spend most of the rest of his good days behind bars, enjoying Christmas and Hanukah with other inmates instead of family. It would be funny if it weren’t so sad.”
Murray previously admitted that in February 2014, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement on two different occasions. Following the second controlled purchase, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Murray’s residence and seized over $2,500 in cash and a stolen Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol. The currency found in the search included previously recorded buy money used in one of the controlled purchases. Murray further admitted that he obtained the gun to protect himself because he was selling drugs.
Murray also admitted that on March 9, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in Dunbar. He additionally admitted that he sold heroin to this same confidential informant on four different occasions. Murray further admitted that he sold heroin to a confidential informant in January 2016, and that he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant in March 2016.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess was in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Updated April 26, 2018
Topics
Drug Trafficking
Opioids
Component