Charleston Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Charge

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man caught with methamphetamine and firearms in February 2017 was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Derrick Houston, 39, previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Stuart commended the work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“Drug dealing and gun violence happen far too often on Charleston’s West Side,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “My office is working with our law enforcement partners and the West Side is on my priority target list.”

On February 28, 2017, officers with MDENT executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, 1201 Beech Avenue, in Charleston, West Virginia.  During the search, officers located approximately 237 grams of methamphetamine hidden in the couch.  Officers also located two firearms during the search.  As part of the plea agreement, Houston admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine. 

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

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