Charleston drug dealer sentenced to federal prison for heroin crime

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to two years and eight months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Antonio Tarvares Johnson, 39, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.

Johnson admitted that on September 28, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at the Motel 6 in Cross Lanes. Johnson additionally admitted that on November 9, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant at America’s Best Value Inn in St. Albans. Following that drug deal, law enforcement arrested Johnson and recovered over $6,000 in cash from his pocket and wallet, which included $100 in prerecorded buy money from the November 9, 2015, controlled purchase. Johnson further admitted that he also sold drugs to a confidential informant on September 29, 2015, and on December 16, 2015.  

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.

This case was 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 prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District. 

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