Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man to pleaded guilty today to a federal drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, Rance McNeil, 46, sold an informant approximately two ounces of methamphetamine for $1,200 on March 11, 2021.  The transaction took place at  McNeil’s Charleston residence.  An informant conducted additional controlled buys of methamphetamine from McNeil at his residence on March 1, 2021, April 8, 2021, and May 13, 2021.  Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McNeil’s residence on May 18, 2021, resulting in the seizure of large quantities of suspected methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as U.S. currency.

McNeil pleaded guilty to distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine and he faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on February 17, 2022.

United States Attorney William S. Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani is prosecuting the case.

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. 2:21-cr-00203.

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