Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Jackson County Heroin Conspiracy

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

According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about October 2018 until November 2019, Lewis Von Burks, Jr., 51, was selling black tar heroin to several individuals from Jackson County, West Virginia, and elsewhere.  These individuals were regularly travelling to Columbus in order to meet Burks and complete the transactions.  Burks had knowledge at the time that several of the individuals were taking the heroin back to Jackson County, and that at least one of the individuals was re-selling the heroin in Jackson County.  During the period of the conspiracy, at least 100 grams of black tar heroin were re-sold within Jackson County.   

Burks pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and faces up to 40 years in prison when sentenced on October 7, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is handling the prosecution.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. 

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. 2:20-cr-00114.

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