Detroit Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty To Federal Charges

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit drug dealer who stored firearms, illegal narcotics and cash at his Huntington residence pleaded guilty to federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. 

Dwjuan Strickland, also known as “Freak” and “Mitch,” 36, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine.  Strickland entered into a guilty plea on April 1 in Huntington federal court.  On October 14, 2011, members of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force conducted a search of the defendant’s 24th Street residence in Huntington that he shared at the time with convicted felon Lawanna D. Hamlin.  During the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement seized various items including: 9.52 grams of crack cocaine, .45 grams of heroin, three digital scales, two .40 caliber handguns, and approximately $577 cash. 

Prior to executing a search warrant on the defendant’s residence, Huntington Drug Task Force agents conducted several controlled drug purchases of 50 grams of heroin from Strickland and his associate Hamlin.   

Lawanna D. Hamlin, 34, of Huntington, was previously sentenced in July 2012 to 2 ½ years in federal prison for her role in a heroin distribution scheme led by Strickland.

Strickland faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on July 1, 2013 by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.   

The Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution.