Detroit Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced for a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Darnell Smith, 26, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin.

“This Detroit drug dealer had a bad day,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “After being shot, he was in possession of 20 individually packaged bags of heroin when he entered the hospital for treatment.  Now, he’s headed to federal prison.  We hope out-of-state drug dealers figure out that bad days come as a result of bringing their drug business into West Virginia.”   

Smith previously pled guilty admitting that on September 12, 2016, law enforcement officers found him in possession of 20 individually packaged bags of heroin when he entered a hospital for treatment after being shot in the head. Smith admitted that he intended to sell the drugs for money.

The case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Arthur and Erik Goes handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. 

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. 2:18-cr-00165.

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