Huntington Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for Federal Drug and Gun Crimes

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Johnny Ray Francis III, 20, was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, Francis possessed a plastic baggie containing suspected heroin and a Glock 23 .40 caliber 9mm pistol in a residence on 26^th Street in Huntington on June 12, 2019.  After laboratory testing, the substance possessed by Francis was determined to be approximately 8 grams of heroin.  Francis admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin and that he possessed the firearm for the purpose of protecting himself and the heroin. 

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe handled the prosecution.

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. 3:19-cr-00258.

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