Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Shawn Michael Patton, 47, of Dunbar, pleaded guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 13, 2022, Patton sold 2 ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on the front porch of his Park Drive residence in Dunbar in exchange for $700.

On February 9, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Patton’s residence and seized approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine from a bedroom chair and a total of $14,572.

Law enforcement officers executed another search warrant at Patton’s residence on September 20, 2022, and seized approximately 287 grams of methamphetamine, two firearms and $554.

On October 5, 2022, Patton was arrested by law enforcement officers and consented to a search of his residence. Officers seized approximately 25 grams of heroin, 379 grams of marijuana and $2,315.

Patton is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor 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. 2:22-cr-212. 

###