Kanawha County Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Crime

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Andre Leavell Pardue Jr., 35, of Nitro, was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 16, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Pardue’s residence. Officers found a bag of fentanyl and cash in a pair of pants in Pardue’s bedroom, a Smith & Wesson model M&P 9 9mm pistol under Pardue’s bed. Officer also found a safe that contained cash, a second bag of fentanyl and a Smith & Wesson model M&P 40 Shield .40-caliber pistol.

Pardue admitted to possessing the fentanyl found in his pants. Pardue further admitted that he intended both to sell and use the fentanyl found in the safe. Pardue also admitted that the cash found in his pants and the safe totaled $3,020 and was proceeds from his fentanyl sales, with a portion of the money intended for his drug supplier.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the invaluable assistance provided by the West Virginia State Police.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Nowles Heinrich and Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted 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. 2:21-cr-124.

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