Michigan man pleads guilty to federal heroin charge

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Michigan man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. William Henry Stephens, Jr., 45, of Inkster, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. 

On June 29, 2017, members of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 702 Washington Avenue in Huntington. Prior to the search, investigators conducting surveillance observed Stephens coming and going from the residence and conducting what appeared to be drug transactions. During the search, investigators seized approximately 140 grams of heroin, 44 grams of crack, and a Chinese SKS 7.62mm assault rifle with ammunition. Stephens admitted that he possessed the heroin and crack for distribution. Stephens also admitted that he possessed drugs and firearms seized by investigators during a separate search warrant previously executed on December 15, 2016. On that date, investigators searched 322 West 5th Avenue in Huntington and seized approximately 342 grams of heroin, 69 grams of cocaine, 109 30mg oxycodone pills and multiple firearms. As part of his plea agreement, Stephens admitted to all the drug trafficking and firearms activity charged in the indictment.

Stephens faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 22, 2018.

The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District. 

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