Ohio man pleads guilty to federal drug crime

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man who sold crack to an informant in September 2016 pled guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stephen Somon, 44, of Ironton, entered his guilty plea to aiding and abetting the distribution of crack. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“If you sell your poison in Huntington, you’re making a big mistake, and it will cost you dearly,” said U.S. Attorney Stuart. “We’re taking back the streets of Huntington and the only hospitality we are offering drug dealers is a long stay in a prison cell, and that cell doesn’t come with turn down service or a chocolate on the pillow.”

On September 13, 2016, law enforcement used a confidential informant to arrange a drug deal for crack in the area of the Little Caesar’s on 1st Street in Huntington. Somon admitted that he arrived and gave the informant crack in exchange for $850. As part of the plea agreement, Somon also admitted that he allowed others to reside at his residence for the purpose of distributing crack. 

Somon faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 29, 2018.

Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie S. Taylor are handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This prosecution is 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 illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.

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