Repeat Offender Pleads Guilty To Trafficking Methamphetamine

Charleston Man Caught with Pills, Heroin, Crack, Guns and Ammunition

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man with several drug trafficking and violent felony convictions who possessed oxycodone, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine base (crack) and numerous firearms pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Donnell Dwayne Diego, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in federal court in Charleston.

In October of 2012 police searched Diego’s residence on Central Avenue in Charleston and seized oxycodone, crack, and two firearms.  In June and July of 2013, Diego sold methamphetamine near his residence to an informant.  Police arrested Diego after one undercover drug purchase on July 11, 2013.  Following the arrest, police again searched the residence and seized more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, more than 50 grams of heroin, ammunition, and in excess of $9,000.00 cash.  Diego admitted bringing methamphetamine and heroin from California to sell in and around Charleston.

On November 5, 2013, task force officers at the San Diego International Airport in San Diego, California seized $22,350.00 cash from Diego’s carryon bag as he disembarked from his flight.  On November 18, 2013, task force officers in Nicholas County, West Virginia executed a search warrant at Diego’s Scenic Highway residence in Summersville following several undercover methamphetamine purchases from an individual staying at the residence.  Police seized fifteen firearms, more than 30 grams of methamphetamine, nearly 10 grams of heroin, and $16,387 cash.  Diego was arrested a short distance away from the residence after a police tactical squad disabled his vehicle by shooting it.

Diego had been previously convicted of several felony offenses in California including burglary and grand theft in 2003 and drug trafficking in 2004 and 2007.  He faces up to 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 7, 2014.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) in Charleston, the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force in Summersville, the San Diego Integrated Narcotic Task Force in San Diego, California and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.