Three Parkersburg Residents Plead Guilty To Federal Drug Charges

Defendants admit to their roles in a Parkersburg crack cocaine distribution conspiracy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced that three Parkersburg residents pleaded guilty in connection with an illegal crack cocaine distribution conspiracy in Parkersburg, W.Va.  Brandon Mykel Perdew, 21, Samuel Shae White, 25 and Sarah Nichole Miller, 21, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.  

Perdew and Miller admitted that no later than the summer of 2011 until April 2012, they were involved in distributing  crack cocaine in and around Wood County, W.Va.  Perdew obtained the crack cocaine from Columbus, Ohio.  Perdew and Miller admitted that during the scheme, they made trips to Columbus to obtain the illegal drugs where they distributed it in and around Parkersburg or provided it to other sellers including Samuel White to distribute in and around Parkersburg.  White admitted joining the conspiracy in January 2012.

On January 20, 2012, the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force used a confidential informant to purchase 1.09 grams of crack cocaine from Perdew.  On March 13, 2012, the Task Force used an informant to purchase 1.13 grams of crack cocaine from White.  On April 16, 2012, law enforcement agents also used an informant to purchase a quantity of crack cocaine from Perdew.  Each of the drug transactions occurred at 1330 Staunton Avenue in Parkersburg. 

The defendants admitted that the Staunton Avenue residence was rented by Miller in November 2011 and used for storing and selling crack cocaine during the conspiracy. 

Miller admitted that on March 8, 2012, she drove White to a residence located on Hill Street in Parkersburg where White sold approximately 1.77 grams of crack to an informant working with law enforcement agents.  On April 18, 2012, law enforcement officers observed Miller drive away from the Staunton Avenue residence in a 2003 Volkswagen Passat.  Officers executed a search warrant on the vehicle and seized approximately 59.4 grams of crack cocaine, two sets of digital scales, and a .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol that contained a loaded magazine with 12 rounds of ammunition.

Also on April 18, 2012, members of the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at the 113 Staunton Avenue residence and seized several items including a stolen M&P 15-22, .22 caliber semiautomatic rifle and a G&P WASR semiautomatic rifle.  Agents arrested Perdew and White at the time the search warrant was executed.  Perdew admitted that he had a key to the Staunton Avenue residence on his person and $1,005 in cash. 

Perdew, White and Miller each face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine when they are sentenced on April 11, 2013 by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

This case was investigated by the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecutions.