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Press Release

Two Convicted Felons Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possession Of Methamphetamine And Firearms

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of West Virginia

U.S. Attorney’s Office and DEA announce more than 3 tons collected, breaking previous record by more than half a ton

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two men who possessed methamphetamine and firearms were sentenced today to federal prison after pleading guilty in January to federal drug trafficking charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Richard Milton Hudson Riggal, 44, of Zephyrhills, Florida was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and sentenced to fifteen years and 8 months on the conspiracy charge and an additional two years for violating his federal supervision.  Howard Leon Lykins, II, 49, of Charleston, West Virginia was convicted of maintaining a residence for drug purposes and sentenced to nine years. 

In July of 2013, detectives from the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) executed a search warrant at Lykins’ Stone Acres Drive residence in Charleston.  Riggall was at the house when officers arrived.  Police searched Riggall’s luggage and discovered methamphetamine, digital scales, two pistols (one of which was stolen), and $41,490 in cash.  Police seized additional methamphetamine, firearms, and money from elsewhere in Lykins’ residence.

Police executed a second search warrant at another Kanawha County residence where they seized more than 900 grams of high-purity “Ice” methamphetamine which Riggall transported from Florida to West Virginia for distribution.  Both Riggall and Lykins admitted distributing approximately seven pounds of methamphetamine in the months leading up to July 2013. 

Riggall had been previously convicted of several felonies including burglary, grand theft, operation of a chop shop, and distribution of marijuana.  In July of 2013, when he was arrested on the drug conspiracy charge, Riggall was still on federal supervision for a 2006 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Lykins had been previously convicted in 2007 in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

MDENT and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

Updated January 7, 2015