HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A Detroit drug dealer who stored firearms, illegal narcotics and cash at his Huntington residence in October 2011 was sentenced on July 1 to three years and one month in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Dwjuan Strickland, also known as “Freak" and “Mitch," 37, of Detroit, previously pleaded guilty in April to possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine. On Oct. 14, 2011, members of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force conducted a search of the defendant’s 24th Street residence in Huntington, which he shared at the time with convicted felon Lawanna D. Hamlin. During the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement seized items that included 9.52 grams of crack cocaine,.45 grams of heroin, three digital scales, two.40 caliber pistols, and approximately $577 cash.
Prior to executing a search warrant on the defendant’s residence, law enforcement agents conducted several controlled heroin buys from Strickland and Hamlin.
Hamlin, 34, of Huntington, was previously sentenced in July 2012 to 2½ years in federal prison for her role in a heroin distribution scheme led by Strickland.
The Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
