CHARLESTON - A Nicholas County woman faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty today in connection with a methamphetamine manufacturing conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Rachel Petrey, 32, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge John T. Cophenhaver, Jr.
From August 2010 until February 2011, Petrey manufactured methamphetamine using a technique known as the “shake and bake" method. Petrey manufactured methamphetamine at various residences in and around Nicholas County. During the scheme, Petrey also taught several associates including Felicia Bess, 23, of Summersville, how to cook methamphetamine. Petrey also provided user amounts of methamphetamine to several associates in exchange for their assistance in obtaining meth-making materials.
Bess was previously sentenced in February to three years in federal prison for manufacturing methamphetamine.
Petrey is scheduled to be sentenced on October 9, 2013.
The U.S. Forestry Service, the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department and the Richwood Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is in charge of the prosecution.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
