HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Two Detroit men who participated in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Huntington in 2013 and 2014 pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Denzell Lamar Bunkley, also known as “Chotty" and “King," 21, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, and Jakaiser Wesley Jackson, also known as “J" and “Jigga," 21, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Both pleas were entered before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
On Dec. 31, 2013, officers with the Huntington Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at an apartment located at 1416 Jefferson Avenue, in West Huntington. Officers seized approximately 413 grams of heroin and $12,349 in cash during the search. Officers also arrested Bunkley, Christopher Lamarr-Shawn Harris and another individual. Bunkley admitted to possessing the heroin seized for distribution and further admitted that the apartment was utilized by Harris and others as a location to prepare and distribute heroin.
On April 2, 2014, officers executed a search warrant for two rooms at the Red Roof Inn Hotel located on Route 60 in Huntington. Officers seized approximately 192 grams of heroin along with $3,000 in cash during the search. Jackson was present at the hotel just prior to the search. Jackson admitted that he was recruited by Harris in January 2014 to assist with heroin distributions in Huntington. Jackson also admitted that he, along with Harris, arranged to transport the heroin from Detroit in the days prior to the search.
Harris, also of Detroit, also pleaded guilty today to his role in the conspiracy.
Bunkley and Jackson each face five to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on October 6, 2014.
The Huntington Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the West Virginia State Police, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Marshals Service all participated in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of heroin and prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiates, including heroin, in communities across the Southern District.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
