Huntington crack dealer faces at least five and up to 40 years; two heroin dealers each face up to 20 years
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Multiple defendants pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Jerrell Leon Johnson, 53, of Huntington, pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington to possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack. On Jan. 20, 2016, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a search of Jerrell Johnson’s residence located on Rear 9th Avenue in Huntington. During that search, agents located approximately 48 grams of crack inside a kitchen drawer. Jerrell Johnson admitted that he intended to sell the crack seized by law enforcement. Agents also located a large amount of cocaine in the residence. Jerrell Johnson faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 5, 2016.
In a separate drug prosecution, Ashley Nicole Farley, 25, of Huntington, pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington to possession with intent to distribute heroin. On Aug. 27, 2015, Farley was arrested on a warrant for distribution of heroin. In a search of Farley incident to her arrest, officers located a gray tan powder and cash. The cash contained marked currency from a previous undercover heroin buy from Farley. Farley faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on December 5, 2016.
In another separate drug prosecution, Antonio Tarvares Johnson, 39, of Charleston, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to distribution of heroin. Antonio Johnson admitted that on Sept. 28, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at the Motel 6 in Cross Lanes. Antonio Johnson additionally admitted that he sold drugs to a confidential informant on Sept. 29, 2015, and on Dec. 16, 2015. Antonio Johnson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on Dec. 12, 2016.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation of Jerrell Johnson. The investigation of Farley was conducted by the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is handling the prosecutions. The plea hearings for Jerrell Johnson and Farley were held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation of Antonio Johnson. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution of Antonio Johnson. The plea hearing for Antonio Johnson was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
These cases are 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 illegal drugs, including heroin and crack. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
