HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Two defendants caught receiving a shipment of crystal methamphetamine in Huntington pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Sean Bradsher, 34, of Hurricane, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. As a result of the same investigation, Christian Duran, 34, of San Jose, pleaded guilty to attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
On Jan. 13, 2017, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted a controlled delivery of approximately 25 pounds of marijuana and 150 grams of crystal methamphetamine to Bradsher and Duran at a residence on 4th Avenue in Huntington. The drugs were intercepted by agents the previous day after they were sent from California to Huntington. After Bradsher and Duran took possession of the drugs, agents executed a search warrant at the residence. Agents recovered the marijuana and methamphetamine along with a total of $13,842 in United States currency during the search. Duran admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine, and Bradsher admitted that he allowed Duran to use the residence to receive the methamphetamine from California.
Bradsher and Duran both face at least 5 and up to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on Aug. 28, 2017.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, along with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia State Police, conducted the investigation, with assistance from the West Virginia National Guard RAID Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling these prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
These prosecutions are 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 methamphetamine. 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
