PITTSBURGH - A resident of West Virginia has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on charges of attempting to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
The three-count indictment, returned on March 31 and unsealed today, named Van Gregory Barrows, 26, of Bowden, West Virginia, as the sole defendant.
According to the indictment presented to the court, Barrows attempted to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in November 2017. The indictment further alleges that Barrows conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine between September 2017, and November 2017. Barrows, an unlawful user of methamphetamine, is also alleged to have unlawfully possessed firearms and ammunition on or about Nov. 17, 2017.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Jerome A. Moschetta is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Department of Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Ross Township Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment in this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
