HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A Kanawha County man pled guilty today to a federal methamphetamine crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Shane Steven Thaxton, 41, of Sissonville, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Atlanta Division.
“Meth is a deadly, dangerous drug that is returning as a serious menace," said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that meth does not become the diabolical force that it was to our communities just a few years ago. We’re not going back to the future."
Thaxton admitted that in early May of 2016, he drove from West Virginia to Georgia to pick up methamphetamine for distribution. He further admitted that before driving back to West Virginia, he concealed the drugs in the spare tire of the vehicle. During a traffic stop in the Hurricane area on the return trip, law enforcement searched the vehicle and discovered the methamphetamine hidden in the spare tire. The drugs were later analyzed by a DEA laboratory and determined to be methamphetamine with a weight of over 800 grams.
Thaxton faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 7, 2019.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and Clint Carte are responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
