CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Mingo County man pled guilty today to federal gun and drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Anthony Fleming, 33, of Dingess, West Virginia, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to that crime. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“Gun-toting drug dealers can be found in every county in the Southern District," said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “And we are committed to prosecuting each and every one of them."
Fleming admitted that on November 7, 2017, he possessed and intended to distribute 18 grams of methamphetamine while traveling in Dingess, Mingo County, West Virginia. He also admitted to carrying a pistol when he committed that crime, adding that he carried the gun to protect himself when he sold methamphetamine.
Fleming now faces a sentence of five years up to forty years on the drug charge, to be followed by consecutive sentence of five years up to life on the gun charge. Fleming’s sentencing will be held on Jan. 24, 2019.
Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
