CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A South Charleston man has been sentenced on federal drug and gun charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. James Michael Hill, 50, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison on three counts of distribution of marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Hill was previously convicted in federal court in April of 2001 for distribution of a cocaine base. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
“Another felon. More drugs, more guns," said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Hill is a repeat offender. Eighteen years later and he’s selling drugs again -- and he’s going back to federal prison."
Hill admitted that on April 30, 2018, he sold marijuana to a confidential informant. He also admitted to having an associate of his sell marijuana to a confidential informant on May 7 and May 9, 2018. Based on those sales and a subsequent search warrant, MDENT detectives were able to seize over 10 kilograms of marijuana, over 600 grams of methamphetamine, $34,904 in U.S. currency, two luxury vehicles, and five firearms belonging to Hill. Hill agreed that the money, vehicles, and firearms were tied to his drug operation and proceeds.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
