WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Michael J. Blake, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was arrested today and had an initial appearance after being indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Wheeling on Dec. 3, 2019, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Blake, age 40, is charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine," one count of “Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises," and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine." Blake is accused of selling methamphetamine out of a home on 11th Street in Moundsville from June to November 2019.
Blake faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
