CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A St. Albans man pled guilty to a drug crime today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. John Harvey Bush, Jr., 27, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine.
“18 pounds of meth through the U.S. Mail," said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The motto, “If it fits, it ships," does not apply to illegal drugs. I can’t say enough about the tremendous work of our U.S. Postal Inspectors who intercept packages like this on a daily basis and prevent illicit drugs from making it out on the streets. We are also fortunate to have the West Virginia National Guard as a partner in our counterdrug efforts."
On September 4, 2019, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted a package shipped from Los Angeles, California to a Charleston residence. Upon obtaining a search warrant for the package, they discovered over 18 pounds of methamphetamine inside. The majority of the methamphetamine was removed, except for 11.2 grams which remained inside the package in order to conduct a controlled delivery. As law enforcement was delivering the package, the National Guard provided helicopter surveillance of the area. Bush was recorded driving to the residence and taking the package from the front porch. He was then followed as he drove the package to his girlfriend’s residence, where he unloaded and opened the package.
Upon opening the package, he discovered there to be only 11.2 grams of methamphetamine and attempted to flush the shipping label to the package. Shortly afterwards, law enforcement knocked on the front door of the girlfriend’s residence. Bush saw them through the window and was arrested as he tried to flee out the back door. Bush’s cell phone was seized and searched pursuant to a federal search warrant, where it became apparent that Bush was aware of the content of the package, its tracking number, and when it would be arriving.
Bush faces up to forty years in prison when sentenced on June 8, 2020.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. The West Virginia National Guard assisted law enforcement with their investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner is handling the prosecution.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
