An Ohio man and a Huntington, West Virginia, woman were sentenced to prison for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that distributed large amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illegal drugs in the Huntington region.
The investigation resulted in convictions against all 19 defendants, according to a Sept. 7 Justice Department press release.
Brayan Luces, 25, of Columbus, Ohio, was found guilty of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and five kilograms or more of cocaine, the release stated. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Kimberly Ann Combs, 45, of Huntington, was found guilty of possessing oxycodone with the intent to dispense a quantity and was sentenced to six months in prison with three years of supervised release, according to the release.
From May to July 2021, Luces shipped at least a kilogram each of fentanyl and cocaine to Huntington, according to court documents and testimony. The fentanyl and cocaine were delivered to a person on consignment while being transported by vehicle. Luces would receive the drug proceeds following sales in the Huntington region, and they would then be driven to Columbus.
"This investigation demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement at all levels to investigate and prosecute those who pollute local neighborhoods with dangerous drugs," Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge, Mike Nordwall, said in a statement. “This investigation effectively dismantled a multi-state drug trafficking organization that chose to set up operations in the Huntington area. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to rid the streets of these criminals and make our communities safer for all citizens.”
