William S. Thompson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia
Jermaine Antoine Johnson, a 34-year-old resident of Beckley, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. His involvement was part of a larger drug trafficking organization operating within the Southern District of West Virginia.
Court documents reveal that Johnson's participation in the conspiracy took place during April and May 2024. He supplied controlled substances for distribution and discussed obtaining fentanyl with co-conspirators over phone calls intercepted by law enforcement.
On May 15, 2024, Johnson informed a co-conspirator about a supplier ready to sell drugs, discussing plans to provide $6,000 for these substances. Subsequently, on May 20, he traveled with an associate to Baltimore, Maryland, purchasing approximately $6,000 worth of fentanyl. They returned to West Virginia the following day and considered increasing the volume of fentanyl by adding cutting agents like sugar.
Johnson faces sentencing on July 3, 2025. He could receive up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
This case is part of an indictment involving 12 individuals accused of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine base from June 2023 to May 2024. All have pleaded guilty; some accepted separate charges rather than those initially alleged.
"Today’s guilty plea marks a major milestone in this case," stated Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. She praised the cooperation between law enforcement agencies in disrupting significant drug operations in Beckley.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit conducted the investigation. This unit includes officers from several local departments.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn oversaw the hearing with Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuting the case.
The investigation was under the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). Established in 1982, OCDETF aims to dismantle major drug trafficking organizations threatening public safety or national security through collaborative efforts among federal and local agencies.
Related court documents are accessible via PACER under Case No. 5:24-cr-90.
