William S. Thompson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia
Silvester Barcenas, a 23-year-old Mexican national, has entered a guilty plea for his involvement in a federal drug crime. The charges stem from an incident on August 12, 2024, when Barcenas transported approximately 3.9 kilograms of methamphetamine to Charleston, West Virginia, from South Carolina. In court, Barcenas acknowledged possessing the drugs and delivering them as directed by a co-conspirator.
Barcenas faces sentencing on June 30, 2025. He could receive up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.
The case against Barcenas is part of a broader investigation involving two other Mexican nationals indicted by a federal grand jury. The indictment alleges that these individuals conspired to distribute methamphetamine in the Charleston area between March and October 2024. The trial for co-defendants German Francisco Diaz and Braulio Villa-Chairez is set for April 15, 2025.
Israel Chaires-Villa, another Mexican national implicated in the investigation, pleaded guilty on February 13, 2025. His sentencing is scheduled for June 2, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced the developments and praised the work of several law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. These include the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which comprises various local police departments.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing with Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuting the case.
Further information about this case can be accessed through PACER under Case No. 2:24-cr-176 or via the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia.
