Charleston man pleads guilty to federal drug charges

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Lisa G. Johnston Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia

Charleston man pleads guilty to federal drug charges

Jason Lorel Minter, a 43-year-old resident of Charleston, has pleaded guilty to federal drug charges. The charges include possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 40 grams of fentanyl.

The case details reveal that on September 10, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Minter's home. They seized significant quantities of drugs: 126.8 grams of fentanyl, 312.7 grams of methamphetamine, and 490 grams of marijuana. Additionally, two loaded firearms and $1,522 in cash were confiscated. Minter admitted to possessing these controlled substances.

Minter's sentencing is set for June 23, 2025. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and could receive up to 40 years. His penalties also include at least four years of supervised release and a potential fine reaching $5 million.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced the plea and praised the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) for their investigative efforts. MDENT includes various local law enforcement agencies such as the Charleston Police Department and several sheriff’s offices.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers oversaw the hearing, while Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is handling the prosecution.

Further information about this case can be accessed through PACER by searching Case No. 2:24-cr-196 or on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia.