A federal jury in Clarksburg, West Virginia, has convicted two men for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization that distributed illegal drugs across North Central West Virginia. Frank Brown, 35, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Rex Jenkins, 32, from Southfield, Michigan, were found guilty of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and the distribution of methamphetamine. Jenkins faced additional convictions related to the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.
Evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that Brown and Jenkins were part of an organization responsible for supplying significant quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in Morgantown, West Virginia. Both individuals face potential sentences of up to 20 years for each count. Sentencing will occur at a later date after a federal district court judge reviews the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines along with other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley and AUSA Christie Utt are handling the prosecution on behalf of the United States. The investigation was conducted by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force—a HIDTA-funded initiative involving multiple law enforcement agencies including the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; DEA; West Virginia State Police; Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Morgantown Police Department; WVU Police Department; Granville Police Department; and Star City Police Department.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through a coordinated multi-agency approach led by prosecutors. More information about OCDETF can be accessed at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided over the proceedings.
