Brian Ellis Jones from Freeport, New York has been sentenced to 18 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
Court records reveal that between March 15 and June 24, 2023, Jones sent 11 methamphetamine-laden packages from New York to Jason Todd Painter in Clendenin, West Virginia. The packages collectively contained at least 33 pounds of methamphetamine. Painter kept part of the substance for himself and stored the remainder for Jones. At times, he delivered the methamphetamine to other individuals in Kanawha County under Jones' instruction.
On July 15, 2023, Jones used the United States Postal Service to mail a package from New York to Clendenin. The package, intercepted by law enforcement, contained methamphetamine. Jones was arrested on July 18, 2023, and was found carrying $1,133, which he admitted was part of his drug profits.
Painter, aged 40 from Clendenin, received a five-year prison sentence and three years of supervised release on November 13, 2024, after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston, who praised the investigative teams from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). MDENT is a collaborative effort of several police departments from the region.
Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum was responsible for prosecuting the case. Further information and related court documents can be accessed on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia's website or via PACER by referencing Case No. 2:23-cr-182.
