Edward Kent Stephens, known as "Squirrel," has entered a guilty plea in Huntington, West Virginia, for conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, Stephens conspired with another individual between May 2024 and June 2024 to distribute the drug in the Huntington area.
As part of his plea agreement, Stephens acknowledged his role in distributing fentanyl on behalf of an associate. He admitted that sometimes customers would be directed by this associate to contact him for transactions, while at other times they reached out to him directly. Additionally, he confessed to selling approximately 61 grams of fentanyl across three occasions between May 24 and June 27, 2024, each time involving a confidential informant.
Stephens is set for sentencing on October 6, 2025. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and could receive up to 40 years in prison. The sentence may also include at least four years of supervised release and a fine reaching $5 million.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston who praised the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff's Office.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers oversaw the hearing with Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney L. Finney and Joseph F. Adams handling prosecution duties.
This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), which aims to reduce synthetic opioid distribution in critical areas.
Further information about this case can be found through PACER by searching Case No. 3:25-cr-46 or visiting the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia.