Michael Reynard Penn, a 44-year-old resident of Beckley, West Virginia, has been sentenced to two years and five months in prison. This will be followed by three years of supervised release for the distribution of fentanyl.
Court documents reveal that on August 17, 2023, Penn sold approximately 27 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant for $1,600 at his residence. He admitted to this transaction and also confessed to selling fentanyl on three other occasions between August 23 and September 13, 2023.
A search warrant executed at Penn's residence on September 18, 2023, led law enforcement officers to discover drugs including cocaine and marijuana. They also found a Ruger .380-caliber pistol and $4,889 in cash. Among the cash was $470 in pre-recorded money from controlled drug buys with the informant.
At the time of these offenses, Penn worked as a peer support counselor at a substance abuse treatment center. His criminal history includes a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston who praised the efforts of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. This unit comprises officers from various local law enforcement agencies including the West Virginia State Police.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence while Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess along with former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.
Further details can be accessed through related court documents available on PACER under Case No. 5:24-cr-94 or via the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for Southern District of West Virginia.
