Antwaun Winbush, a 45-year-old resident of Charleston, has been sentenced to 12 years and seven months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. This sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.
The case stems from an incident on March 25, 2024, when law enforcement attempted to stop Winbush's vehicle on U.S. Route 35 in Putnam County. During the pursuit, Winbush reached speeds over 100 miles per hour and discarded methamphetamine and marijuana out of his car window. Some methamphetamine struck the pursuing officer's vehicle, causing the officer to inhale it through air vents. The chase ended when Winbush lost control of his vehicle.
Following his arrest, officers recovered some methamphetamine from the road. Winbush admitted in court to possessing about 141.8 grams of a methamphetamine mixture.
Winbush's criminal activities also include incidents on October 4, 2021, and December 24, 2023. In Jackson County on October 4, officers seized drugs and a firearm during a traffic stop involving Winbush. On December 24, law enforcement found more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and drug trafficking paraphernalia at his residence.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston commented on Winbush’s extensive criminal history: “Winbush’s criminal history dates back 30 years and includes 20 adult convictions.” She praised law enforcement for their efforts in apprehending him safely after he endangered lives during the pursuit.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver Jr. imposed the sentence while Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel Price prosecuted the case.
This information is available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia under Case No. 2:24-cr-154.
