John Ladelle Puryear, 49, of Huntington, has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. The plea was entered on September 8, 2025, in the Southern District of West Virginia.
According to court documents and statements presented during the hearing, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Puryear’s apartment on January 16, 2025. Officers seized approximately 299 grams of cocaine, 10 grams of fentanyl, and 8 grams of crack cocaine. They also found three firearms—a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm pistol, a Colt MK IV Series 80 .45-caliber pistol, and a Ruger LCF .380-caliber pistol—along with digital scales and about $6,487 in cash.
As part of his plea agreement, Puryear admitted to possessing the controlled substances that were seized. He also acknowledged having the firearms for the purpose of protecting both the drugs and proceeds from their distribution.
Puryear is scheduled for sentencing on January 12, 2026. He faces up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release after incarceration, and a fine that could reach $1 million.
“Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing.
Further details can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia or by searching Case No. 3:25-cr-125 on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the “external link” icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link..
