March 16, 2015

Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Heroin Charge

HUNTINGTON, WV—United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a Huntington man who participated in a heroin distribution ring in 2014, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Huntington to a drug charge. Paul A. Roberts, Jr., 21, entered a guilty plea for providing a residence in Huntington that was used by him and others as base for the distribution of heroin in the community.

From at least October of 2014 to December of 2014, Roberts and others used a home at 403 Homestead Place, Huntington, to operate their heroin distribution ring. Roberts signed a lease for the property, knowing it would be used as a base to store, package and distribute heroin.

On December 6, 2014, a United States Postal Inspector intercepted a package addressed to Roberts Homestead Place home. The package contained approximately 230 grams of heroin. After agents delivered the package, they executed a search warrant and seized heroin, equipment used to package and distribute heroin, more than $6,500 in cash, and four guns.

Roberts faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2015.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation Task Force, United States Postal Service, West Virginia State Police and Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.