Operation Second Wave Update: Two More Defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants charged as a result of a long-term investigation known as “Second Wave” were sentenced this week to federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Larry Terrence Martin, 31, of St. Albans and Carol Lynn Belton, 62, of Montgomery were sentenced to 151 months and 15 months in prison, respectively.

According to court documents, Martin previously admitted distributing more than 10 pounds of methamphetamine and 60 pounds of marijuana between January 2018 and August 26, 2020 to both dealers and users in and around Kanawha County, West Virginia.  Martin also admitted recruiting a U.S. Postal Service employee to deliver drug packages to him that had been sent to residences along the mail carrier’s route.  Belton previously admitted distributing approximately seven ounces of methamphetamine in Montgomery, West Virginia.

This case was part of operation “Second Wave,” a long-term investigation of a drug trafficking ring involved in the distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin,  marijuana, and THC products. More than a dozen individuals have been charged in federal court as part of the investigation. All have pled guilty.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Charleston Police Department.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00154 (Martin et al).

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