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April 29, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ranson Resident Entered Guilty Plea
to “Crack” Cocaine Charge

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA — A 37 year old Ranson, West Virginia, resident entered a plea of guilty on April 15, 2010, in United States District Court in Martinsburg before Magistrate Judge David J. Joel.

United States Attorney Betsy C. Jividen announced that MELANIE LYN OUTEN entered a plea of guilty to one count of an Indictment charging her with the distribution of “crack” cocaine on December 18, 2008, in Charles Town, West Virginia.

OUTEN, who is currently free on bond pending sentencing, faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas O. Mucklow. The case was investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.