FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 22, 2011
HUNTINGTON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM AND DRUG CHARGES
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Stephen Dwayne Jackson, 26, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today in federal court before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and a quantity of heroin. On March 16, 2011, agents with the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force (HVCDTF) conducted a controlled buy of heroin from the defendant. Following the drug transaction, HVCDTF agents executed a search warrant at the residence where the defendant was residing at the time. During the search of the residence, officers seized 43.52 grams of crack, 7.67 grams of heroin, a small amount of marijuana, digital scales and $4,210 in cash, part of which was buy money from a controlled drug transaction which occurred earlier that day. Agents also recovered a .25 automatic pistol with ammunition and a clip. On April 10, 2011, the West Virginia State Police responded to a call reporting gunfire at the 4th Quarter Bar in Huntington. Responding troopers with the West Virginia State Police determined that the defendant had possessed a Ruger 9-millimeter pistol and had shot the firearm several times in the parking lot of the bar. Jackson admitted that he possessed and shot the firearm. At the time Jackson possessed and fired the weapon, he had been convicted of a felony drug charge on January 3, 2006, in the Third Circuit Court in Detroit.
Jackson faces up to 50 years in prison and a $5,250,000 fine when he is sentenced on November 21, 2011.
The West Virginia State Police and the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force (HVCDTF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution.
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