FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 24, 2011
PARKERSBURG MAN SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON ON FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – William Clearance Barber II, 40, of Parkersburg, was sentenced to five years in prison and five years of supervised release today by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston on federal drug charges. Barber pleaded guilty in November 2010 to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of crack cocaine. On March 8, 2008, Barber was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by a trooper with the West Virginia State Police. During the traffic stop, police found more than $1,600 cash in the defendant’s pockets. Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force agents assisting at the time joined the investigation and advised Barber of his Miranda rights. The defendant admitted that he had several ounces of crack at his residence which he intended to sell. Barber also admitted that he had between $10,000 to $14,000 in drug proceeds at the residence. The defendant gave written consent for agents to search his residence. Law enforcement subsequently seized approximately 61 grams of crack cocaine and $10,388 in cash.
The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police and the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force.
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