FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 6, 2012
HUNTINGTON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CRACK COCAINE DISTRIBUTION
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Joseph Donnell Davis, 52, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today in federal court before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to distribution of crack cocaine. Davis admitted that on May 21, 2010, he and an associate offered to sell ¼ ounce of crack cocaine to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in exchange for $400. The defendant further admitted that he brought approximately 5 grams of crack cocaine to the Smokin’ Aces store that was located in Huntington. Davis subsequently gave the quantity of crack to an undercover agent and accepted the pre-determined cash payment in exchange.
Davis faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on May 7, 2012.
This case is being prosecuted as part of a yearlong undercover operation that targeted illegal drugs and firearms crimes in the Huntington area. The operation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and assisted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Huntington Police Department, and various other law enforcement agencies. It was announced to the public in March after a grand jury returned indictments against 55 defendants.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Josh Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.
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