FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 8, 2011
OHIO MAN CONVICTED ON FEDERAL MARIJUANA DISTRIBUTION CHARGE
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Barry Adkins, 49, of South Point, Ohio, was found guilty today by a jury in Huntington of conspiracy to distribute 1000 kilograms or more of marijuana. Evidence at trial proved that beginning in the late fall of 2007, Adkins joined a marijuana conspiracy operating in Zanesville and Ironton, Ohio, and Huntington, West Virginia. Members of the conspiracy testified that from 2007 until 2009, they received approximately 11,000 pounds of marijuana from a Mexican source of supply and sent approximately $10 million in profit back to Mexico. Testimony brought forth at trial showed that Adkins knowingly joined the ongoing conspiracy and was being supplied marijuana for distribution in the tri-state area.
Adkins faces 10 years to life in prison and a $2 million fine when he is sentenced on December 29, 2011.
The case was investigated by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Huntington Police Department, Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), Appalachia HIDTA, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Monica Dillon and John Frail handled the prosecution.
# # #
