Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Willie Charles Sanders, also known as “Disco,” 51, of Charleston, was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sanders admitted that he sold approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on August 23, 2022. The transaction was among 16 transactions during which Sanders sold a total of approximately 111 grams of methamphetamine, 23 grams of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” to the confidential informant between August 2, 2022, and November 18, 2022.

All of the transactions occurred at Sanders’ residence on the West Side of Charleston. Sanders sold the controlled substances in exchange for cash and items purported to be stolen such as catalytic converters, tools and clothing including clothing for his youngest child.

Sanders has a long criminal history that includes more than 30 prior convictions since 1991 in West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Connecticut for various offenses including aggravated assault and battery, carrying a concealed weapon, distribution of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, driving under the influence, identity fraud, and larceny.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (SEU).

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-164.

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