Source: United States Department of Justice News
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two men have been sentenced today for working together to sell large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine in the Morgantown area.
Aaric Murray, 33, of Morgantown West Virginia, was sentenced today to 170 months in federal prison. Richard Kirkland Johnson, 26, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 147 months. Murray and Johnson were found guilty of multiple charges during a trial in September 2022.
According to trial testimony, officers were called to Murray’s home on reports of a hostage situation. Upon arrival, officers determined there wasn’t a threat but found evidence of a drug operation. A subsequent search of the home found crack cocaine, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and two firearms with ammunition. Murray and Johnson had thousands of dollars in cash during the initial search, as well as communications on their cell phones of recent drug deals.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh heard evidence today of Murray’s extensive criminal history, including more than 40 interactions with law enforcement since 2012.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley and Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.