Four people have pleaded guilty in federal court for drug trafficking, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Michelle Denise Gallo, 57, of Fairmont, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime. According to court documents and statements made in court, Gallo was working with others to sell methamphetamine and other drugs and had firearms with her during her drug trafficking work. She faces 10 years to life for the drug charge and five years to life for the firearms charge.
Lisa Dawn Andrews, 40, of Montrose, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Andrews admitted to working with others to sell methamphetamine in Randolph County and elsewhere. She faces 10 years to life in federal prison.
Shawn Galin Whitley Jr., 35, of Charlotte, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, Whitley was traveling from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Lewis County when the vehicle he was in was stopped by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department. Officers found a small amount of fentanyl stamps and cash in the vehicle. During a lawful search of Whitley’s hotel room, task force officers seized more than 3,700 fentanyl stamps. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
Justin Michael Hoover, 35, of Huttonsville, pleaded guilty to the distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine. According to statements made in court, Hoover was selling methamphetamine from his home. He faces five to 40 years in federal prison.
A federal district court judge will determine each sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.
Investigative agencies include the Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
