All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Clarksburg man arrested Saturday for conspiracy to deliver heroin

Torres

BUCKHANNON – A Clarksburg man was arrested over the weekend for allegedly possessing a brick of heroin, hundreds of heroin stamps and about $900.

Jo-el Rene Torres, 35, was arrested Saturday, May 1, for possession with intent to deliver heroin and conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, both felonies.

According to the criminal complaint in the Upshur County Magistrate Clerk’s Office filed by investigating officer Task Force Officer Marshall O’Connor with the Buckhannon Police Department, the arrest occurred when Mountain Lakes Drug and Violent Crime Task Force served a search warrant at a residence on Blossom Lane in Buckhannon.

The complaint says that upon searching Torres, an officer with the task force allegedly found a brick of heroin stuffed down his pants. Torres was the driver of the vehicle that he was sitting in when officers arrived, the file says.

In addition, officers allegedly found $900 in cash wrapped up in a rubber band on the driver’s side floorboard. Torres stated he would “take blame” for everything in the vehicle, O’Connor wrote in the complaint. Also located in vehicle was a black toboggan with hundreds of heroin stamps and two additional clutch coin purses filled with stamps of heroin, the file says.

Magistrate Mike Coffman set bail at $100,000 cash or surety.

The penalty for a conviction of possession with intent to deliver is confinement for not less than one year nor more than 15 years, a fine of not more than $25,000 or both. Torres could also face a penalty of not less than two years nor more than 15 in a state correctional facility for a determinate sentence for conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance.

The Mountain Lakes Drug and Violent Crime Task Force unit is comprised of the West Virginia State Police, Upshur County Sheriff’s Department, Buckhannon Police Department, Braxton County Sheriff’s Department and Lewis County Sheriff’s Department.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Moon Flower opens first satellite store at Delmonte Market in Elkins

Moon Flower Hemp, a woman-owned craft cannabis shop, is opening its first satellite location inside Elkins’s Delmonte Market, offering exclusive products, infused drinks, educational support and special perks for early customers.

Buckhannon Community Theatre’s ‘The Lion King Kids’ set to roar at Colonial Arts Center this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present Disney’s The Lion King Kids on June 20 and 21 at the Colonial Arts Center, showcasing young local talent in a family-friendly production directed by Ella McNeish.

Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board Agenda: June 26, 2025

The City of Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board has released the agenda for its upcoming June 26, 2025, meeting.

B-U’s Landon Marple earns All-State baseball honors

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Landon Marple, who led his team in multiple offensive categories, was named to the West Virginia Sports Writers Association Class AAAA All-State Baseball Team as an Honorable Mention.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Kelly Povroznik earns certification in integrative and functional nutrition

Kelly Povroznik, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, has earned certification as an Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner, bringing advanced holistic nutrition expertise to her patients and community.

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman says numerous community complaints led to vape shop raids

Community complaints about Upshur County vape shops selling to minors prompted a months-long investigation that led to multi-agency raids, seizure of $500,000 in illegal products, and an ongoing probe with arrests likely.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for June 19, 2025

Argo Books is launching a community co-op, the Upshur County Library has won a grant for new computer classes, Meals on Wheels needs volunteers, and Fish Hawk Acres has resumed ‘grab & go’ service but paused breakfast.

Weese family legacy burns bright as Brandon coaches Flame 304 to new growth

Brandon Weese is continuing his family’s Buckhannon-Upshur basketball legacy by coaching the Flame 304 girls travel team, which now features players from multiple counties and emphasizes both athletic and personal growth.

Upshur County pool splashes back from repairs, continues busy summer with activities, parties and night swims

After a multi-day closure for repairs, the Upshur County Pool is reopening with a packed summer schedule featuring lessons, parties, night swims, and new event packages, positioning it for one of its busiest seasons yet.