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

Drug dealer found guilty of ‘horrific crime’ involving dismembered body

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – After a nine-day trial, a federal jury found Terrick Robinson, of Cartersville, Georgia, guilty of drug distribution resulting in death and a myriad of other charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced in a press release Friday afternoon.

After three hours of deliberation, the jury found Robinson, 35, guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Use of a Firearm During and in relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Use and Carry a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime,” and one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Death.” 

During the trial, the jury heard testimony that Robinson distributed trafficked and distributed more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as cocaine hydrochloride and fentanyl, in Marion County and elsewhere from May 2018 to September 2018. He would travel from Georgia to West Virginia, trafficking the drugs from different motel and hotel rooms and other locations. Robinson and his conspirators carried at least three firearms during the drug trafficking crimes.

At one of the motels in Lewis County on August 9, 2019, Robinson distributed fentanyl to Courtney Dubois of Fairmont, West Virginia. That drug, according to her autopsy, was an independent sufficient cause of Courtney Dubois’ death. The jury heard testimony and saw evidence that Robinson took the body of the victim to Georgia, where he dismembered the body and disposed of it at the Bartow County Landfill.

“This was a horrific crime, involving drugs, guns and death.  Though the verdict will not bring back Ms. Dubois, we hope her family gets some closure by the result of this trial and prior guilty pleas in this investigation.  The verdict is the result of many hours of excellent work by the prosecution and law enforcement teams.  I also want to thank the Georgia authorities who assisted in bringing this defendant to justice,” said Powell.   

Robinson faces the following:

  • Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances – at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000
  • Distribution of Methamphetamine – at least 10 and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000
  • Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting – at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000
  • Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride – Aiding and Abetting – up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000
  • Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl – Aiding and Abetting – at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000
  • Use of a Firearm During and in relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime – Aiding and Abetting – at least five years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000
  • Use and Carry a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime – at least five years and up to life incarceration and up to a $250,000 fine
  • Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Death – at least 20 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Two of the co-conspirators in this case have pled guilty. William Gregory Chappell, 33, of Cartersville, Georgia, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances” and one count of “Use and Carry a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime” in February 2019. Joel Jimenez, 37, also of Cartersville, Georgia, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances” in October 2019. Both men were a part of the drug distribution operation from Georgia to West Virginia.

Another defendant in this case, Seddrick Damond Banks, 27, of Cartersville, Georgia, is set to go to trial on March 23, 2020. He is accused of being a part of the drug distribution operation, as well as being an accessory after the fact in Dubois’s death.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Traci M. Cook and Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Three Rivers Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the West Virginia State Police; The Bartow County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office; the FBI in Rome, Georgia; and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigated.

U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Strawberry royalty crowned as festival season takes the throne

The 83rd West Virginia Strawberry Festival began with the coronation of Queen Kourtney Jones and King Bryce Cogar, marking the start of a week of parades, entertainment, and community celebrations in Buckhannon.

Buckhannon to honor former chief Virgil Miller at 8th Annual Webb Grubb Police Officer Recognition Day

Buckhannon will honor former Police Chief and Upshur County Sheriff Virgil Miller posthumously at the 8th annual Webb Grubb Police Officer Recognition Day, adding his name to the city’s “Wall of Blue.”

City of Buckhannon announces temporary traffic updates

Buckhannon officials have closed sections of Madison and Spring Streets for the West Virginia Strawberry Festival and are reversing Maple Street’s one-way direction from May 13 to 17, urging drivers to seek alternate routes.

Buckhannon celebrates St. Joseph’s Hospital with National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week proclamation

Mayor Robbie Skinner issued a proclamation honoring National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week, recognizing the contributions of WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital and its dedicated staff.

Attempted murder, arson, DUI causing death among charges in recent Upshur County indictments

A circuit court indicted area residents on a range of charges, including arson, DUI causing death, child neglect, embezzlement, drug offenses, assault, burglary, and possession of firearms, involving more than two dozen individuals.

On the City of Buckhannon Calendar: May 12-18, 2025

The City of Buckhannon announces public meeting schedules, accepts bids for city services, and reminds residents of online payment and repair reporting options.

Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force arrests seven on felony drug charges in Upshur County

The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, assisted by local law enforcement, arrested seven Buckhannon residents on felony drug charges, including methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution, with further arrests anticipated.

John Alan Keen

John Alan Keen, 63, of Horner, passed away on May 8, 2025, and will be cremated according to his wishes, with arrangements handled by Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Buckhannon-Upshur High School’s sports schedule this week features a baseball Region I tournament game at John Marshall on Monday and the boys and girls track teams competing in the Region I Championships at Mylan Park on Thursday.

Baseball Bucs to visit John Marshall in regional baseball tournament opener

Buckhannon-Upshur, seeded fifth in the Class AAAA Region I baseball tournament, will open double-elimination regional play by visiting fourth-seeded John Marshall, under a new format eliminating sectional rounds.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 11, 2025

This week in Buckhannon, local highlights include library events with a no-fine day, upcoming job fair and fundraiser, a student football camp, a local health department award, and more.

West Virginia Strawberry Festival kicks off its 83rd year with heartfelt ceremony and hometown pride

The 83rd Annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival opened in Jawbone Park on Saturday with community leaders celebrating decades of tradition, family, and local pride, inviting attendees to enjoy parades, food, live entertainment, and strawberry-themed festivities all week.