Man arrested for allegedly selling heroin after police obtain text messages

BUCKHANNON – An Upshur County man was arrested after an officer received evidence via text messages that he allegedly sold heroin.

Steven Riffle, 31, of Buckhannon, was arrested for possession with intent to deliver, a felony.

According to the criminal complaint in the Upshur County Magistrate Clerk’s Office filed by investigating officer deputy Dakota Linger with the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, on Dec. 30, 2022, Linger responded to Childers Run Road in reference to a reported drug overdose call.

Linger arrived on scene and spoke to a woman who told him she had ingested heroin in powdered form, according to the police report. She allegedly told police she bought 10 small bags worth of heroin for $130 dollars from Riffle at the library, the file says. The woman provided Linger with text messages, showing the conversation between Riffle and herself, the amount she wanted, and how much she paid for it.

Linger obtained all 10 baggies that were sold to her.

Upshur County Magistrate Mark Davis set bail at $25,000 cash or surety.

The potential penalty for a conviction of possession with intent to deliver is confinement in a state correctional facility for not less than one year nor more than 15 years, a fine of up to $25,000, or both.

News Feed

Subscribe to remove popups, or just enjoy this free story and support our local businesses!