Man will spend 10 years in prison for selling fentanyl in Upshur County

Community Bulletin

Hank Ellis Insurance Agency in Buckhannon is urging drivers to ask about an auto insurance rate lock — a way to hold a rate steady as premiums climb. The independent Erie agency, owner-operated since 2006, writes auto, home, life and commercial coverage. Read more →

This story brought to you paywall-free, courtesy of the My Buckhannon team and our community partners

CLARKSBURG – James Edward Breeden, 30, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 124 months in federal prison for selling fentanyl in Upshur County.

According to court documents and statements made in court, during a traffic stop, Upshur County sheriff’s deputies were on routine patrol and witnessed a vehicle speed into a motel parking lot. Deputies observed Breeden engage in activity indicative of drug trafficking.  Eventually, the actions of the defendant led to a search Breeden’s motel room where officers seized 277 fentanyl stamps.

Breeden will be on three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

Local Businesses

St. Joseph's Hospital
St. Joseph's Hospital

Recent Stories

Michael Scott McNemar

Michael Scott McNemar, 54, of Buckhannon, WV, and formerly of Petersburg, WV, died on July 23, 2026. He was a beloved science teacher, active community member, hunter, and fisherman.

Obituary Michael Scott McNemar

Richard D. “Dick” Booth

Richard D. “Dick” Booth, 95, of the Old Elkins Road, Buckhannon, died at his home on July 23, 2026. A Korean War veteran and retired Columbia Gas Transmission clerk, he enjoyed antique cars and mowing grass.

Obituary Richard D. “Dick” Booth