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

Ohio County man admits to role in Ohio Valley drug trafficking operation

Steven Aldridge of Wheeling pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to distribute large amounts of fentanyl and cocaine as part of a drug trafficking operation spanning from Las Vegas to the Ohio Valley.

Steven Aldridge, 27, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to conspiring to sell large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine.

Aldridge entered a guilty plea Wednesday to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine. According to court documents, Aldridge was working with others in a drug trafficking operation that spanned from Las Vegas, Nevada to the Ohio Valley.

Aldridge faces at least 5 and up to 40 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

Assisting in the investigation were:

  • Ohio Valley Drug Task Force
  • Marshall County Drug Task Force
  • Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force
  • Drug Enforcement Administration
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
  • West Virginia State Police
  • Wheeling Police Department
  • Ohio County Sheriff’s Office
  • Belmont County Sheriff’s Office

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