Michigan man admits to drug distribution charge

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andrew Thomas, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to a drug distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Thomas, also known as “Bud,” age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone.” Thomas admitted to selling oxycodone in Monongalia County in September 2015.

Thomas faces up to 20 years 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigation. The Task Force consists of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, Morgantown Police Department, the Star City Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia University Police Department, the Granville Police Department, and the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.