Parkersburg Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun Crimes

 CHARLESTON, W.Va. –  Shaun Price, 41, of Parkersburg pleaded guilty today to federal drug and gun crimes.

According to court documents, on December 7, 2020 an officer with the South Charleston Police Department attempted a traffic stop on Price’s vehicle in Cross Lanes.  Price fled and led law enforcement in a high speed pursuit.  The pursuit began in Cross Lanes and ended in South Charleston where officers were able to stop Price’s vehicle by using spike-strips.  Officers recovered approximately 7.85 grams of  meth and a loaded 9mm Taurus PT111 handgun from the vehicle. Price admitted that he intended to sell the methamphetamine and that he possessed the firearm to protect his drugs and money.

Price pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison when sentenced on September 2, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the South Charleston Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Nick Miller is handling the prosecution.  Senior United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing.