Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Three Federal Drug Charges

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pled guilty today to federal charges related to three drug transactions, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Levi Kennith Carter, 30, pled guilty to two counts of distribution of heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine.

“A three-time felon – two prior drug convictions and now again,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Carter’s two prior drug convictions didn’t help him see the error of his ways. Maybe this conviction will. Maybe not. Regardless, he’ll have plenty of time to consider his future.”

Carter admitted that on February 28, 2020 and March 3, 2020, he met with a confidential informant working with the Charleston Police Department at an apartment complex on Renaissance Circle in Charleston. On each occasion, he sold the informant a mixture of heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine. Carter admitted that he again met with a confidential informant working with the Charleston Police Department on March 5, 2020, also at the same apartment complex, and sold the informant a quantity of methamphetamine. Each transaction was monitored by law enforcement officers. 

Carter has two prior federal convictions from the Southern District of West Virginia for felony offenses tied to drug dealing activity. On October 12, 2010, he was convicted of aiding and abetting the possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine, and on October 2, 2015, he was convicted of distribution of heroin.

Carter faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on October 29, 2020.

The Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is handling the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00073.