Project Parkersburg Update: Two Parkersburg Residents Plead Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Charges

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Parkersburg residents arrested as part of Project Parkersburg – a major takedown and dismantling of a multi-state drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing methamphetamine and heroin -- pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Amy Rake, 38, and Edward Marks, 32, entered guilty pleas before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, the Parkersburg Police Department, the Dayton Ohio Police Department, and the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force.  The long-term, joint investigation resulted in at least 29 individuals being charged in federal and state court, the seizure of 150 pounds of  methamphetamine and 4 pounds of heroin.

“The Project Parkersburg takedown was the largest meth bust in the history of not only West Virginia but also Ohio,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Project Parkersburg was only the start of our efforts to remove drug dealers like Rake and Marks from the streets of Parkersburg and the surrounding area. Not only did our efforts rid the community of more than two dozen drug dealers, it prevented hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and heroin from poisoning our families and our kids.”

Rake and Marks admitted that they had been part of a methamphetamine distribution ring operating in and around Parkersburg from at least February 2018 until they were arrested on September 20, 2018.  The investigation identified Rakes and Marks as street level dealers supplied by local distributors being supplied by sources in Phoenix, Arizona.   Both defendants admitted receiving methamphetamine in multiple ounce quantities at a time and selling it to local users and dealers.

Rakes and Marks were charged with 15 other defendants in a two-count federal indictment in October 2018.  They each face 5 years to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced.  Rake is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2019, and Marks will be sentenced on June 26, 2019. 

Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is responsible for the prosecution.