Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

 CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Detroit, Michigan man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Kaleb Wuopio, 26, was involved in a drug distribution enterprise operating in Kanawha County from April through June 2018. Wuopio admitted that he distributed fentanyl, heroin and cocaine base in exchange for cash during that timeframe. On June 21, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on Wuopio’s Charleston residence. During the search, the officers located heroin, cash proceeds from drug sales, other drug distribution tools, such as scales, and two loaded handguns.

Wuopio pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on August 19, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Tessman and Negar M. Kordestani are handling the prosecution.

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the hearing.

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-00115.