Parkersburg Man Pleads Guilty For Role In Drug Trafficking Organization

Thursday, November 7, 2024, 6:15 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

CHARLESTON, W.VA.- On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Michael Dale Cain, 49, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin to Distribution of Methamphetamine.

     During Wednesday’s plea hearing, Cain admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of methamphetamine throughout the Charleston, West Virginia area. Following entering his guilty plea, Judge Goodwin accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for January 29, 2025, at which time Cain faces a maximum term of 20 years in federal prison, a minimum of three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

     According to U.S. Attorney Will Thompson and documents filed with the court, beginning in January 2024 and lasting through May 2024, Cain conspired with others to distribute quantities of methamphetamine in Charleston and other communities throughout the Southern District of West Virginia.

     On May 5, 2024, a co-conspirator arranged for Cain to travel to Charleston to pick up around three pounds of methamphetamine that he intended to bring back to Parkersburg, repackage, and distribute to others. After picking up the methamphetamine, Cain was pulled over by Federal Agents who conducted a search of Cain’s vehicle and found the methamphetamine. Cain was subsequently arrested and charged, which led to Wednesday’s guilty plea.

     U.S. Attorney Thompson commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.