Charleston Man Pleads Guilty For Role In Drug Trafficking Organization

Friday, November 22, 2024, 2:30 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

CHARLESTON, W.VA.- On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, John Wayne Harkless, 46, of Charleston, West Virginia, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Joseph R. Goodwin to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

     During Wednesday’s court hearing, Harkless admitted to taking part in a Drug Trafficking Organization that distributed quantities of methamphetamine throughout the Charleston, West Virginia area. Following entering his guilty plea, Judge Goodwin scheduled sentencing for February 12, 2025, at which time Harkless faces a maximum term of up to 20 years in federal prison, at least 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, Harkless conspired with others to distribute various amounts of methamphetamine in Charleston and within the Southern District of West Virginia.

     During the investigation, Harkless sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on nine different occasions during controlled buys under the observation of law enforcement investigators. Investigators were able to determine that Harkless was obtaining the methamphetamine from co-conspirator Kirt Ray King.

     Co-defendant Michael Dale Cain, 49, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and is awaiting sentencing. The indictment against King, 47, of Charleston, West Virginia, and another co-defendant remains pending.

     U.S. Attorney Thompson commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.