Beckley Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing Methamphetamine
Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 9:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
BECKLEY, W.VA.- Yesterday, a 42-year-old Beckley, West Virginia man learned he could be facing up to 40 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to selling over 300 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant back in December of 2023.
On Monday, March 3, 2025, Leondus Whittenburg, 42, of Beckley, West Virginia, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn to Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston and charging information filed with the District Court, on December 6, 2023, during an ongoing narcotics investigation, Whittenburg sold just around 320 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in the parking lot of business, during a controlled buy under the observation of law enforcement investigators.
Whittenburg Faces Up To 40 Years In Federal Prison
During Monday’s plea allocution, Whittenburg admitted to selling the methamphetamine to the confidential informant. Following entering his guilty plea, Judge Aboulhosn accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for July 3, 2025. At that time, Whittenburg faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine.
When sentenced, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offense and Whittenburg’s prior criminal history.
Whittenburg’s co-defendant, John Gray, 39, of Oak Hill, West Virginia, appeared in federal court on September 24, 2024, and pleaded guilty to distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine. Gray is currently awaiting sentencing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Johnston commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force for the investigation, which led to Whittenburg’s guilty plea on Monday.