Marshall County Meth Dealer Convicted Of Drug & Firearms Charges

Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 7:00 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

WHEELING, W.VA.- A 50-year-old Moundsville, West Virginia, man, who failed to appear for federal court proceedings for federal narcotics and firearms violations, is facing up to life in federal prison, after being found guilty last Thursday of methamphetamine trafficking and firearms charges.

     According to Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard, on Thursday, August 31, 2025, following a trial, a Jury for the Northern District of West Virginia found Joseph William Alfred, also known as “Chris,” 50, of Moundsville, West Virginia, guilty of Distribution of 5 Grams or More of a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine; Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine; Being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm; and Failure To Appear.

According To The Evidence Presented At Trial

     According to the evidence presented at trial proved beyond a reasonable doubt that a package containing more than two pounds of methamphetamine and addressed to Alfred’s Moundsville, West Virginia, residence was intercepted by members of the United States Postal Service, which had been mailed from an address in California.

     Following intercepting the package, law enforcement Investigators obtained and executed a court-authorized search warrant at Alfred’s home. During the search, Investigators uncovered and seized additional quantities of controlled substances, a firearm, ammunition, U.S. currency, and various items of drug paraphernalia, consistent with narcotics distribution. During Alfred’s arrest, Investigators learned that Alfred was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to a prior felony narcotics conviction.

     After being taken into custody and formally charged, Alfred was released on home confinement with an electronic ankle monitor. Alfred cut off the monitoring device and failed to appear for his federal court hearing in April 2024.

     “I commend the law enforcement agencies and the prosecutors for their outstanding efforts in this case. There should be no doubt that, as part of Operation Take Back America, we will continue to aggressively stop the flow of drugs into our communities and our country. We will pursue the most serious charges and penalties for those who test our resolve,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard.

Alfred Faces Up To Life In Federal Prison

     Following the jury returning their findings of guilt on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Thomas E. Johnston, who presided over the trial, accepted the verdict and scheduled sentencing for a time and date to be determined by the U.S. District Court. At that time, Alfred faces between five years and 40 years in federal prison for the distribution charge, 10 years and up to life for the attempted possession and distribution charge, up to 15 years for the firearms charge, and up to 10 years for the failure to appear charge.

     At sentencing, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Alfred’s prior criminal history. Upon completion of any sentence imposed, Alfred will be subject to a term of supervised release and be required to pay monetary fines and special assessments if imposed.