Chicago Man Convicted Of Running Drug Network In West Virginia

Monday, September 29, 2025, 8:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

WHEELING, W.VA.- A 41-year-old Chicago, Illinois, man, and leader of a large-scale Northern Panhandle fentanyl distribution organization, will be facing up to life in federal prison, after being found guilty on Friday in Federal Court in Wheeling, West Virginia, on multiple federal drug charges.

     According to Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard, on Friday, September 26, 2025, a Federal Jury for the Northern District of West Virginia, convicted Gerald Henry, also known as “Unc,” 41, of Chicago, Illinois, of two counts of the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine.

According To The Evidence And Testimony Presented During The Trial

     According to the evidence and testimony presented at trial, during a narcotics investigation, Investigators identified Henry as the leader of a Northern Panhandle drug trafficking organization that was responsible for distributing large quantities of illicit narcotics. Further investigation, Investigators uncovered that Henry transported large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine from Chicago, Illinois, into Hancock County, West Virginia, for repackaging, sale, and distribution.

     During the execution of a court-authorized search warrant at a Weirton, West Virginia, residence where Henry was staying, Investigators located and seized more than 400 grams of fentanyl.

     When sentenced, Henry faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison on each of the counts. At sentencing, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Henry’s prior criminal history.

     Henry’s co-defendants, Jasmine McCullough, 41, of Chicago, Illinois, Stephen Price, 40, of Chicago, Illinois, Daniel Pail Truax, 47, of Weirton, West Virginia, Paula Jean Truax, 44, of Weirton, West Virginia, and William Dean Tredway, 35, of Colliers, West Virginia, have each previously appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia and pleaded guilty to charges for their roles in the drug trafficking organization.