Huntington Drug Peddler, “The Squirrel,” Pleads Guilty To Drug Crime

Friday, June 27, 2025, 11:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

HUNTINGTON, W.VA.- A 36-year-old Huntington, West Virginia, man, and a local Huntington drug dealer, when sentenced, could be potentially facing up to 40 years in federal prison after pleading guilty on Monday to a federal drug distribution conspiracy.

     According to Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston, on Monday, June 23, 2025, Edward Kent Stephens, also known as “Squirrel,” 36, of Huntington, West Virginia, appeared in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.

     Following entering his guilty plea, Judge Chambers accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for October 6, 2025. At that time, Stephens 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. At sentencing, a U.S. District Court Judge will determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Stephens’ prior criminal history.

According To Court Documents

     According to charging documents and statements made in the District Court, beginning in May 2024 and lasting into June 2024, Stephens conspired with another individual to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl within the Huntington, West Virginia area.

     During his plea allocution on Monday, Stephens admitted to conducting distributions of fentanyl in the Huntington area on behalf of the other individual. Stephens further admitted that drug customers would at times contact the other individual, who would then direct them to contact Stephens, who would then sell the customers the fentanyl. On other occasions, drug customers would contact Stephens directly.

     On Monday, Stephens further admitted to other associated criminal activity. On three occasions between May 24 and June 27, 2025, he distributed a total of around 61 grams of fentanyl. Each transaction took place with a confidential informant.

     Acting U.S. Attorney Johnston commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office, which resulted in Stephens’ guilty plea on Monday.