Fairmont Man Receives Federal Prison Sentence for Synthetic Opioid Distribution

A Fairmont resident has been sentenced to over nine years in federal prison after admitting to trafficking synthetic opioids across two northern West Virginia counties. The sentencing follows a multi-agency investigation into drug activity in the region.

Darrel Keith McHoney, 55, was handed a 110-month prison term for distributing para-fluorofentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, along with heroin in Marion and Harrison Counties. Law enforcement officials seized more than 100 grams of para-fluorofentanyl during a search of McHoney’s residence, along with a loaded firearm magazine and various items associated with drug trafficking.

McHoney’s criminal history factored into the sentencing decision, with previous convictions including attempted robbery and other drug-related offenses. In addition to the prison sentence, McHoney will undergo three years of supervised release upon completion of his incarceration.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar and investigated by the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a unit supported through the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh issued the sentence in Clarksburg federal court.

The conviction is part of a broader federal effort to combat the spread of synthetic opioids throughout West Virginia, a state disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia

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