Mineral County Resident Sentenced to Over Five Years for Drug Trafficking

A Keyser, West Virginia resident has been sentenced to federal prison for her role in distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine in Mineral County. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia, Sara L. Jackson, 49, received a sentence of 70 months, which is nearly six years, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute these dangerous substances. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.

Jackson was found to have conspired with another individual to distribute significant quantities of fentanyl, including fentanyl pressed into pills, and methamphetamine. The investigation culminated in a search warrant being executed at Jackson’s apartment, where law enforcement discovered approximately 1300 grams of fentanyl and 788 grams of methamphetamine. These substantial seizures underscore the scale of the drug operation.

Following her prison sentence, Jackson will be subject to three years of supervised release. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case, with the investigation conducted by the Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, an initiative funded by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. Fentanyl, a highly lethal opioid, has been identified as a significant public safety threat, even in small quantities. This prosecution is part of a broader national effort, “Operation Take Back America,” aimed at dismantling criminal organizations and protecting communities from violent crime and illegal immigration. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided over the sentencing.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia

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