Wood County Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - Price Javon Patterson, age 37, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 188 months for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

The investigation began when Patterson was stopped for speeding and officers smelled marijuana coming from his car. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of cash and other items indicative of drug trafficking. Officers then obtained a search warrant for Patterson's motel room and discovered a ghost gun, ammunition, and thousands of fentanyl stamps with an approximate street value of $50,000. Due to his lengthy criminal history, Patterson was classified as a career offender, with a history of assault, firearms possession, and drug trafficking.

Patterson will serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.