Bluefield Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Federal Drug Crime

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. - Matthew Alexander Wilson, 29, of Bluefield, was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 16, 2023, Wilson and Denise R. Allen were apprehended at a gun store in Princeton, West Virginia. Following their arrest, Wilson and Allen consented to a search by law enforcement officers of a truck they had rented using a stolen identity. Officers found nearly a pound of methamphetamine, 45 grams of fentanyl and two Glock 9mm semiautomatic handguns during the search of the rental truck. Wilson and Allen admitted they possessed the methamphetamine and fentanyl and intended to distribute it. Wilson, a convicted felon, was also involved in directing Allen to use a stolen identification to purchase firearms on his behalf.

Allen, 30, of Bluefield, was sentenced on June 10, 2024 to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The task force consists of members of the West Virginia State Police, the Bluefield Police Department, the Princeton Police Department, the Mercer County Sheriff's Department, the McDowell County Sheriff's Department, and the Wyoming County Sheriff's Department.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-152.

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