Adrian Horton, known by the aliases "Big Guy" and "Fat Boy," has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison. The 23-year-old from Toledo, Ohio, will also face five years of supervised release following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, commonly referred to as "crack."
The sentencing follows a search on March 28, 2022, at a residence on Monroe Avenue in Huntington where Horton was staying. Law enforcement officers discovered over 40 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, a Century CAHG2797-N 7.62x39mm semi-automatic firearm known as a "Micro Draco," a high-capacity magazine, and a loaded Glock 17 9mm pistol. Horton admitted to possessing these controlled substances with the intention to distribute them from the Huntington location.
Horton also confessed to using firearms for protection during drug transactions and acknowledged distributing drugs alongside a co-conspirator for several months before the search took place. Furthermore, he admitted involvement in straw purchases of firearms. He and his co-conspirator provided cash to regular drug buyers who were instructed to purchase firearms on their behalf. These straw purchasers falsely claimed ownership on ATF Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 while buying weapons intended for Horton and his partner in crime. As compensation, they received drugs.
United States Attorney Will Thompson announced Horton's sentencing while praising the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with the Huntington Police Department in their investigation.
The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Owen Reynolds and Stephanie Taylor.
Further details about this case can be accessed through PACER under Case No. 3:24-cr-5 or via the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia's website.