Michael Reynard Penn, a 43-year-old resident of Beckley, West Virginia, has pleaded guilty to charges related to the distribution of fentanyl. Court documents reveal that on August 17, 2023, Penn sold around 27 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant for $1,600 at his residence in Beckley. Penn acknowledged this transaction and admitted to three additional sales of fentanyl to the same informant between August 23 and September 13, 2023.
A search warrant executed by law enforcement officers at Penn's residence on September 18, 2023, led to the discovery of cocaine, marijuana, a Ruger .380-caliber pistol, and $4,889 in cash. Among the cash was $470 in pre-recorded money that Penn had received from the informant during controlled drug purchases.
Penn is set for sentencing on March 28, 2025. He faces up to 20 years in prison along with a minimum of three years supervised release and could be fined up to $1 million.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Will Thompson who praised the efforts of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. This unit includes officers from several agencies: West Virginia State Police, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and Beckley Police Department.
The hearing was overseen by United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell.
Further details regarding this case can be accessed through PACER using Case No. 5:24-cr-94 or via the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.