FROM THE OFFICE OF THE U.S. ATTORNEY, NORTHERN DISTRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA
A Harrison County, West Virginia man was sentenced Tuesday for selling controlled substances and for his role in a firearms trafficking scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Paul Oliver Dennison, 45, of Lumberport, West Virginia, was sentenced to 121 months in prison for firearms and drug violations. Beginning in spring 2024, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department and Bridgeport Police Department received more than 20 reports of firearms and valuables stolen from unlocked vehicles. Investigators identified two suspects and learned the stolen firearms were being traded to Dennison for narcotics or cash. A search warrant executed at his residence, outbuildings, and vehicles resulted in the recovery of a stolen pistol, a suitcase containing multiple firearms, ammunition, and a suspected homemade silencer, as well as user quantities of marijuana, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs. In a separate case, Dennison was selling fentanyl and methamphetamine from his home. On several occasions, Dennison sold between 40 to160 grams of fentanyl and nearly 14 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office; and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated. Bridgeport Police Chief Mark Rogers chairs the Task Force and it includes members of the Bridgeport Police Department.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Source link
