CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cleveland, Ohio man was sentenced today to 37 months in federal prison for a drug crime. James Lavan, 45, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Lavan admitted that on June 12, 2019, members of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant on his girlfriend’s vehicle and seized over 70 grams of heroin from his tool bag in the truck. Lavan admitted he intended to sell the heroin. During the search, law enforcement officers also recovered two firearms.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Nowles Heinrich, Jeremy B. Wolfe and former Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders handled the prosecution.
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. 2:19-cr-00233.
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