HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – In a significant development in the fight against drug trafficking, three individuals have entered guilty pleas related to their involvement in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed substantial amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout the Southern District of West Virginia. Christopher Anthony O’Dell of Hurricane and Shakur Raekwan Joyce, also known as “Cheeta,” of Huntington, admitted to their roles in distributing these controlled substances, while Sharon Lyn Teston of Nitro pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a co-defendant.
Court documents reveal that on August 18, 2023, O’Dell engaged in the sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine from his residence. He acknowledged his participation in the DTO, which used a St. Albans residence for the storage and distribution of these drugs. Teston’s involvement included concealing methamphetamine received from co-defendant Gary Diaz during a trip from Huntington to Nitro, demonstrating her awareness of Diaz’s intentions to distribute the drugs.
A traffic stop on August 28, 2023, resulted in the seizure of fentanyl and firearms from O’Dell’s vehicle, further implicating him in the trafficking operation. Joyce’s arrest on November 15, 2023, at his residence led to the discovery of methamphetamine intended for distribution, with Joyce admitting to his role in transporting the drug and collecting proceeds for the DTO.
Scheduled for sentencing on July 17, 2024, O’Dell, Joyce, and Teston each face up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. This case is part of a larger indictment involving 27 individuals charged with distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl sourced from Detroit, Michigan, within West Virginia.