Justin Dale Graves, 43, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to federal charges of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Graves faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison, along with at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10,250,000, with sentencing scheduled for September 2, 2026.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Graves’ St. Albans residence on October 30, 2024, seizing over 3.3 kilograms of methamphetamine, 37.69 grams of fentanyl, 17.17 grams of cocaine, 2.29 grams of heroin, two loaded 9mm pistols, ammunition, two digital scales, a drug ledger, and $1,190. Graves admitted to possessing the drugs for distribution and the firearms for protection. He also confessed to selling approximately 27.21 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant the day before the search.
United States Attorney Moore Capito commended the St. Albans Police Department for their investigative work. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels, and protecting communities from violent crime.