CHARLESTON, W.V. - Timothy Allen Loudermilk, aged 63 and residing in Charleston, has admitted his guilt in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Loudermilk acknowledged his involvement in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area, the Department of Justice reports.
Loudermilk is one of the 30 individuals who have been indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a significant drug trafficking investigation. This operation has led to the largest methamphetamine seizure in the history of West Virginia.
According to the Department of Justice, it was reported that Loudermilk resided in the Charleston area from January to March 2023 and allegedly acquired methamphetamine from a supplier in the local vicinity. It was known by Loudermilk's supplier that he was redistributing some of the methamphetamine.
Loudermilk would typically acquire approximately one-half ounce of methamphetamine, although occasionally he would procure larger quantities. The Department of Justice says Loudermilk acknowledged his responsibility for a quantity of methamphetamine, estimated to be between 200 and 350 grams, in relation to the conspiracy.
Click here for the latest news updates and to join in the conversation.Loudermilk's sentencing is set for October 5, 2023. If convicted, the maximum penalties include up to 20 years in prison, a minimum of three years of supervised release, and a potential fine of $1 million.
Law enforcement officials have reportedly confiscated a significant amount of illegal substances, including approximately 200 pounds of methamphetamine, 28 pounds of cocaine, and 20 pounds of fentanyl. Additionally, they have allegedly seized 18 firearms and a sum of $747,000 in cash.
According to the Department of Justice, Nine additional co-defendants have entered pleas of guilty. There are pending indictments against the other defendants. The Department of Justice notes that an indictment is considered an allegation, and it is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Justice's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 with the purpose of conducting comprehensive, multilevel actions against major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.
The primary objective of the OCDETF program is to detect, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that pose a substantial risk to the public safety, economy, or national security of the United States.
OCDETF is considered by the Department of Justice to be a crucial component of the Department of Justice's strategy to reduce drug-related activities. The OCDETF program brings together the resources and expertise of various federal agencies, along with state and local law enforcement, to work collaboratively.
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