A Kanawha County man faces life in prison after pleading guilty to distributing meth

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — A Kanawha County man faces life in prison after a drug-trafficking investigation revealed about 17 pounds of methamphetamine was brought into West Virginia from out of state, prosecutors said.

Tracey Brown, 45, of Chelyan pleaded guilty Tuesday to distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Virginia from the West.

The press release said Brown brought the illegal drugs from Dayton, Ohio, to an Elkview home in December 2023. Prosecutors said Brown admitted to moving about a pound of methamphetamine and making plans to distribute the rest in southern Virginia from the West.

Several law enforcement agencies, including the West Virginia State Police, worked together to obtain a search warrant for the Elkview residence and seize the illegal substances, federal prosecutors said.

Prosecutors noted that Brown’s sentencing is scheduled for March 12, when he faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison, along with at least five years of supervised release and a $10 million fine.