Michael Bailey, 37, of Beckley, was sentenced on April 24 to one year and eleven months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine.
The sentencing underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address drug-related offenses in the region. According to court documents and statements made in court, Bailey sold approximately 57 grams of methamphetamine for $480 to a confidential informant in Beckley on August 22, 2024.
United States Attorney Moore Capito announced the sentence and acknowledged the work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. The unit includes officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), West Virginia State Police, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and Beckley Police Department. Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia improves communities and upholds justice through enforcement of federal laws, according to the official website. The office operates under the United States Department of Justice according to its official website and covers 23 counties in southern West Virginia according to its official website. It employs 37 attorneys and 40 other personnel according to its official website.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes federal crimes—including drug offenses—and handles civil cases for the United States with a focus on enhancing citizens’ quality of life according to its official website. In addition to prosecuting federal offenses and defending civil cases involving the government, it collects debts owed to government agencies while protecting public interests across southern West Virginia according to its official website.
