John Ladelle Puryear, 49, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to federal drug charges in a case involving cocaine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. According to court documents and statements made during the proceedings, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Puryear’s Huntington apartment on January 16, 2025. Officers seized approximately 299 grams of cocaine, 10 grams of fentanyl, and 8 grams of crack cocaine. They also found three firearms—a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm pistol, a Colt MK IV Series 80 .45-caliber pistol, and a Ruger LCF .380-caliber pistol—along with digital scales and about $6,487 in cash.
As part of his plea agreement, Puryear admitted to possessing the controlled substances as well as the firearms. He further acknowledged that he had the guns to protect both the drugs and proceeds from their distribution.
Puryear is set for sentencing on January 12, 2026. He faces up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release after incarceration, and a possible fine of up to $1 million.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston stated: “Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.”
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.
Additional information related to this case can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-125 through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia website.
