John Ladelle Puryear, a 50-year-old resident of Huntington, West Virginia, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. After serving his sentence, he will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The case stems from a search conducted by law enforcement on January 16, 2025, at Puryear’s apartment in Huntington. Officers seized about 299 grams of cocaine, 10 grams of fentanyl, and 8 grams of crack cocaine. Authorities 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 approximately $6,487 in cash. During the legal proceedings, Puryear admitted to possessing the controlled substances that were confiscated.
United States Attorney Moore Capito announced the sentencing and recognized the efforts of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force as well as the Huntington Police Department. “United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.”
The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.
Additional information about this case is available through PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-125.
