A federal jury in Wheeling, West Virginia has convicted Joseph William Alfred, also known as “Chris,” of several drug and firearms charges. Alfred, 50, is a resident of Moundsville.
The charges include distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and failure to appear in court.
According to evidence presented at trial, the United States Postal Service intercepted a package containing over two pounds of methamphetamine that was addressed to Alfred’s residence. The package had been sent from California. Law enforcement later executed a search warrant at his home and found additional controlled substances, a firearm, ammunition, cash, and drug paraphernalia. Due to a prior felony drug conviction, Alfred is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard commented on the outcome: “I commend the law enforcement agencies and the prosecutors for their outstanding efforts in this case. There should be no doubt that, as part of Operation Take Back America, we will continue to aggressively stop the flow of drugs into our communities and our country. We will pursue the most serious charges and penalties for all those who test our resolve.”
During pretrial proceedings, Alfred was released under home confinement with electronic monitoring but removed his monitoring device and failed to attend his scheduled federal court hearing in April 2024.
Alfred could face significant prison time: between 5 and 40 years for distribution; 10 years to life for attempted possession; up to 15 years for unlawful possession of a firearm; and up to 10 years for failing to appear in court. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of relevant guidelines.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton Reid and Carly Nogay prosecuted the case. The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force—a program supported by High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) funding—the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Service (USPS), and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police.
Operation Take Back America is an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration networks as well as organized crime groups such as cartels. The program combines resources from other departmental task forces focused on organized crime and neighborhood safety.
U.S. District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over Alfred’s trial.
