Ohio County Man Admits to Federal Drug Charges

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Joshua Carney, 32, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine charges.

Carney pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, fentanyl, and heroin, and one count of distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location. According to court documents, Carney worked with others to sell illicit drugs in Ohio County and sold more than five grams of methamphetamine near Ritchie Elementary School in June 2024.

Carney faces up to 20 years for the conspiracy charge and at least 5 years and up to 80 years in federal prison for the distribution charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

Investigative agencies include the Ohio Valley Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Wheeling Police Department.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.