Two Admit to Roles in Fentanyl Distribution Operation in Northern Panhandle

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Two people have admitted to their roles in a drug distribution organization transporting fentanyl from Chicago, Illinois, to Weirton, West Virginia.

Stephen Price, also known as "Sleepy," 40, of Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty to eight counts involving the distribution of fentanyl and cocaine. Paula Jean Truax, 44, of Weirton, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base. According to court documents, Price and Truax worked together with others to sell large quantities of fentanyl in Hancock County, West Virginia, and elsewhere.

Price faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison for one of the charges. He faces up to 20 years for each of the remaining counts. Truax faces up to 20 years in federal prison. 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 Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Hancock County Sheriff's Office; the Brooke County Sheriff's Office; the Weirton Police Department; the West Virginia State Police; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Sheriff's Office; the Steubenville, Ohio, Police Department; and the Wheeling Police Department.

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