Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Leroy Terrell Newson, also known as "Money," 36, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 23, 2026, Newson sold 47 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $500 in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Newson admitted that he conducted the transaction in his vehicle after arranging it beforehand with the confidential informant by phone. Newson further admitted that he sold approximately 18 grams of methamphetamine on March 16, 2026, approximately 24 grams of methamphetamine on March 26, 2026, and approximately 24 grams of methamphetamine on April 20, 2026. Each transaction occurred in Huntington and Newson sold each quantity in exchange for $250.

Newson is scheduled to be sentenced on February 22, 2027, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Newson was arrested on August 13, 2026, as part of "Operation Coal Country," a multi-week enforcement initiative that targeted noncompliant sex offenders, individuals wanted for sex crimes, violent fugitives, and other wanted individuals throughout the Southern District of West Virginia.

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.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACERLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link. by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-95.

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