Roger Lee Cousins, a 50-year-old resident of Beckley, pleaded guilty to the federal charge of distributing cocaine. The plea was entered in federal court on August 27, 2025.
Court documents and statements indicate that on November 8, 2024, Cousins sold about 14.66 grams of cocaine to a confidential informant in Beckley. As part of his plea agreement, Cousins also admitted to selling approximately 27.2 grams of fentanyl during the same transaction and receiving $3,140 for both substances.
Cousins further acknowledged other criminal activity involving drug sales. He admitted to selling cocaine and fentanyl on October 21, 2024; cocaine on October 29, 2024; and fentanyl on December 6, 2024—all transactions with a confidential informant.
Sentencing is set for January 2, 2026. Cousins faces up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a possible fine reaching $1 million.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced the plea and recognized the investigative efforts by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as well as the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. This unit includes officers from the West Virginia State Police, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and Beckley Police Department.
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. The prosecution team included Assistant United States Attorneys Brian D. Parsons and Timothy D. Boggess along with former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell.
Additional information about this case can be found through PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-42 or on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia.
“Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beckley Police Department.”
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