James Richard Mathis, a 30-year-old resident of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty on February 5, 2026, to a federal drug charge involving possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Court documents indicate that on August 3, 2024, Mathis had more than 90 grams of methamphetamine and over 20 grams of fentanyl in or near Dunbar, West Virginia. Authorities say he intended to distribute these substances.
Mathis is set for sentencing on May 20, 2026. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and could receive up to forty years in prison. Additionally, he may be subject to at least three years of supervised release and a fine reaching $5 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito acknowledged the efforts of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) in the investigation. The MDENT includes officers from several law enforcement agencies: the Charleston Police Department, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Nitro Police Department, St. Albans Police Department and South Charleston Police Department.
The hearing was overseen by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is handling the prosecution.
Further details about this case are available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for the Southern District of West Virginia and through PACER by searching Case No. 2:25-cr-87.
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