A Clarksburg man was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury on drug distribution and firearm charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

 

James Bailey, age 33, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Offense.” Bailey is accused of selling methamphetamine and being in possession of a firearm during the drug offense in Harrison County in January 2018. 

 

Bailey faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the first count and faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the second count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Greater Harrison County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

 

Members of the Bridgeport Police Department are on the Task Force. Chief John Walker is the chairman

 

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.