HUNTINGTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Adrian Horton, also known as “Big Guy” and “Fat Boy,” 23, of Toledo, Ohio, was sentenced today to five years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 40 or more grams of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine base, also known as “crack.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 28, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Monroe Avenue residence in Huntington where Horton was staying. Officers seized over 40 grams of fentanyl, a quantity of cocaine, a Century CAHG2797-N 7.62x39mm semi-automatic firearm, also known as a “Micro Draco,” with a high-capacity magazine, and a loaded Glock 17 9mm pistol. Horton admitted that he possessed the seized controlled substances, intended to distribute them, and used the Huntington residence to distributed various kinds of controlled substances.
Horton further admitted that he possessed the seized firearms to protect his drugs and drug proceeds and for protection during drug transactions, and that he distributed various drugs with a co-conspirator for several months prior to the March 28, 2022 search.
Horton also admitted that he aided and abetted the straw purchase of firearms on multiple occasions. Horton and the co-conspirator gave cash to their regular drug buyers and directed them to buy firearms on their behalf. The straw purchasers falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 that they were the buyers of the firearms when they knew they were purchasing them for Horton and the co-conspirator. Horton and the co-conspirator compensated the straw purchasers with drugs.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Owen Reynolds and Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.
