A Pennsylvania man with a history of drug offenses has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in West Virginia.
Jo-El Torres, 40, of Pittsburgh, was sentenced Friday following his arrest during a traffic stop in Clarksburg. A K9 officer alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle occupied by Torres.
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When officers instructed Torres to exit the vehicle, he attempted to swallow a bag containing fentanyl and other drugs. Officers were able to subdue Torres and retrieve the bag.
This is Torres’ third federal drug conviction, leading to a significant sentence in this case. Following his 10-year prison sentence, Torres will be subject to three years of supervised release.
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Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarksburg Police Department, and the West Virginia State Police.
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