Leader of Fentanyl Trafficking Operation Sentenced to More Than Decade in Prison

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A Harrison County man was sentenced today for leading a drug trafficking operation responsible for distributing deadly amounts of fentanyl and other substances across North Central West Virginia, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced.

Michael Adam Sine, 44, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 145 months in federal prison for selling fentanyl. Sine, also known as "Mike Mike," led a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine throughout Harrison County. Investigators determined that Sine supplied five others with controlled substances for further distribution and used several residences, including his own, to store and sell drugs.

During searches of Sine's home and other properties, including a hotel room he rented, investigators seized nearly half a pound of fentanyl, several grams of methamphetamine and cocaine, multiple firearms, ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and cash. The amount of fentanyl recovered contained enough lethal doses to potentially kill nearly twice the population of Harrison County.

Sine's criminal history includes prior convictions for drug trafficking, robbery, and mail fraud.

Five additional defendants have been sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy, receiving a combined total of 15 years in prison. They are Kimberly Dawn Goins, 45, of Clarksburg, West Virginia; Caleb Malcomb Daniel Hudkins, 31, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; Rebecca Darlene Keiper, 39, of Clarksburg, West Virginia; Roxanne Parker, 35, of Clarksburg, West Virginia; and Geneva Shantell Shaffer, 38, of Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.