Hampshire County Man Convicted of Drug and Firearms Charges Following a Three-Day Trial

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - After a three-day trial, a federal jury convicted an Augusta, West Virginia man today of trafficking methamphetamine and illegally having nine firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.

Charles Frederick Muffley, III, 50, was convicted of on all three counts charged in the Superseding Indictment, including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as ice, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of firearms. The evidence presented at trial established that Muffley played a central role in a drug trafficking operation responsible for distributing several pounds of high-purity methamphetamine throughout Hampshire County and surrounding areas. According to trial testimony, in September 2024, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted a package containing nearly a pound of methamphetamine.

That package led them to Muffley, who split drug packages and distributed methamphetamine with other co-conspirators for several months. Following the interception of the pound of methamphetamine, Muffley continued to distribute methamphetamine. Muffley's home was later searched pursuant to a search warrant. Officers seized methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, six digital scales, cash, ammunition, and nine firearms-including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Muffley is prohibited from having firearms because of prior felony convictions.

"This conviction reflects the serious danger posed by drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession in our communities," said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. "The defendant not only distributed methamphetamine but also did so while unlawfully possessing firearms. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable."

Muffley is facing 15 years to life for the conspiracy conviction and up to 30 years in prison for the possession with intent conviction because he has a prior felony conviction for a drug trafficking offense. Muffley is facing up to 15 years for the firearms conviction. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be scheduled by the Court at a later date.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

Investigative agencies include the Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; U.S. Postal Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Hampshire County Sheriff's Department; and the Hampshire County Prosecutor's Office.

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, protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.

U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.