W.Va. man admits to federal pill charge; $570,000 had been seized from home

Federal prosecutors say a Wyoming County man has pleaded guilty to a federal drug charge in a case in which $570,000 in cash was seized from his home.

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin says 55-year-old Delbert Lester of McGraws entered the plea Wednesday in federal court in Beckley to possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute.

Prosecutors say that on eight occasions, Lester illegally sold prescription pills to an informant who was working with law enforcement officials. Lester conducted the transactions at one of two residences he maintained.

Using search warrants in May, officers recovered more than 340 oxycodone pills, $570,000 in cash and numerous firearms, including two loaded semi-automatic pistols.

Lester faces up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing has been set for Dec. 4.