Charleston Couple Plead Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun Crimes
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston couple pleaded guilty this week to federal gun and drug charges. Larry James Williams, 66, and Mary Ann Coon, 44, were indicted on the charges in August 2020.
According to court documents, during a traffic stop conducted on MacCorkle Avenue in the early morning hours of May 8, 2020, law enforcement officers found Williams and Coon to be in possession of seven firearms, as well as large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl and methamphetamine, digital scales, plastic baggies and $3,882 in U.S. currency. Williams admitted that he and Coon possessed over 79 grams of methamphetamine, nine grams of heroin, acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl mix and over six grams of a methamphetamine and fentanyl mixture with the intent to distribute those controlled substances. Williams pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute those substances, as well as being a felon in possession of firearms and faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 13, 2021.
Coon admitted that she intended to distribute the controlled substances found in the vehicle on May 8, 2020. Coon admitted that she possessed multiple firearms to protect herself, the drugs and the drug proceeds. She pleaded guilty to using and carrying firearms in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Coon faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison when she is sentenced on September 13, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie White and Greg McVey are handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00129 (Williams, et al.).
