MARTINSBURG — Federal authorities have confirmed another significant sentencing in a sweeping narcotics case that targeted a large drug trafficking network operating across Berkeley and Jefferson counties. Officials say the organization moved “substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine,” contributing to widespread community harm and a surge in overdose risks in the region.
Charles Delroy Singletary, 45, of Baltimore, has now been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for his role in the operation. The sentencing took place in Martinsburg federal court, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, Matt Harvey, in comments to the Panhandle News Network.
Overview of the Drug Operation
The massive indictment, returned in January of last year, linked 82 individuals to a coordinated drug distribution network. Prosecutors say the group maintained a supply line that brought high-risk controlled substances into West Virginia communities. Singletary was identified as one of the operation’s workers, ensuring customers received their narcotics and helping sustain the flow of illegal drugs across county lines.
Authorities say Singletary fled soon after the indictment, remaining a fugitive for 18 months while using multiple aliases to avoid being captured. His arrest and subsequent conviction close yet another chapter in a case that has stretched across state lines and multiple federal jurisdictions.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing Updates
With Singletary’s sentencing, 81 of the 82 defendants have now received punishment in federal court. Prosecutors confirmed that the remaining individual, Gary Brown, Jr., was previously sentenced in May 2025 to 327 months in federal prison for his leadership role in the network.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane, and proceedings were overseen by U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh.
A detailed press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia outlines the extensive evidence gathered, including testimony, surveillance, and multi-agency investigative work.
Extensive Multi-Agency Investigation
This operation required the coordinated effort of federal, state, and local agencies. Investigators included teams from:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (Pittsburgh and Baltimore Field Divisions)
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Homeland Security Investigations
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
- U.S. Marshals Service
- Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force
- West Virginia State Police
- Jefferson and Berkeley County Sheriff’s Offices
- Ranson, Martinsburg, and Charles Town Police Departments
- Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
- Multiple law enforcement partners in Virginia and Maryland
Officials say the cooperation among these agencies was critical to dismantling the organization and bringing long-running narcotics activity under control.
Part of a Larger Federal Strategy
The investigation falls under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Justice Department initiative aimed at eliminating cartels, combating transnational criminal organizations, and reducing violent crime linked to drug trafficking. The program coordinates resources from OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhoods, providing a streamlined approach to complex, multi-state narcotics cases.
Federal officials say this prosecution demonstrates their commitment to removing key players from drug networks and protecting communities that have been harmed by illegal trafficking.
Ongoing Impact on West Virginia Communities
Local leaders say the case reflects both the scale of the drug problem and the determination to address it. The presence of fentanyl in particular continues to raise concerns, as even small amounts of the synthetic opioid can cause fatal overdoses. Removing a network responsible for large-scale distribution is regarded as a crucial step toward reducing availability in vulnerable communities.
As sentencing concludes for nearly every defendant, law enforcement agencies emphasize that maintaining community safety requires continued vigilance, public awareness, and strong partnerships between local residents and police.
Community Perspective and Public Safety
Residents in Berkeley and Jefferson counties have felt the toll of addiction and drug-related crime for years. Investigations like this highlight both the challenges and the progress being made. Authorities encourage the public to report suspicious activity, seek help for those struggling with substance dependence, and stay informed about local safety efforts.
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Have you seen changes in your community related to drug enforcement or public safety efforts? Share your experiences in the comments below.
