HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Lamarr Anthony Welch, also known as “Joe,” 35, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 11 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for 11 felony drug offenses. Welch admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Huntington area.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Welch admitted that he participated in the conspiracy, distributed various quantities of methamphetamine totaling 651 grams on multiple occasions between March 3, 2025, and August 27, 2025, and distributed 4.4 grams fentanyl on August 27, 2025, as part of the DTO.
On September 10, 2025, law enforcement officers arrested Welch at a trailer in Huntington where the DTO stored drugs for distribution and seized approximately 3.95 kilograms of methamphetamine, 266 grams of fentanyl, and a loaded firearm.
Welch pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count each of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, aiding and abetting the distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, aiding and abetting the distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and distribution of fentanyl.
Welch conducted transactions arranged by or at the direction of three co-defendants: Joshua Willie McCarver, also known as “TJ,” 28, of Detroit; McCarver’s nephew, Darnell Marice McCarver, also known as “WAP,” 19, of Detroit; and Geon Lavell Henderson, also known as “Money,” 53, of Huntington.
The three co-defendants and Welch are among six defendants who pleaded guilty following their indictment on charges alleging they participated in the DTO while it operated from in or about January 2025 to in or about August 2025. Darnell Marice McCarver was sentenced on April 13, 2026, to 12 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture. Henderson was sentenced on June 22, 2026, to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl. Joshua Willie McCarver is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2026, after pleading guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The indictment remains pending against three other defendants. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Welch was sentenced as a career offender, with a criminal history that includes two prior convictions for armed robbery.
“This career criminal flooded Huntington with a staggering amount of dangerous drugs,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito. “Today’s sentence reflects the severity of the harm he inflicted and demonstrates our commitment to bring the full weight of the law down on those who target our communities with this poison.”
Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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. 3:25-cr-154.
