CLARKSBURG, W. Va. — A plea hearing has been set for the mayor of Bridgeport, who is accused of federal drug crimes.
Mario Blount is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keely at 11:30 a.m. on September 12.
A federal information was filed in court Tuesday, naming Blount, which typically indicates the defendant is cooperating with investigators and entering a plea is imminent.
Blount is charged with one count of false or fraudulent material omission, one count of distribution of oxymorphone and one count of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and oxymorphone.
Blount has previously stated he would not step down from his position as mayor as the legal process played out, but if he enters a guilty plea to the three felony charges against him, the city’s charter allows for immediate actions to remove him from his position.
His co-defendants are soon expected to enter pleas as well.
Angela Davis’ plea hearing is currently scheduled for September 23 before U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull. However, a plea hearing for April Davis has not yet been scheduled.
When the three were indicted on June 3, the allegations were the three conspired to distribute prescription painkillers for non-legitimate medical purposes over the last three years while Blount served as chief pharmacist of Best Care Pharmacy.
The Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force executed search warrants in October 2013 at the pharmacy locations in Bridgeport, Lumberport and Belington.
The evidence gathered during those searches was used to bring charges against Blount and his co-conspirators.