CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Cabell County man has pleaded guilty to selling methamphetamine that caused a teenage boy’s death.
Tony Lee Jr., 40, of Huntington, entered a guilty plea Monday to distribution of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine resulting in death. The U.S. Attorney for Southern West Virginia’s office said Lee sold 1.8 grams of meth to his girlfriend’s 15-year-old son on July 19, 2025 for $30. According to the U.S. Attorney’s release, the teenager died after intaking that methamphetamine.
Both U.S. Attorney Moore Capito and Huntington Police Chief Phil Watkins said Lee’s actions were reprehensible.
“A child lost their life because of this defendant’s actions. Those who flood our communities with illicit drugs show no regard for the lives they impact, devastate, and — tragically, in this case — destroy,” Capito said. “I commend the Huntington Police Department for their exemplary work in ensuring this defendant was brought to justice. We must remain steadfast and unrelenting in our efforts to remove from our communities those who inflict harm through drug trafficking.”
“This heartbreaking case highlights the devastating impact that illicit drugs have on our children,” Watkins said. “Our officers are dedicated to holding dealers accountable for the lives they destroy. I am grateful for the tireless work of our detectives and to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership in securing this conviction.”
Lee will be sentenced February 1, 2027. He faces a minimum of 20 years, and a maximum of a lifetime, in prison. He will also serve at least three years of supervised release and will be fined up to $1 million.