Clay County, WV – West Virginia State Police arrested three individuals on Thursday following a lengthy investigation into fentanyl sales in Clay County, highlighting the ongoing fight against illegal narcotics in the area.
Suspects and Charges
The arrests took place at a residence on the 1200 block of Wallback Road. Authorities took into custody:
- Lorissa Stewart, 46, of Maysel
- Jason Stalnaker, 49, of Maysel
- Jeremy Gray, 43, of Lizemores
Stewart faces five counts of delivery of fentanyl and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury, as investigators reported that small children were present in the home on multiple occasions when Stewart sold fentanyl to a confidential informant.
Stalnaker, Stewart’s significant other, is charged with conspiracy. Officials say he was present during one of the drug transactions.
Gray was at the home when the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation executed a search warrant. He faces possession of fentanyl after attempting to hide a small bag of the drug in nearby woods, which troopers later recovered from a tree.
Timeline of Alleged Fentanyl Sales
According to a criminal complaint filed in Clay County Magistrate Court, Stewart allegedly sold fentanyl to a confidential informant on July 9, July 17, July 23, August 6, and September 26.
Troopers recovered multiple items during the investigation, including:
- 1.05 grams of fentanyl hidden by Gray
- A small black tin containing a white powder, later identified as “swerve,” a cutting agent commonly used with heroin and fentanyl
Cpl. F.L. Raynor explained that “cutting” involves adding other substances to increase profit but significantly increases the risk of overdose and death, as the potency and contents are unpredictable.
Gray admitted ownership of the baggy found in the tree and confirmed that the powder in the black tin was a cutting agent, which tested negative for opioids.
Arraignment and Bonds
All three suspects were arraigned Friday morning by Clay County Magistrate Scott Bass. Bonds were set as follows:
- Stewart – $950,000 cash only
- Stalnaker – $250,000 cash only
- Gray – $10,000 cash only
The suspects are currently being held at the Central Regional Jail pending further court proceedings, as per the reports.
This bust highlights the dangers associated with fentanyl trafficking and the continued risks posed to children and families in residential areas. Law enforcement urges residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to help keep communities safe.
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