A Fayette County man has pleaded guilty to federal drug distribution charges following an investigation that uncovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a firearm.
William Joseph Kessler III, 44, of Beckwith, admitted to selling 18 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant during two transactions on June 25, 2024 — one in Raleigh County and one at his home.
The next day, officers searched Kessler’s residence and seized:
45 grams of methamphetamine
About 300 grams of a substance containing fentanyl and ketamine
A firearm
Kessler is scheduled for sentencing on April 2, 2026. He faces up to 40 years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $2 million.