VICTOR, WV (LOOTPRESS) — Federal prosecutors are seeking the forfeiture of six firearms and assorted ammunition seized during a drug investigation that authorities say involved fentanyl, methamphetamine, crack cocaine and illegal gun sales in Fayette County.
The United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint July 6 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. The case stems from a Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigation into Joshua Hanshew and Devon Nickell that began in November 2025.
According to the federal complaint, investigators were looking into allegations of conspiracy, possession with intent to deliver controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances and firearm offenses.
Federal prosecutors allege that between November 2025 and January 2026, the task force conducted five controlled purchases involving suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, crack cocaine and two firearms from Hanshew and Nickell in Fayette County. The transactions were allegedly arranged by a confidential informant through Facebook Messenger.
Authorities say multiple search warrants were executed on Jan. 22, 2026, at locations connected to the investigation, including a residence along Midland Trail in Victor.
The searches allegedly uncovered numerous firearms, ammunition and firearm components, along with U.S. currency and suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to the complaint, James Nickell, Devon Nickell, Joshua Hanshew and Arminda Renee McQuerry were inside the residence when the search warrant was executed. Shawn Hambrick was reportedly found inside a vehicle in the driveway.
Federal prosecutors allege Hanshew and Nickell were both previously convicted of felony offenses. The complaint states Hanshew was on parole for two prior felony convictions related to controlled substances, while Nickell had a prior felony drug conviction.
Investigators further allege Hanshew admitted that approximately five firearms, fentanyl and methamphetamine were inside the house. The complaint says he also allegedly admitted that he and Nickell sold drugs for profit and that a woman at the residence was there to sell a rifle found on a bedroom bed.
The federal government is now seeking forfeiture of the following property:
- A Walther Colt Gold Cup Trophy .22-caliber pistol
- A North American Arms Mini Master .22-caliber revolver
- A Glock 30SF .45-caliber pistol
- A Springfield Armory Ultra Compact .45-caliber pistol
- A DC Industries FA91 .308-caliber receiver/frame
- A Remington Arms 74 Sportsman Auto .30-06 rifle
- Assorted ammunition
The firearms and ammunition are currently being held by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, according to the filing.
Prosecutors contend the property was used or intended to be used to facilitate violations of federal drug laws or is connected to alleged violations involving possession of firearms by convicted felons.
The federal government is asking the court to order the firearms and ammunition forfeited to the United States.
The filing is a civil forfeiture complaint, and the allegations contained in the complaint have not been proven in court.
