CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Charleston man has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison following a high-speed pursuit and multiple drug seizures across three counties.
Antwaun Winbush, 45, was sentenced Monday, July 21, 2025, to 12 years and seven months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine.
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According to court documents, on March 25, 2024, a law enforcement officer attempted a traffic stop on U.S. Route 35 in Putnam County.
Winbush fled at speeds over 100 miles per hour, discarding methamphetamine and marijuana from his vehicle. Some of the methamphetamine struck the officer’s vehicle, and the officer inhaled the drug through the air vents.
Winbush nearly struck multiple vehicles before crashing and being arrested. Authorities recovered some of the drugs from the roadway.
Winbush later admitted to possessing approximately 141.8 grams of a methamphetamine mixture.
Winbush’s prior criminal activity included two other incidents.
On October 4, 2021, he was stopped in Jackson County and found in possession of 227 grams of methamphetamine, 8 grams of cocaine, 14.7 grams of fentanyl, and a Glock .357-caliber pistol hidden behind his dashboard.
On December 24, 2023, a search of his Charleston residence led to the seizure of over 500 grams of methamphetamine, a firearm, ammunition, and various drug trafficking materials.
“Winbush’s criminal history dates back 30 years and includes 20 adult convictions. Winbush has shown time and again that he is only deterred from continuing his criminal conduct and putting citizens at risk when he is incarcerated,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston.
“I commend the brave law enforcement officers who safely apprehended the defendant after he endangered their lives and the public with his reckless attempt to flee the Putnam County traffic stop. I also commend investigative work of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).”
Senior U.S. District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. handed down the sentence. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Price.
