HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A Huntington man pleaded guilty Monday to possession with intent to distribute heroin and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements, on Nov. 10, 2021, law enforcement officers observed multiple suspected hand-to-hand drug transactions at a Fifth Avenue residence in Huntington involving an individual later identified as Curtis Leroy Hayes, Jr., 47. When Hayes left the residence in a vehicle, officers initiated a traffic stop and arrested Hayes.

Officers found approximately 6.4 grams of suspected heroin on his person.

Hayes admitted to officers that he had been selling heroin for several months.

Officers executed a search warrant at Hayes’ residence, where they recovered a loaded Bryco Arms, Jennings Model Nine 9mm pistol in his bedroom.

Hayes is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 19 and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1.25 million fine.