Operation Second Wave Update: Montgomery Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Montgomery man charged as a result of a long-term investigation known as “Second Wave” was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Sammy Joe Fragale, Sr., 73, pleaded guilty in December and admitted to working with his son, Sammy Joe Fragale II, also known as “Bubby Fragale,” to distribute methamphetamine in Montgomery and St. Albans.  Between February and August 2020, Fragale sold more than 100 grams of ICE methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  Earlier this year, Bubby Fragale was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the DEA. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is handling the prosecution. 

This case was part of operation “Second Wave,” a long-term investigation of a drug trafficking ring involved in the distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin,  marijuana, and THC products. More than a dozen individuals have been charged in federal court as part of the investigation. All have pled guilty. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), and the Charleston Police Department conducted the “Second Wave” investigation

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:20-cr-00184 (Fragale, Sr.);and 2:20-cr-00176 (Fragale, II).

###