The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Police/Courts

September 16, 2008

Fragale brothers from Smithers sentenced on drug convictions

Matthew Hill

Two brothers from Smithers — members of a family which prosecutors describe as having an infamous reputation for drug dealing in the areas around Montgomery and Smithers — were sentenced on drug convictions Monday by Fayette County Circuit Judge John Hatcher

“Based on their long-standing reputation for drug trafficking, there’s no question that the stoppage of their illegal activity will have a positive effect on the community,” assistant prosecutor Brian Parsons said Tuesday.

Macon J. Fragale, 24, was sentenced to consecutive terms of one to five years and one to 15 years, respectively, for his dual convictions on July 30 of conspiracy to commit a felony and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver — to wit, cocaine.

Those will also be served consecutively with a prison term of one to 15 years he is already fulfilling on a prior conviction for delivery of cocaine, Parsons added.

Cheyenne Fragale, 20, was also sentenced to consecutive terms of one to five years for conspiracy to commit a felony and one to 15 years for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver — namely, cocaine. He was convicted of the charges July 31.

Both men were arrested by Smithers police on Sept. 12, 2007. They were found with two bags of cocaine containing 18.4 grams and 3.38 grams of the illicit substance worth an estimated street value of $2,500.

Macon also had more than $2,000 in cash on his person, and Parsons described their home as “littered” with scales and bags for packaging.

Their father, Sammy Joe Fragale Sr., was convicted of two felony drug crimes last year, Parsons noted. “The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. For 20 years, they (the Fragale family) seemed untouchable (by police or prosecutors). They’ve turned very touchable.”

— E-mail:

mhill@register-herald.com

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