Lesage man pleads guilty to participating in contraband cigarette conspiracy

A Lesage man has pleaded guilty to participating in a contraband cigarette conspiracy.

According to court documents, 42-year-old David Allen Carter admitted that he and co-conspirators bought about 273,800 contraband cigarettes. The state's tax loss was $7,529.50.

Carter pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Huntington to one count of conspiracy to receive, possess and purchase contraband cigarettes. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss nine other counts.

Carter faces up to five years in prison. He's scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 6.

The Herald-Dispatch says the investigation was part of a yearlong probe that also targeted illicit drugs and firearms.