Western District of Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Member of Heroin Conspiracy Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – A man who conspired with others to distribute heroin pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Jesse Ray Little, pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. The defendant faces a maximum possible penalty of up to 40 years in prison.
“Heroin continues to destroy our communities and we will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to prosecute those who deal this deadly drug as well as provide treatment and prevention services to those in need,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.
Covington Man Charged with Breaking into Gun Store, Stealing FirearmsRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – A Federal Grand Jury sitting in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke has indicted a Covington man on federal gun charges related to the theft of a number of guns from a local business, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
The Grand Jury has charged David Christopher Martin, 40, of Covington, Va., with one count of being a previously convicted felon illegally in possession of a firearm, one count of transporting stolen firearms and one count of stealing firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer.
According to the indictment returned today, on or about April 4, 2016, Martin broke into Mountain Top Hunting and Fishing, a federally licensed firearms dealer located in Covington, Virginia. After allegedly breaking into the business, Martin stole 24 firearms. Martin, who is a previously convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm, is accused of transporting the firearms in interstate commerce to South Carolina.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offices in Roanoke, Virginia, Charleston, South Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida, the Covington Police Department, the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office, the Bloomingdale, Georgia Police Department, Colleton County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina and the Nassau County Florida Sheriff’s Office. United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. and First Assistant United States Attorney Anthony P. Giorno will prosecute the case for the United States.
A Grand Jury Indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cleveland, Va. Man Pleads to Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – A Russell County man, who was prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous criminal convictions, pled guilty yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon to being in possession of a variety of guns, guns parts and a blasting cap, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Roger Allen Combs, 50, of Cleveland, Virginia, pled guilty yesterday in District Court to one count of possession of an explosive device by a convicted felon, one count of possession of a firearm not registered on the National Firearms Registry and Transfer Record and one count of being a convicted felon illegally in possession of a firearm.
“Keeping illegal guns out of the hands of prohibited users is critical in keeping our communities safe,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “We want to continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to find these illegal guns and get them off the streets.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Russell County Commonwealth’s Attorney and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Patton, Combs, who has several prior criminal convictions, was observed by law enforcement coming in and out of a storage unit in Russell County with a bag. Law Enforcement officers executed a traffic stop on a vehicle Combs was traveling in and found a firearm. Based on that evidence, officers obtained a search warrant for the storage unit where they found several guns, parts of guns, ammunition and a blasting cap.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police. Russell County Commonwealth’s Attorney and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Patton prosecuted the case for the United States.
Bassett Man Pleads Guilty to RobberyRead the Press Release
DANVILLE, VIRGINIA – A Bassett, Virginia man, who committed armed robbery during an intended drug deal, pled guilty yesterday in federal court, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Christopher L. Bowers, 23, of Bassett, Virginia, pled guilty yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia to one count of robbery, as a principal and aider and abettor. At sentencing, he faces a maximum possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
“We are thankful this violent robbery didn’t end in a much more tragic way,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “So often, the mixture of drugs and guns has deadly consequences. We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to slow the tide of violence and drug trafficking in our communities.”
According to evidence presented at yesterday’s hearing, in the early morning hours of December 10-11 2014, Bowers and an associate, Christopher Strokes, went to a home in Henry County for the purpose of obtaining pills. When Stokes and Bowers arrived, a disagreement arose over the price of the drugs. At that time, Bowers brandished a firearm and threatened one of the victims. Stokes, who was not initially armed, seized a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol belonging to one of the home’s residents, confronted a second victim, demanded money, and then fired the pistol into the wall. Bowers and Stokes then fled with stolen pills, the Smith & Wesson pistol, and approximately $400 in cash.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Anthony P. Giorno and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari K. Munro prosecuted the case for the United States.
Augusta County Woman Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – A previous convicted sex offender, who due to her previous criminal conduct was required to register as a sex offender, pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke for failing to maintain her sex offender registration, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Kimberly Ann Avery, 53, of Augusta County, pled guilty today in District Court to one count of failing to register as a previously convicted sex offender.
“Keeping and maintaining an accurate and up-to-date sex offender registry is an important tool in keeping our communities informed and safe,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “When individuals fail to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, they will be held accountable.”
According to evidence presented at today’s guilty plea hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day, Avery was aware that she was required to register as a sex offender under SORNA and had, on two separate occasions in 2011 and 2015, completed Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registration Forms.
However, on September 29, 2015, a probation officer prepared a major violation report for Avery, citing multiple probation violations, including having contact with minor children, using illegal drugs and absconding from state probation. The report further stated that Avery failed to report for a scheduled appointment and that her whereabouts were unknown.
On November 4, 2015, investigators with the United States Marshals Service in the Southern District of Texas located Avery and conducted and interview with Avery, during which she stated she was tired of being labeled a monster and that she absconded because she wanted to live a normal life.
On November 5, 2015, investigators interviewed GT, a friend of Avery. GT admitted to knowing Avery for 30 years and further admitted that he knew Avery was a convicted sex offender and said Avery had picked him up from Connecticut, that they had traveled to California and then to Texas. GT stated that Avery did not register as a sex offender because she knew she would be arrested if she did. GT also stated that Avery wanted to abscond because she was not the monster she was being made out to be.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Marshals Service and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day prosecuted the case for the United States.
Tenth Defendant Pleads Guilty in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – Another member of a conspiracy that trafficked large quantities of methamphetamine from Atlanta to Southwest Virginia pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Robert Edward Bowman, 42, pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“We are seeing large amounts of methamphetamine brought into Southwest Virginia from areas outside of the Commonwealth and we must continue to work to put a stop to it,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “We know other crimes follow methamphetamine addiction, property crime, domestic abuse, child neglect, things that devastate communities. For those reasons alone we must get a handle on this growing problem.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Bowman was part of a methamphetamine conspiracy that transported and distributed multiple pounds of crystal methamphetamine between Atlanta, Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
To date, nine other individuals have pled guilty to being part of the conspiracy: Brandin Hyde, Dawn Rossalyn Vincente, Summer Deborah Booher, Dakota Wayne Barker, Carrie Taylor, Jeffrey Bruce Bartley, Stacey Lee Doane, Melissa Mendora Harless and Connie Diane Strouth have each pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bristol, Virginia Police Department, the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department, the Abingdon Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee prosecuted the case for the United States.
Former Mayor of Clinchco Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – The former mayor of Clinchco, Virginia in Dickenson County, pled guilty today in Federal Court to fraud charges stemming from her use of town funds used to make improvements and repairs to her personal home while she was Mayor, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Peggy Sue Stanley Mickens, 50, of Clinchco, Virginia, pled guilty today to one count of theft concerning programs receiving Federal funds, one count of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud.
“This defendant misused her position of public trust for her own personal benefit,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “We will continue to look into all manners of public corruption and prosecute those who misuse public money for their own benefit.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Russell County Commonwealth’s Attorney and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Patton, Mickens was elected Mayor of Clinchco in May 2012, at which time she gained access to, and possession of the town’s banking instrument, credit cards, invoices and banking statements.
In 2013, Clinchco received approximately $20,000 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] via a Community Development Block Grant, to be used to rehabilitate homes and/or construct new homes in the town.
Mickens admitted today that, without any type of procurement formalities or approval she hired a contractor to remodel her home and paid for it from the town’s BB&T bank account via a checks signed by Peggy Sue Stanley Mickens.
The defendant took these actions without the knowledge or consent of town officials.
Mickens also admitted today to using a Lowe’s credit card maintained by the Town of Clinchco on August 26, 2013. The defendant admitted to using the town’s credit card, without the knowledge or consent of town officials, to charge $662 from the Lowe’s store in Wise, Virginia to obtain materials for her personal home.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virginia State Police. Russell County Commonwealth’s Attorney and Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Patton prosecuted the case for the United States.
Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to Take Place on Saturday, April 30, 2016Read the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced that the United States Attorney’s Office is proud to once again partner with local law enforcement, Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition (RAYSAC), the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Western Virginia Water Authority to collect expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for safe destruction on Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at ten area locations. The public is invited to bring unused or unwanted medications to this free and anonymous event that is part of the nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” program that seeks to prevent prescription pill abuse, theft and environmental concerns.
“Working with our law enforcement and community partners to properly collect and dispose of prescription drugs is tremendously important to all of us,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “I look forward to seeing our friends and neighbors this Saturday at the Berglund Center parking lot to help in this important cause.”
This is the valley’s 11th such take-back event. To date, over 17,000 pounds of prescription medications have been turned in by area citizens for proper disposal making the Roanoke-area one of the largest collection locations in the state. This Saturday there will be ten collection locations in the valley: Roanoke Civic (Berglund) Center parking lot, the Super Shoes parking lot on West Main in Salem, Kroger parking lots in Daleville, Vinton (Hardy Road), Tanglewood Mall, Bonsack, Colonial/Brambleton and Westlake as well as the Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Station #1 on Hershberger Road and the Market Street Pharmacy in Craig County. (www.dea.gov for other sites in the region)
This initiative addresses vital public safety and public health issues. Medications that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. and in the valley are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that ninety-percent of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In fact, the majority of commonly abused drugs by teenagers are prescription medications.
In addition, flushing medications down the drain can result in trace amounts of pharmaceuticals showing up in our nation’s waterways. This initiative offers a safe and convenient disposal option for the valley residents.
This initiative is sponsored by RAYSAC, the Western Virginia Water Authority, Prevention Council of Roanoke County, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Roanoke County Police Department, Roanoke Police Department, Botetourt County Sheriff’s Department, Salem Police Department, Roanoke County Sheriff’s Department, Vinton Police Department, Roanoke Valley Academy of Medicine, the U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Virginia, the Virginia State Police and the VA National Guard.
By working together to provide a free, secure place to dispose of unwanted medications, the law enforcement agencies, RAYSAC and the Western Virginia Water Authority are helping prevent drug abuse, protecting our valley’s waterways and making our communities safer.
United States Attorney’s Office Supports National Reentry WeekRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – Each year, more than 600,000 citizens return to our communities after serving time in federal and state prisons. Another 11.4 million individuals cycle through local jails. And nearly one in three Americans of working age have had some sort of encounter with the criminal justice system — mostly for relatively minor, non-violent offenses, and sometimes from decades in the past. The long-term impact of a criminal record prevents many people from obtaining employment, housing, higher education, and credit — and these barriers affect returning individuals even if they have turned their lives around and are unlikely to reoffend.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, under the leadership of United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr., strongly supports reentry programs throughout the Western District of Virginia and beyond.
“Our office is committed to assisting non-violent offenders to become productive, law-abiding citizens,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “We are proud to support community groups, and other agencies, who work every day to do this very important work.”
As part of National Reentry Week, U.S. Attorney Fishwick, along with members of the United States Attorney’s Office staff, will be meeting with community groups who work with reentry programs to discuss future partnership opportunities to help individuals return to communities in the Western District of Virginia.
In addition, the U.S. Attorney will continue a series of on-going meetings with Court and Probation officials regarding reentry programs aimed at helping former federal inmates returning to their communities.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to support the Veterans Treatment Court, a court designed to help veterans get back on their feet.
“Oftentimes, our veterans end up in the criminal justice system simply because they are coping with stress in the wrong way,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “Veterans Treatment Court provides an alternative to this downward spiral by promoting recovery and sobriety in a supportive environment. Our office is proud to support veterans by actively participating in Veterans Treatment Court.”
As part of National Reentry Week, leadership from across the Administration will be traveling around the country to make policy announcements in support of National Reentry Week. They will also be encouraging federal partners and grantees to work closely with stakeholders like federal defenders, legal aid providers and other partners across the country to increase the impact of these efforts. National Reentry Week events are being planned in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. U.S. Attorney’s Offices alone are hosting over 200 events and Bureau of Prisons facilities are holding over 370 events.
Two Plead Guilty as Part of Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BIG STONE GAP, VIRGINIA – Two members of conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine in and around Virginia and Kentucky, pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Big Stone Gap, announced United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr.
Amanda Szemac, 39, and Curtis Howerton, a.k.a “Bo,” 28, of Pikeville, Kentucky, in separate hearings, each pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine.
“Methamphetamine is an addictive and deadly substance,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “We are proud to work with our partners on the local, state and federal levels to continue to fight to scourge of methamphetamine trafficking throughout the region.”
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bell County, Kentucky Sheriff’s Office, the Middlesborough, Kentucky Police Department, the Lee County Virginia Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Bristol and Atlanta Field Divisions. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee prosecuted the case for the United States.
Pair Sentenced for Making False Statements in Regards to Healthcare ProgramsRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA – A pair of Winchester residents, who previously pled guilty to submitting false timesheets for payment to Virginia Medicaid, were sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. and Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced today.
Kevin Lavelt Freeman, 51, and Cassie Lee Davis, 48, both of Winchester, Virginia, previously pled guilty to federal charges related to making false statements as they relate to a healthcare program.
Freeman previously pled guilty to one count of making false statements in connection with a healthcare program and one count of making false statements in connection to a healthcare benefits program. Yesterday in District Court, he was sentenced to 18 months of federal incarceration and two years of supervised release thereafter. In addition, Freeman was also ordered to pay $28,176 in restitution to the Department of Medical Assistance Services.
Davis previously pled guilty to one count of making false statements related to a healthcare matter and one count of healthcare fraud. Yesterday in District Court, she was sentenced to time served, five days, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $28,176 to the Department of Medical Assistance Services.
“We are proud to work alongside the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Virginia Attorney General’s Office on these very important prosecutions,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “Protecting the integrity of important social programs such as Medicaid and Medicare is of the utmost importance to law enforcement.”
“The great relationship between our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Medical Assistance Services, and our law enforcement partners is critical to holding providers accountable for fraud that weakens important healthcare programs and does a real disservice to the vulnerable patients who rely on them,” said Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Grayson Hoffman and Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney Vaso Doubles, Davis and Freeman, from July 2012 to August 2012, conspired to defraud the special caregiver program covered under Virginia Medicaid. During this time period Freeman was incarcerated. Davis, however, submitted, on at least two occasions, timesheets for payment to the Virginia Medicaid program for services that were never rendered by Freeman. In addition, Davis also falsified bills by making materially false statements or representations about the services Freeman provided her during the time he was incarcerated.
Davis and Freeman communicated by telephone about their fraud during Freeman’s incarceration. These telephone calls were recorded and a number of the calls included discussions between Davis and Freeman regarding the manner in which they were defrauding the Virginia Medicaid Program.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Virginia Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Grayson Hoffman and Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney Vaso Doubles prosecuted the case for the United States.
Jose Gonzalez-Martinez is Third Conviction in Operation Ice StormRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – A federal law enforcement initiative targeting those trafficking methamphetamine into the greater Charlottesville area has led to a third federal conviction after a local man pled guilty today in United States District Court in Charlottesville, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Jose Alfredo Gonzalez-Martinez, 32, of Charlottesville, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint in late March and pled guilty today in District Court to distribution of methamphetamine. Two other men, Alfonso Lopez-Rios and John Mark Fisher were previously convicted and sentenced to federal prison time as part of the Operation Ice Storm initiative. Lopez-Rios was sentenced to 58 months in federal prison and Fisher was sentenced 132 months.
“Methamphetamine is often a drug that leads to other criminal behavior, acts such a domestic abuse, property crime, violence, things that destroy families and communities,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “It is paramount that we continue to work with our partners in law enforcement in manners such as this to slow the spread of this deadly and addictive substance.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh, Gonzalez-Martinez sold distribution-sized quantities in the Charlottesville area.
Gonzalez-Martinez, Lopez-Rios and Fisher were prosecuted as part of Operation Ice Storm, a multi-agency operation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and in partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The operations’ goal is to target larger distributors and traffickers of methamphetamine into Charlottesville and surrounding areas.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh prosecuted the case for the United States.
Jonesville Man Sentenced for Role in Tax Scheme that Submitted to the IRS Claims for over $400,000 in RefundsRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – A Jonesville man who worked with his brother, and several others, to submit claims for more than $400,000 of fraudulent tax returns, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Tommy Witt, 57, of Jonesville, Virginia, previously pled guilty to one count of making false, fictitious or fraudulent claims and one count of conspiring to defraud the United States Government in respect to claims. Today in District Court, Witt was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay $67,356 in restitution.
“Just a few days ago, millions of Americans filed their taxes and fulfilled their civic obligation. They must be able to do this knowing the process is safe and reliable,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “When individuals participate in brazen tax schemes like this one, we will hold them accountable.”
“An integral part of IRS Criminal Investigation’s mission involves detecting, investigating, and stopping fraudulent refund schemes that ultimately victimize our nation’s honest taxpayers,” said Thomas Jankowski, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington D.C. Field Office. “We will remain committed to dismantling criminal conspiracies designed solely to defraud and bring the law breakers to the table of justice."
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne, Tommy Witt, and others, participated in a sophisticated conspiracy to defraud the federal government. The scheme began when David Witt, who was at the time an inmate in a Tennessee state prison, gathered personally identifiable information (including birth dates and social security numbers) belonging to other inmates. David Witt would then use that information to complete Internal Revenue Service Form 1040s. These Form 1040s contained false information, including false addresses outside of prison and false claims that the inmates were due a tax refund based on wages never earned by those inmates.
Subsequently, these Form 1040s were sent to persons outside of the prison, namely co-conspirators Tommy Witt, William Ziehler, Diane Powers and Richard Powers, who then forwarded them to the IRS for processing. Based on these Form 1040s, the IRS issued tax refund checks in the names of these inmates but sent the checks to the addresses associated with the conspirators. Many of these checks were cashed at banks throughout Southwest Virginia by the co-conspirators using fraudulent power-of-attorney forms.
In all, the conspiracy filed 431 fraudulent tax returns claiming approximately $400,000 in fraudulent returns. The co-conspirators, including Tommy Witt, cashed $67,356 in tax refund checks.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service. Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne prosecuted the case for the United States.
Norfolk Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Distributing InsulinRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – A Norfolk, Virginia man, who sold insulin on Craigslist to an undercover FDA agent, pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Patrick Simanjuntak, 40, of Norfolk, Virginia, pled guilty today in District Court to one count of misbranding a drug and selling a drug outside of a legitimate supply chain. The defendant will be sentenced on August 1, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. in Abingdon, Virginia.
“Prescription medications, such as insulin, are only safely administered under the care of a licensed physician,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to maintain the integrity of our prescription drug supply.”
“U.S. consumers rely on FDA to ensure that their prescription drugs are safe and effective,” said Mark S. McCormack, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Metro Washington Field Office. “Our office will bring to justice those criminals who endanger unsuspecting consumers by purchasing and reselling these products outside the legitimate supply chain.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United State Attorney Randy Ramseyer, in November 2015, the Food and Drug Administration [FDA], was advised that a person, later identified as the defendant, was advertising the sale of insulin on multiple Craigslist sites in the mid-Atlantic region. In these advertisements, Simanjuntak claimed the insulin had been obtained from medical facilities, specifically nursing homes.
On November 16, 2015, an undercover FDA agent contacted Simanjuntak at the telephone provided in the ads. Subsequent to this contact, the agent made five separate purchases of pre-filled insulin injection pens from the defendant. Cumulatively, between November 2015 and February 2016, FDA’s undercover agent purchased 17 boxes of pre-filled insulin pens, each box containing five pens, for which the agent paid a total of $1,870 to the defendant through Paypal. At no time during these transactions did Simanjuntak ask for, or require, the special agent to provide a valid prescription for the insulin. On two occasions, the agent received boxes of insulin from the defendant which still had affixed to them prescription labels for other patients.
Simanjuntak is neither a licensed medical professional nor licensed to distribute prescription medication. All the transactions between the defendant and the special agent were mailed from Norfolk to Abingdon, Virginia.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States.
Inmate at USP Lee Sentenced for Having Weapon in FacilityRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – An inmate at the USP Lee in Jonesville, Virginia, who previously pled guilty to unlawfully possessing a weapon inside the prison, was sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Jemel Jordan, 28, of Jonesville, Virginia, pled guilty last week to one count of possessing contraband in prison, a weapon and one count of making an obscene display or exposure. Yesterday in District Court, Jordan was sentenced to 40 months in prison.
“Inside the walls of Federal prison law and order will still be upheld,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “When individuals refuse to follow the law, they will be punished.”
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Special Assistant United States Attorney Debbie H. Stevens prosecuted the case for the United States.
Latest Phase of Large Ice Methamphetamine Prosecution ConcludesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – The latest phase of an investigation into a major ice methamphetamine conspiracy that distributed large amounts of the drug into Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee concluded yesterday in District Court with the sentencing of the final defendant, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
J.B. Buckner, 56, of Radford, Virginia, pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Yesterday in District Court, Buckner was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison and ordered to forfeit $25,000.
“The ice methamphetamine this conspiracy dealt in is dangerously addictive,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “These individuals ran a complex operation that brought drugs from Southwestern United States into Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. These actions had a devastating effect on our community and, for that, these individuals have been justly held accountable.”
Buckner is the last of ten defendants convicted as a result of the latest phase of a long-running investigative operation headed by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which has been executed in multiple phases. The operation has dismantled a methamphetamine distribution network which brought numerous pounds of “ice” methamphetamine into the area.
According to evidence presented at yesterday’s sentencing hearing by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin L. Jayne, this particular phase of the ice methamphetamine conspiracy operated in Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. From approximately 2013–2014, individuals were receiving ice methamphetamine from sources of supply located in the Southwestern United States. The individuals would typically transport this methamphetamine to Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee via interstate highways, coordinating among themselves to avoid law enforcement drug interdiction efforts along the way. Return payment to the sources of supply would occur by hand-to-hand cash transactions or electronic money transactions.
Ultimately the District Court sentenced nine defendants in this phase to terms of imprisonment. The District Court also ordered certain defendants to forfeit 25 illegal firearms, including assault-style rifles; $160,000 in proceeds from the crime and approximately 10 acres of real property in Abingdon, Virginia, which was used in commission of the crime.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bristol Office of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Bristol Office of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Virginia State Police, the Sheriff’s Offices of Washington County, Russell County, Tazewell County, and Smyth County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Offices of Russell County and Tazewell County and the police departments of Abingdon and Lebanon. Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin L. Jayne prosecuted the case for the United States.
Draper Woman Sentenced to Four Years Imprisonment After Passing $35 in Counterfeit CurrencyRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – A local woman, who previously pled guilty to a pair of federal counterfeiting charges, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Kendra Lane Dalton, 38, of Draper, Virginia, was serving a sentence of supervised release from a 2014 conviction for possessing and passing counterfeit currency when she was arrested in November 2015 after passing $35 in counterfeit currency at convenience stores in Abingdon and Washington County, Virginia. At the time of her arrest, she was in possession of almost $1,300 in additional counterfeit bills.
She pled guilty in February 2016 to two counts of possessing and attempting to use counterfeit United States currency. Today in District Court, Dalton was sentenced to two years imprisonment on those charges and an additional two years for violating the terms of her supervised release. The sentences are to be served consecutively. She was also ordered to repay the stores.
“Defending and protecting the integrity of our currency is imperative to maintaining the public’s trust in government,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer R. Bockhorst, Dalton admitted that on two separate occasions, November 8, 2015 and November 9, 2015, she attempted to pass counterfeit U.S. currency. At the sentencing hearing, Dalton also admitted to having manufactured the counterfeit currency in her possession.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer R. Bockhorst prosecuted the case for the United States.
Ninth Defendant Pleads Guilty in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – The ninth member of a methamphetamine conspiracy that trafficked large quantities of the drug from Atlanta, Georgia to Southwest, Virginia, pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Brandin Travis Hyde, 38, pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
“Methamphetamine is being brought into the Western District of Virginia in waves and is devastating our communities,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to dismantle large, wide-ranging distribution conspiracies like the one this defendant was involved with.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Hyde was part of a methamphetamine conspiracy that transported and distributed multiple pounds of crystal methamphetamine between Atlanta, Georgia, Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
In April 2015, Hyde was interviewed in Bristol, Virginia and admitted that on multiple occasions he accompanied Jeremy Bartley to Atlanta, Georgia to pick up five ounces of crystal methamphetamine. Hyde also admitted to carrying a firearm trafficking in methamphetamine. Hyde returned to Southwest Virginia with the methamphetamine and further distributed it to others.
To date, eight other individuals have pled guilty to being part of the conspiracy. Dawn Rossalyn Vincente, Summer Deborah Booher, Dakota Wayne Barker, Carrie Taylor, Jeffrey Bruce Bartley, Stacey Lee Doane, Melissa Mendora Harless and Connie Diane Strouth have each pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bristol, Virginia Police Department, the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department, the Abingdon Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee prosecuted the case for the United States.
Pair Sentenced for Roles in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – Two men who played roles in trafficking methamphetamine into the Charlottesville area were sentenced this week in separate hearings in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Today in District Court, John Mark Fisher, 54, of Roanoke, Virginia, who pled guilty in January 2016 to possession with the intent to distribute and distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison. A second defendant, Alfonso Lopez-Rios, 33, of Charlottesville, Va., pled guilty in August 2015 to possession with the intent to distribute and distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Thursday in District Court, Lopez-Rios was sentenced to 58 months in Federal Prison.
“The use of methamphetamine has a dramatic effect on communities all across the Western District of Virginia and we will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to stop the trafficking of this very addicting and destructive drug,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh, Lopez-Rios admitted to participating in a larger conspiracy in which he would travel from Charlottesville, Virginia to North Carolina to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine. In his travels, Lopez-Rios would also drive to Roanoke to sell half-pound and pound quantities of methamphetamine to Fisher, another high-level distributor in the Roanoke area.
Lopez-Rios, Fisher, along with a third man, Jose Alfredo Gonzalez-Martinez, are being prosecuted as part of Operation Ice Storm, a multi-agency operation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and in partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The operation’s goal is to target larger distributors and traffickers of methamphetamine into Charlottesville and surrounding areas.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh prosecuted the case for the United States.
Former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Employee Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Transportation and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG – A former regional chief of public affairs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was sentenced to 30 years in prison yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg for charges involving the sexual exploitation of children, announced United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr.
On Oct. 6, 2015, Michael Steven Beeman, 62, of Winchester, Virginia, pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of child pornography and four counts of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Michael F. Urbanski of the Western District of Virginia sentenced Beeman and also ordered him to serve a lifetime term of supervised release.
According to documents filed with the plea agreement, in and around the late 1980s, Beeman was a U.S. Air Force employee in a public affairs position at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida and during that time, engaged in sexual acts with a minor on multiple occasions and sometimes recorded the abuse. In 2014, Beeman’s dog walker discovered images of naked minors on one of Beeman’s devices and called the Frederick County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office, according to the plea document. Beeman further admitted that, in January 2014, he had more than 50 items, including VHS tapes, DVDs, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, external hard drives and thumb drives, at his home that contained thousands of images of child sexual exploitation.
At sentencing, Judge Urbanski found that Beeman sexually abused two minors on multiple occasions and later downloaded images of similar victimization of other children for his own interests.
The Page County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office; the Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C., Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Evidence Recovery Section; the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office; the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Virginia Attorney General’s Office’s Computer Evidence Recovery Section; the Virginia State Police’s High Tech Crimes-Computer Recovery Section; the Air Force Office of Special Investigations; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Middle East District; and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) High Tech Investigative Unit investigated the case. CEOS Trial Attorney Herbrina D. Sanders and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy S. Healey of the Western District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Employee Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Transportation and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
A former regional chief of public affairs for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was sentenced to 30 years in prison today in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia for charges involving the sexual exploitation of children, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. of the Western District of Virginia.
On Oct. 6, 2015, Michael Steven Beeman, 62, of Winchester, Virginia, pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of child pornography and four counts of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Michael F. Urbanski of the Western District of Virginia sentenced Beeman and also ordered him to serve a lifetime term of supervised release.
According to documents filed with the plea agreement, in and around the late 1980s, Beeman was a U.S. Air Force employee in a public affairs position at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida and during that time, engaged in sexual acts with a minor on multiple occasions and sometimes recorded the abuse. In 2014, Beeman’s dog walker discovered images of naked minors on one of Beeman’s devices and called the Frederick County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office, according to the plea document. Beeman further admitted that, in January 2014, he had more than 50 items, including VHS tapes, DVDs, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, external hard drives and thumb drives, at his home that contained thousands of images of child sexual exploitation.
At sentencing, Judge Urbanski found that Beeman sexually abused two minors on multiple occasions and later downloaded images of similar victimization of other children for his own interests.
The Page County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office; the Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C., Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Evidence Recovery Section; the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office; the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Virginia Attorney General’s Office’s Computer Evidence Recovery Section; the Virginia State Police’s High Tech Crimes-Computer Recovery Section; the Air Force Office of Special Investigations; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Middle East District; and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) High Tech Investigative Unit investigated the case. CEOS Trial Attorney Herbrina D. Sanders and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy S. Healey of the Western District of Virginia prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Salem Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – A Salem, Virginia man, who trafficked cocaine from Atlanta into the Roanoke Valley, pled guilty yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Broderick Lamar Shovely Jr., 36, of Salem, Virginia, pled guilty yesterday in District Court to one count of possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to take the dangerous combination of drugs and guns off our streets,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “This defendant was a drug trafficker who brought large amounts of cocaine into Roanoke and possessed an array of firearms while dealing. Our city is safer with him now in prison.”
According to evidence presented at yesterday’s hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley B. Neese, law enforcement officers were conducting surveillance outside of Shovely’s residence in Salem, Virginia on June 6, 2014 after receiving information that he was selling crack cocaine. Officers observed Shovely leave his residence and a traffic stop was conducted on the car Shovely was driving. During that traffic stop and after being alerted by a free air sniff by a K9 officer, officers searched Shovely’s vehicle and found a .45 caliber handgun, a Glock .45 caliber handgun and a .380 caliber handgun. In addition, officers found two pieces of off-white chunky material. A search warrant for Shovely’s home was obtained and later executed, where officers found approximately 703 grams of cocaine hidden in a computer hard-drive in a bedroom. Multiple firearms, including one firearm located with the cocaine, were also found during the execution of the search warrant at Shovely’s residence.
After being provided his Miranda Rights, Shovely admitted to trafficking cocaine from Atlanta, Georgia to Roanoke, Virginia for at least the last year. Shovely admitted that he paid $19,800 for 18 ounces of cocaine from his source in Atlanta and would then transport that cocaine back to Roanoke for distribution. Shovely also admitted the cocaine was often cooked into crack cocaine and he would then sell it from a home on Gilmer Avenue in Roanoke.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Salem Police Department, the Roanoke City Police Department, the Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley B. Neese prosecuted the case for the United States.
Justice Department Honors Contribututions to Crime Victims' Rights and Services at National CeremonyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch today recognized crime victim survivors, advocates and allied professionals at the National Crime Victims’ Rights Service Awards ceremony. This year’s event honored 10 individuals and programs for their extraordinary actions to bring positive and lasting change in the lives of crime victims.
“The extraordinary individuals being honored today are inspiring examples of service and selflessness,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. “Whether they are conducting research, championing new policies, or working directly with victims in need, these honorees are helping to revive hopes, restore futures, and reclaim lives. I am deeply grateful for their contributions, and I am proud to say that the Justice Department stands with them in the work of ensuring that every victim of crime in the United States receives the assistance that they need and deserve.”
This year’s theme—Serving Victims, Building Trust, Restoring Hope—focuses the observances for the 2016 Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 10-16. President Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week in 1981, calling for greater sensitivity to the rights and needs of victims. The Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and hosts an annual award ceremony.
Following is a list of the award recipients, who were nominated by their colleagues in the field and selected by the Attorney General:
- Tomorrow’s Leaders Award – new award for 2016 – honors and highlights youth up to 24 years old who dedicate their efforts to supporting victims of crime.
Recipient: Miki K. Nishizawa of Waipahu, Hawaii.
- Award for Professional Innovation in Victim Service Award recognizes a program, organization or individual who helps expand the reach of victims’ rights and services.
Recipient: Choctaw Nation Victim Services of Hugo, Oklahoma.
- The Crime Victims Financial Restoration Award recognizes individuals, programs, organizations or teams that develop innovative ways of funding services for crime victims or instituted innovative approaches for securing financial restoration for crime victims.
Recipients: Stephen J. Pfleger and Laura D. Rottenborn of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia.
- The Crime Victims’ Rights Award honors those whose efforts to advance or enforce crime victims’ rights benefit crime victims at the state, tribal, or national level. Recipient: Russell P. Butler, Esq., Executive Director of Maryland’s Crime Victims’ Resource Center from Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
- The National Crime Victim Service Award honors extraordinary efforts in direct service to crime victims.
Recipient: National Domestic Violence Hotline of Austin, Texas.
- The Ronald Wilson Reagan Public Policy Award honors leadership, innovation and vision that lead to noteworthy changes in public policy that benefit crime victims.
Recipient: Dr. John P. J. Dussich of Fresno, California.
- The Special Courage Award recognizes extraordinary bravery in the aftermath of a crime or courageous act on behalf of a victim or potential victim.
Recipients: Kim Case of Jefferson City, Missouri and Brenda Tracy of Salem, Oregon.
- The Vision 21 Crime Victims Research Award recognizes individual researchers or research teams that make a significant contribution to the nation’s understanding of crime victims’ issues.
Recipient: Dr. Anne P. DePrince of Denver.
Descriptive narratives and videos of the contributions of recipients are available at Office for Victims of Crime’s Gallery: https://ovcncvrw.ncjrs.gov/Awards/AwardGallery/gallerysearch.html.
About the Office of Justice Programs (OJP)
OJP, headed by Assistant Attorney General Karol V. Mason, provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice and assist victims. OJP has six components: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking. More information about OJP can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Ice Methamphetamine Prosecution Sends 23 Individuals to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – The investigation into a major ice methamphetamine conspiracy that distributed large amounts of the drug into southwest Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and elsewhere concluded last week with the sentencing of the final defendant, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Antonio Hernandez Mohedano, of Barstow, California, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Last week in District Court, Mohedano was sentenced to 210 months of federal incarceration.
“These individuals brought numerous pounds of a very pure form of methamphetamine into our area from western states—methamphetamine most likely made in Mexico. They imported this poison into our communities simply to make a profit, without any regard for the devastating damage it causes to those addicted to this drug and the broader community,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “These major drug investigations take significant time and resources, and the law enforcement agencies that participated in dismantling this conspiracy should be commended for their important work.”
Mohedano is the last of 24 defendants convicted as a result of a long-running investigative operation headed by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The operation dismantled a methamphetamine distribution network that brought numerous pounds of “ice” methamphetamine—a particularly pure form of that drug—into the area between approximately 2011 and 2014. Most of this ice methamphetamine was brought into southwest Virginia and elsewhere from sources of supply in Arizona or California. The ice methamphetamine was transported to the area in a variety of ways, including by being hidden in live animals and transported over interstate highways, and via common carriers, like UPS. Return payment to the sources of supply out west occurred through hand-to-hand cash payments and various types of electronic money transactions, including “Green Dot” prepaid cards.
The District Court sentenced 23 defendants in this case to a term of imprisonment. In addition, the District Court ordered various defendants in the case to forfeit money and property, including real property used in the crime, firearms, and ammunition.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Bristol, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, the Abingdon Police Department, the Bristol, Virginia Police Department, the Virginia State Police, the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin L. Jayne prosecuted the case for the United States.
Pair Convicted on Health Care Fraud, Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – A pair of lab professionals who billed Medicaid, Medicare, TennCare, and a variety of other health care providers and insurance companies, were convicted yesterday of federal conspiracy and health care fraud charges following a bench trial, announced United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. and Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring.
Beth Palin, 49, and Joseph D. Webb Jr., 55, both of Bristol, Tenn., were convicted on April 7, 2016 following a bench trial of one count each of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud.
“These two individuals abused the healthcare system and billed programs and insurance companies for unnecessary tests for no other reason than to line their own pockets,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “I am thankful for the work of the Virginia AG’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and all of our law enforcement partners who worked on this case. It is important for us to keep fraud and abuse out of these very important social programs.”
“Heroin and prescription opioid addiction is touching families in every corner of the state, and Southwest Virginia has been hit as hard as anywhere,” said Attorney General Mark Herring. “It’s unconscionable that anyone would exploit this epidemic to enrich themselves on such a massive scale. Virginians are dying every single day from heroin and prescription drug overdose, and fraud schemes like this can make it harder for people who are trying to get treatment and make a change in their lives.”
“Clinical labs play a critical role in providing care for people on Medicare,” said Nick DiGiulio, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Lab professionals who aim to get rich quick by cheating patients and taxpayers, as in this case, can expect to pay a high price for their crimes.”
According to evidence presented during the bench trial by Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney Janine Myatt, Webb and Palin owned Bristol Labs, which was a lab that specialized in urine drug screen testing. Bristol Labs worked with Dr. Charles Kim Wagner, a medical doctor licensed by the Drug Enforcement Administration to prescribe Suboxone. Wagner opened what purported to be a substance abuse treatment program that involved only medication assisted treatment using Suboxone in Bristol, Virginia. His practice accepted cash payment only and charged $250 for an initial visit and $100-$110 each week thereafter. Wagner’s office was located next to Bristol Labs in an adjacent office suite within the same physical building as Bristol Labs. Drug screenings were required for Wagner’s patients at each weekly visit and Wagner sent 100 percent of his patients to Bristol Labs for their drug screenings.
Although patients often paid cash for doctor’s appointments, they could use Medicare or Medicaid to pay Bristol Labs for prescriptions and the cost of urine drug screenings. The type of drug screening Wagner ordered depended solely on the method of payment. If a patient was uninsured or “self-pay,” Wagner ordered a $25 dip-stick or “quick cup” urine drug screen from Bristol Labs. However, if a patient was paying via insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, Wagner ordered two separate, automated screens performed by Bristol Labs and by another confirmation Lab in Denver, Colorado. These patients paid nothing out of pocket, however Medicare, Medicaid or their insurance company would be billed between $120-$1,800 for these tests each week. These tests were medically unnecessary and Wagner did not use the results of the tests to direct patient care.
Palin and Webb eventually opened their own addiction practice in Gate City, Virginia, called Mtn. Empire Medical Care. Palin and Webb instituted a nearly identical drug testing protocol to the one at Wagner’s practice, self-pay patients paid an extra $25 and got a quick cup test while insured patients got two automated screens which were billed to their insurance companies and paid nothing out of pocket. These expensive tests were medically unnecessary.
In total, this conspiracy fraudulently billed Virginia Medicaid, TennCare, Medicare, Aetna, Optum/United Health Care, Anthem/Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Virginia, Anthem/Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Tennessee and Cigna, $14,278,340 for medically unnecessary urine screens.
Dr. Wagner died during the course of this investigation and was therefore not charged in this matter.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Virginia Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, United States Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the Bristol, Virginia Police Department, The Virginia State Police, the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney Janine Myatt and Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee prosecuted the case for the United States.
Maryland Man Sentenced on Federal Heroin and Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA –A Maryland man, who authorities said was responsible for selling heroin that led to at least six overdoses in the Winchester, Virginia, area, three of which were fatal, was sentenced today in federal court, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Christopher Rojuan Giles, a.k.a. “C” and “Charlie,” 28, of Randallstown, Maryland, previously pled guilty to a one count Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute more than 1,000 grams of heroin, which resulted in six overdoses, more than 280 grams of cocaine base (“crack”), and powder cocaine. Giles admitted that between February 2013 and October 2014, he and other members of the conspiracy conspired to distribute these drugs in and around Winchester, Virginia, and elsewhere, including West Virginia.
Today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg, Giles was sentenced to 25 years in Federal prison.
“Heroin is destroying families and communities all across the Commonwealth and only through the type of cooperative law enforcement we are seeing in places like Winchester and up and down the Shenandoah Valley will we in the law enforcement community begin to make progress in putting an end to this tragic epidemic,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today.
“This case is an example of what can be accomplished with the cooperative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, and the United States Attorney’s Office,” Virginia State Police Supervisory Special Agent Jay Perry, coordinator of the Task Force, said. “The hundreds of investigative hours that were put into this case resulted in multiple convictions of heroin dealers both locally and from the Baltimore, Maryland area. Tragically, this investigation, like many others, began with a fatal overdose. Through the diligent efforts of investigators and prosecutors we were able to identify and target the larger scale dealers from Baltimore that were supplying our region.”
“The sentencing of Mr. Giles today ends a tragedy that played out in our communities in Western Virginia, affecting dozens of families and loved ones of his victims. Mr. Giles will now face the consequences of his actions. Prescription opioids like OxyContin and hydrocodone are fueling the demand for heroin. This addiction is tearing the fibers of communities, of our families, apart. This investigation is just one of many that exemplify drug law enforcement’s efforts to investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations, like Mr. Giles’ organization, responsible for fueling heroin addiction and overdose deaths,” said Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Karl C. Colder.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth G. Wright, Giles, who operated in various locations in and around Baltimore, Maryland, was a major source of heroin for lower-level dealers and heroin users in the Winchester area. Evidence presented also proved that the heroin Giles distributed led to at least six heroin overdoses, including three fatal overdoses. The overdoses include the death of T.R.C. on November 17, 2013, the death of R.F.L. on March 19-20, 2014, the overdose of J.H.H. on March 21, 2014, the overdose of B.D.W. on April 5, 2014, the overdose of G.R.F. on September 5, 2014, and the death of B.E.W. on October 10, 2014.
As part of his plea, Giles specifically admitted he provided the heroin that led to the non-fatal overdoses of J.H.H. and B.D.W. and the fatal overdose of R.F.L., as noted above, in March and April 2014. Three other defendants, Colin Patrick Butler, 31, of Cross Junction, Virginia, David Josueh Medina, 35, of Cross Junction, Virginia, and Eric Keith Pennington, 33, of Middletown, Virginia, have previously been sentenced in federal court based upon the overdose of J.H.H. Two other defendants, Stephanie Diane Alkire, 23, of Winchester, Virginia, and Donna Jean Jenkins, 37, of Winchester, Virginia, have previously been sentenced in federal court based upon the overdose of B.D.W. Two other defendants, Scott Matthew Pierce, 45, of Stephens City, Virginia, and Brandy Dawn Kelly, 37, of Stephens City, Virginia, have previously been sentenced in federal court based upon the overdose of R.F.L.
One other defendant, Warren Evans, Jr., 39, of Windsor Mill, Maryland, has entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 1,000 grams of heroin, more than 280 grams of crack, and powder cocaine, and conspiracy to distribute heroin that resulted in the fatal overdose of R.F.L. At sentencing, Evans faces a statutory penalty of between 20 years and life in prison.
The investigation of these cases was conducted by the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Winchester Resident Office. The Task Force includes law enforcement from the counties of Frederick, Clarke, Shenandoah, Warren and Page as well as the cities and towns of Winchester, Front Royal and Strasburg, and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth G. Wright prosecuted the cases for the United States.
Former General Counsel for BVU Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – For the second time in as many days, a former official with the Bristol Virginia Utilities Authority pled guilty to federal conspiracy charges United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
G. Walter Bressler, 73, of Bristol, Virginia, waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty this afternoon in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon to a one count Information charging him with conspiracy to commit program fraud and having knowledge of the actual commission of felony and concealing such felony from the United States.
“Mr. Bressler had a requirement as general counsel for BVU to ensure they were following the law and he failed in that duty,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “
“Public corruption, which includes the illegal mishandling of taxpayer funded programs, is the FBI’s highest criminal investigative priority. The Bristol Virginia Utilities Authority mess is an example of what can happen when corruption is tolerated by government officials and employees,” said Adam S. Lee, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division.
“Today’s plea is a reminder that IRS-CI will remain vigilant in our investigation of these financial fraud schemes and will continue working with our law enforcement partners to combat this type of criminal conduct,” said Thomas Jankowski , Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington D.C. Field Office.
According to evidence presented at today’s hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Bressler was employed as General Counsel for BVU from January 1, 2009 to March 1, 2015. As part of his duties as General Counsel, Bressler was involved in the negotiations between Company #1 and BVU. BVU entered into an agreement with Company #1 that if BVU signed a contract for services with Company #1, then Company #1 would pay to entertain BVU executives, to include Bressler, and BVU Board Members and employee during a site visit in Dallas, Texas in November 2011. This entertainment included the payment of hotel expenses, limousine services, meals and tickets to a Dallas Cowboys football game, including access to a luxury box. In all, Company #1 paid more than $10,000 to entertain BVU executives and Board Members during the weekend of November 5, 2011 and November 8, 2011. Company #1 entered into a contract with BVU for the amount of $4,496,096.
On or about and between August 2013 and September 31, 2013, allegations of misconduct on the part of Wes Rosenbalm were brought to the attention of the BVU Board of Directors and Bressler. These allegations were discussed in multiple board meetings during executive sessions, during which Bressler was present.
On September 16, 2013 a BVU Board of Directors Meeting was held, after entering into executive session, the BVU Board of Directors, with Bressler present, discussed the implications of the alleged misconduct of Rosenbalm, specifically the BVU Board of Directors discussed the receipt of tickets by Rosenbalm from vendors and contractors engaged in business with BVU and the implications that the acceptance of those gifts violated the Virginia Procurement Act.
BVU Board Members also discussed the possibility that vendors who were not awarded contracts in favor of those who gave gifts were going to “raise all kinds of ruckus.” During the course of the executive session, board members, with Bressler present, discussed the possibility that other BVU employees, specifically, Stacy Pomrenke and David Copeland, were also mentioned as being involved in illegal activity associated with vendors of BVU.
During the September 16, 2013 executive session, BVU Board Members, with Bressler present, had specific discussions about violations of federal law, the types of violations that had occurred and the consequences of those violations. However, following those discussions neither any of the Board Members or Bressler decided to contact law enforcement with the information that state and federal law had been violated, but instead determined it was best to provide Wes Rosenbalm with a severance package in hopes that any allegations of misconduct by Rosenbalm, other BVU employees, or BVU Board Members would not be made public or become known to law enforcement.
On or about September 25, 2013, the BVU Board of Directors entered into an agreement with Rosenbalm to pay Rosenbalm a severance package of $269,420 in return for his resignation as CEO of BVU.
BVU Board Member #1, independently, and without support of the Board of Directors, brought his concerns about misconduct at BVU to the attention of law enforcement on or about October 21, 2013.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne prosecuted the case for the United States.
Former BVU Board Chairman Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – The former Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Bristol Virginia Utilities Authority pled guilty this morning in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon to a Federal conspiracy charge, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Bruce J. Clifton Jr., 64, of Bristol, Va., waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty this morning to a one count Information charging him with conspiracy to commit program fraud and having knowledge of the actual commission of felony and concealing such felony from the United States.
“The level of corruption at BVU was overwhelming,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “In cooperation with our partners in law enforcement, we continue to dismantle these corrupt individuals and put those who have profited from corruption in federal prison.”
“The sheer number of FBI investigations and subsequent charges against individuals involved in the Bristol Virginia Utilities Authority should demonstrate the government’s commitment to seeking out and holding accountable those who manipulate the system for their personal gain. Public corruption continues to be the Bureau’s top criminal priority. We encourage the public to continue to report suspicious activity; through their concern and information the FBI strives to wipe out corruption at all levels,” said Adam S. Lee, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division.
According to evidence presented at today’s hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Clifton was a citizen member of the BVU Board of Directors from January 2, 2010 through March 27, 2016, having served as the Chairman of the Board from July 2015 to March 27, 2016.
In 2011, BVU entered into an agreement with Company #1. The agreement stated that if BVU signed a contract with Company #1, Company #1 would pay to entertain BVU executives and BVU Board Members in Dallas, Texas. This entertainment included the payment of hotel expenses, limousine services, meals and tickets to an NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Seattle Seahawks on November 6, 2011, in which not only tickets would be provided but also access to a luxury suite would be available. On or about September 29, 2011, a contract was entered into with Company #1 and funds in the amount of $4,496,096 were allocated by BVU to pay Company #1.
On or about November 5, 2011 and November 8, 2011, Wes Rosenbalm, Bruce J. Clifton Jr., and other members of the BVU Board of Directors, traveled to Dallas, Texas. During this trip, these individuals attended a Dallas Cowboys football game, stayed at the Westin Park Central Hotel, were transported by a limousine service, were provided a tour of Dallas, Texas, and were provided multiple meals, all at the expense of Company #1.
The total value of the services and things of value provided to Clifton, individually, was approximately, $2,500. The total costs to Company #1 for providing these services and things of value to Clifton and BVU employees and BVU Board Members, exceeded $10,000. On or about January 9, 2012, Clifton completed his Virginia state mandated financial disclosure form for the year 2011 and did not disclose the payment of expenses and things of value he received from Company #1 for his trip to Dallas, Texas.
In addition, Clifton, who is a general sales manager of Company #2, used his position on the BVU Board of Directors and worked with BVU Employee #3, to ensure that Company #2 secured bids to provide BVU with fleet vehicles. Clifton ensured Company #2 won bids to provide vehicles to BVU by getting information from BVU Employee #3 about each bid submitted and then adjusting the bid from Company #2 to ensure it was the lowest bid. When Employee #3 passed away in April 2011, Clifton approached BVU Employee #4 and explained that Employee #3 would tell Clifton when he was not the low bidder for a contract and when Clifton needed to “sharpen his pencil.”
On or about July 17, 2015, Clifton was interviewed by an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and admitted that Clifton had told another car salesman that he had been provided inside information related to bids received by BVU for the purchase of automobiles.
Clifton admitted today that on September 16, 2013, the BVU Board of Directors met and after entering executive session, discussed the implications of alleged misconduct of Wes Rosenbalm. During that meeting, which BVU Board Members did not know was being recorded, members discussed the fact that many of the board members had engaged in similar activity, including accepting tickets and attending the previous trip to Dallas, Texas, which had been paid for by a vendor. Board members also discussed that many other employees could get wrapped up in a scandal if the information related to Wes Rosenbalm came to light in public. Specifically, Stacey Pomrenke and David Copeland were employees mentioned as potentially being involved in illegal activity associated with vendors of BVU.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne prosecuted the case for the United States.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Event Set for April 10 in CharlottesvilleRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – The Jefferson Area Victim Assistance Coalition will host a Community Day on Sunday, April 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ntelos Wireless Pavilion on the downtown mall in Charlottesville to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 10-16).
“Protecting the rights and dignity of the victims of crimes is as important a part of the administration of justice as any other aspect of an investigation or prosecution,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “The United States Attorney’s Office strives to work in cooperation with all of our local, state and federal law enforcement and service provider partners to ensure the victims of crimes are treated with respect, dignity and have their rights protected at all times.”
The Community Day, which is free and open to the public, has been planned as a family friendly, interactive event with demonstrations and information available from dozens of local agencies. There will be plenty for kids to see and do, including police motorcycles, fire trucks, police cars, and demonstrations by local K9 Officers and therapy dogs. Many of the local agencies will have plenty of giveaways for the kids.
In addition, there will information available for parents, including DNA and fingerprinting kits available, anti-bullying information, tips on home safeguarding, self-defense and how to avoid falling victim to a scam.
The Jefferson Area Victim Assistance Coalition consists of members form the Albemarle Co. Victim/Witness Program, Charlottesville Victim/Witness Program, Fluvanna County Victim/Witness Program, Greene County Victim/Witness Program, Homeland Security Victim/Witness Program, Louisa County Victim/Witness Program, Sexual Assault Resource Agency, University of Virginia Victim/Witness Program and the United States Attorney’s Office Victim/Witness Program.
Local Agencies participating in Sunday’s event include: the Jefferson Area Victim Assistance Coalition, Charlottesville Fire Department, Charlottesville Police Department, Fluvanna County Sheriff’s Office, Charlottesville Sheriff, Offender Aid and Restoration, Shelter for Help in Emergency, Sexual Assault Resource Agency, The Women’s Agency, The Women’s Initiative, Louisa Sheriff’s Office, United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, Homeland Security Investigations, Foothills Child Advocacy Center, Help Save the Next Girl, CVLAS/SAAF, Albemarle County Police Department, Albemarle County DSS, UVA Police Department and the Charlottesville Albemarle Rescue Squad.
Jonesville Man Sentenced on Murder for Hire ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – A Jonesville, Virginia man, who previously pled guilty to attempting to hire someone to murder a Pennington Gap Police Officer, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon on a pair of related federal charges, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.
Harold Wayne Owen, 49, of Jonesville, Va., pled guilty in 2015 to one count of the use of a facility of interstate commerce to commit murder for hire and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Today in District Court, Owen was sentenced to 248 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release thereafter.
“Mr. Owen tried to have one of the brave men who protect our communities murdered for simply doing his job,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “Every day, men and women all across this country put on a uniform to serve and protect their communities. It’s an honorable and oftentimes dangerous job. This case should show that we will do whatever we can to protect those officers when their lives are threatened in any way.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Owen attempted to hire an individual [ATF-CI] to kill a Pennington Gap, Virginia police officer whom Owens held a grudge against for previously administering a field sobriety test to Owen during a traffic stop for driving under the influence.
Beginning on December 15, 2014, Owen approached ATF-CI and said he was waiting for a $100,000 insurance settlement and asked if ATF-CI wanted to do something for him for $20,000. Owen said he would tell ATF-CI more about the job later. The next day, Owen told ATF-CI there was a police officer working for the Pennington Gap Police Department who had been harassing him and he wanted something done. On December 17, 2014, Owen called ATF-CI and gave him a detailed physical description of the police officer (which matched an officer working for the department at the time) and further stated that a picture of the intended target could be found in the newspaper. Owen told ATF-CI he could not possess a firearm because he was a felon but said he could provide a .223 rifle to use for the job, which again Owen said would pay $20,000.
On January 6, 2015, ATF-CI met with Owen at his residence to again discuss the plan to be paid $20,000 to murder a Pennington Gap police officer. During that meeting, Owen again described the officer and talked about how the ticket he wrote Owen ruined him. ATF-CI mentioned that he was a felon and could not purchase a firearm, Owen stated that he, too, was a felon but could “take care of everything you need.” The two men talked about staging an alibi for Owen during the time the murder was to take place and the type of firearm that would be used for the murder. At one point during the conversation, AFT-CI asked Owen if killing the officer was worth it. Owen said no, but “I’m a grudge keeping fu**er.” Owen said he did not know where the officer lived but could find out. ATF-CI said he wanted to be sure the officer he killed was the right one, Owen said he did too because he couldn’t afford to pay ATF-CI to kill two police officers.
On January 14, 2015, Owen met with ATF-CI and told him he expected his insurance claim money to be paid in the next thirty to sixty days. For killing the Pennington Gap Police Office, Owen told ATF-CI he would pay him $12,000 if he received a $100,000 insurance check, $15,000 if he received $115,000 and $20,000 if he received more than $130,000. Owen also told ATF-CI that he would get him a .223 rifle, 308 rifle or a hand gun. Owen said if AFT-CI was going to use a rifle, there was a water tower they could sit in with a straight view of the Pennington Gap Police Department.
On February 7, 2015, Owen facilitated the sale of a firearm, an AK-47 style rifle, from a third party, to ATF-CI, for use in the murder for hire plot to kill the Pennington Gap Police Officer.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Pennington Gap Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee prosecuted the case for the United States.
Martinsville Man Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
DANVILLE, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today the sentencing of a Martinsville, Virginia man who was convicted of illegally reentering the United States after being previously deported.
Ruben Canela-Nunuez, of Martinsville, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien. Tuesday in the District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Danville, Canela-Nunez was sentenced to eight months in federal prison.
“Upholding the nation’s immigration laws is an important part of the work of the United States Attorney’s Office,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney C. Patrick Hogeboom III, Canela-Nunez was arrested in Martinsville, Va. in July 2015 and was found to have illegally reentered the United States after being deported on multiple occasions, including his removal from Hidalgo, Texas in January 2015.
The investigation of the case was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney C. Patrick Hogeboom III and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro prosecuted the case for the United States.
Hillsville Man Sentenced on Bank Fraud, Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today the sentencing of a Hillsville man on a bank fraud charge and tax evasion charge.
Robert Donald Morgan III, 44, of Hillsville, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to willfully fail to pay taxes. Tuesday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, Morgan was sentenced to six months imprisonment and ordered to pay $284,796 in restitution.
“This defendant betrayed his duties as a bookkeeper and accountant for his own personal gain,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick said today. “I am grateful to the agents and investigators who worked hard to bring this defendant to justice.”
“Today’s sentencing serves as a reminder that committing fraud is inexcusable and IRS-CI is committed to working with the United States Attorney’s Office to bring culpable individuals to justice,” said Thomas Jankowski, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington D.C. Field Office.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer R. Bockhorst, between April 2013 and March 2015, Morgan executed a scheme to defraud Grayson National bank through a series of false representations. Morgan has admitted that while working as a bookkeeper and accountant for Company A, he fraudulently caused checks to be deposited into his own personal bank account without authority. In all, Morgan fraudulently obtained $66,776.
In addition, Morgan, and others, at Company A, devised and executed a scheme in which a portion of some employees’ salaries would be in cash and therefore lessening the payroll tax burden owed by Company A.
The investigation of the case was conducted by agents of the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Secret Service, and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer R. Bockhorst prosecuted the case for the United States.
Federal Agents Make Third Arrest in Operation Ice StormRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – A Charlottesville man was arrested this morning and charged with federal drug trafficking charges in relation to a larger investigation into the trafficking of methamphetamine into the Charlottesville area, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Jose Alfredo Gonzalez-Martinez, 32, of Charlottesville, was arrested this morning on a federal criminal complaint and charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Gonzales-Martinez is the third man charged in recent months as part of Operation Ice Storm, a federal law enforcement initiative targeting those trafficking methamphetamine into and around the greater Charlottesville area.
“Methamphetamine, especially the more potent ‘Ice’ form of the drug some of these defendants are trafficking in, is devastatingly addictive,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “The use and addiction to this drug has a dramatic effect on our communities and our families and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to do all we can to stop the flow of this dangerous substance into our communities.”
Gonzales-Martinez is the third man charged as part of Operation Ice Storm, a multi-agency operation headed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and in partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The operation’s goal is to target larger distributors and traffickers of methamphetamine into Charlottesville and surrounding areas.
In addition to today’s charges against Gonzalez-Martinez, two other men, Alfonso Lopez-Rios, 33, of Charlottesville, Va. and John Mark Fisher, 54, of Roanoke, Va., have both previously pled guilty to charges brought as part of Operation Ice Storm.
Lopez-Rios pled guilty in August 2015 to possession with intent to distribute and distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Lopez-Rios has admitted to participating in a larger conspiracy in which he would travel from Charlottesville, Virginia to North Carolina to obtain large quantities of methamphetamine. In his travels, Lopez-Rios would also drive to Roanoke to sell half-pound and pound quantities of methamphetamine to Fisher, another high-level distributor in the Roanoke area. In January 2016, Fisher pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute and distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Lopez-Rios and Fisher are scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2016, and April 15, 2016, respectively.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh is prosecuting the case for the United States.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Culpeper Man Sentenced on Heroin ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick announced today the sentencing of a man who was previously convicted of distributing heroin and crack cocaine.
Paul Vincent Brown, 40, of Culpeper, Virginia, previously waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty to an Information charging him with one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine.
Today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville, Brown was sentenced to 120 months incarceration, followed by three years of supervised release. In addition, Brown was sentenced today to an additional 48 months in federal prison for violating the terms of his supervised release from a previous conviction.
“We must continue to be vigilant in our fight against heroin abuse,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “We will continue to work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to not only put those in jail who sell this drug, but also support those providers who offer treatment and prevention options to addicts.”
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office and the Culpeper Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Ronald Huber prosecuted the case for the United States.
Roanoke Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke man, who came to be in possession of firearms stolen from a local home last summer, pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Brian Collins, 43, of Roanoke, Virginia, pled guilty today to one count of being a previously convicted felon illegally in possession of a firearm.
“This case, like so many others we prosecute, involves a prohibited user possessing a firearm, something that we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to combat,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “I firmly believe that keeping illegal guns off our streets is an important step in keeping our communities safe and we continue to work every day toward that goal.”
According to evidence presented at today’s hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day, on August 24, 2015 a home in Vinton, Virginia was burglarized and at least six firearms were stolen. Following a thorough investigation by the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, it was determined that Collins, who was not involved in the burglary, was in possession of some of the firearms taken during the burglary.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day prosecuted the case for the United States.
Former CEO of Karlise In-Home Care Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – The former CEO of a home health care provider that operated in the Western District of Virginia, and who previously pled guilty to a pair of federal criminal charges, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville, announced United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. and Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring.
Amanda Moye Randolph, 43, of Palmyra, Virginia, pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of theft of public money and one count of falsification of records in relation to a federal investigation. Today in District Court, Randolph was sentenced to eight months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, the first eight months of which must be served in some alternate form of incarceration. Randolph was also ordered to pay $136,574 in restitution.
“Medicaid and other social programs are in place to help those in our communities who are truly in need of assistance,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick said today. “When individuals like Ms. Randolph steal from these important social programs, they must be held accountable. I am grateful to be able to work with the Office of the Attorney General on this case, as always, the Medicaid Fraud Unit did great work in bringing this case together.”
“We will always work to hold providers accountable for fraudulent and illegal business practices that steal from taxpayers and from vulnerable individuals who rely on these important programs for medical care. Our close relationships with state and federal partners, including the U.S Attorney’s office and the Department of Medical Assistance Services, are key to successfully pursuing these cases,” said Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald Huber, Randolph was the CEO of Karlise In-Home Care, a Medicaid home health care provider, from April 2008 to June 2014. From around December 2008 to April 2014, Randolph knowingly concealed her employment at Karlise from the United States Social Security Administration and the United States Department of Health and Human Services during the application for, and continued receipt of, disability benefits and supplement security income benefits. An accounting completed by those two agencies concluded that Randolph received $80,735 in connection with these fraudulent schemes.
In January 2013, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Virginia Office of the Attorney General initiated a criminal investigation of Karlise following a complaint that Randolph had fabricated missing documentation from patient files. In furtherance of this investigation, the Department of Medical Assistance Services [DMAS] conducted a series of on-site audits of Karlise and requested to examine specific patient files that had previously been submitted for billing. Prior to turning these files over to auditors, Randolph examined these forms, determined that they were missing required information and/or signatures and, in turn, forged this information in order to prevent DMAS auditors from discovering discrepancies in Karlise patient files.
Randolph was aware that if discrepancies were discovered by DMAS, Karlise would in turn be required to reimburse Medicaid for the incorrectly documented services.
A subsequent review by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for the Virginia Office of the Attorney General has concluded that Medicaid incurred a loss of $55,838 as a result of the falsified documentation in Karlise patient files.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Medical Assistance Services, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Social Security Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Ronald Huber prosecuted the case for the United States.
Pair Pleads Guilty in Connection to Thefts from Appomattox Gun StoreRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA – Two months after a federally licensed firearms dealer in Appomattox, Virginia was burglarized and 56 guns were stolen, two of the men who took part in the break-in, have pled guilty in Federal court to related charges, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
In separate hearings today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Lynchburg, Dequan Montez Kelso, 22, and Kwamane Jarrae McCoy, 22, both of Appomattox, Virginia, each pled guilty to one count of being a previously convicted felon illegally in possession of a firearm.
“Keeping illegal guns out of the hands of prohibited users is a priority of the United States Attorney’s Office,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “In order to keep our communities safe, we must continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to find these guns and get them off the streets. I am grateful to the ATF for putting up a $10,000 reward in this case and am hopeful it will lead to the recovery of some of these firearms.”
“Today's guilty pleas are due in large part to the teamwork of Appomattox County deputies, commanded by Sherriff Barry Letterman, the Virginia State Police including their dive team, the Western District of Virginia U.S Attorney's Office, the ATF Roanoke Field Office agents and our state and local partners,” said ATF Washington Field Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Boxler. “The ATF Washington Field Division remains committed to investigating thefts from firearms dealers and working with the firearms industry to prevent them.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford, in January 2016, TNT Outfitters in Appomattox, Virginia was burglarized by four, masked individuals in the middle of the night. These individuals stole 56 firearms. Following a thorough investigation by the ATF, Virginia State Police and the Appomattox County Sheriff’s Office, McCoy and Kelso were identified as being involved in the burglary and were soon located and found to be in possession of some of the stolen firearms. They were subsequently arrested and today admitted their involvement in the incident.
Many of the stolen firearms, including a Glock 17, HiPoint C9, Smith and Wesson M&P 9 Pro, Remington Model 700 Shotgun and a Ruger Mini 14 .223 Rifle remain missing. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have offered a $10,000 reward to anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of these missing firearms. Anyone with information can contact the ATF at 1-800-283-4867.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Virginia State Police and the Appomattox Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.
Galax Woman Sentenced on Oxycodone ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – A former licensed nurse practitioner, who illegally prescribed more than 3,700 pills of 15 mg oxycodone pills, was sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick announced today.
Gloria W. “Faye” Kennedy, 52, of Richlands, Virginia, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute oxycodone. Yesterday in District Court she was sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 46 months.
“The abuse of prescription pain killers has decimated communities in Southwest Virginia and all across the Western District,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick said today. “The abuse of prescription opioids, quite often, leads to the abuse of more dangerous and addictive drugs, like heroin. We must continue to be vigilant in prosecuting those who provide rescription drugs for illicit purposes.”
Between April 22, 2014 and September 3, 2015, Kennedy and her husband, Darryl Lynn Wells, conspired to distribute 3,780 pills of 15 mg oxycodone, without a legitimate medical purpose. Kennedy, using her position as a licensed medical practitioner, wrote prescriptions in the name of her husband and various other people for the purpose of having the prescriptions filled. The pills were then illegally distributed. Evidence was presented at yesterday’s sentencing hearing that Kennedy was upset with Wells because he was not selling all of the pills.
Kennedy’s husband, Darrell Lynn Wells, was previously sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 41 months for his role in the offense.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency Tactical Diversion Squad, with the assistance of the Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Virginia State Police, and Tazewell Regional Drug Task Force. Special Assistant United States Attorney Brian Patton and Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States.
Abingdon Woman Sentenced on Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – An Abingdon woman who was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Shanna Danielle Moorefield, 29, of Abingdon, Virginia, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Moorefield was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release thereafter.
“Methamphetamine, especially this powerful ‘ice’ form of methamphetamine,’ destroys the lives of those addicted to this dangerous drug,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “My office will continue to be vigilant in working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to prosecute those who profit off the addictions of others.”
Moorefield was part of a conspiracy that operated in Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee and transported and distributed “ice” methamphetamine in the area.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bristol Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Bristol Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Virginia State Police, the Sheriff's Offices of Washington County, Russell County, Tazewell County, and Smyth County, the Commonwealth's Attorney's Offices of Russell County and Tazewell County and the police departments of Abingdon and Lebanon. Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne prosecuted the case for the United States.
Winchester Man Sentenced for Computer CrimeRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA – A Winchester man, who previously pled guilty to a federal computer crime, was sentenced today in the United States District for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Christopher Thomas Wood, 52, of Winchester, Virginia, previously pled guilty to one count of intentionally accessing and exceeding authorized access to a computer. Today in District Court, Wood was ordered to pay a fine of $2,000 and $61,710 in restitution.
“The prosecution of this case should serve as notice to everyone that the United States Attorney’s Office and our partners in law enforcement will investigate and punish those individuals who access protected computers without authorization,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today.
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Grayson Hoffman through a filed statement of facts, Wood worked for a company, “Victim Company,” that had offices and operations in Winchester, Virginia. Wood worked as a web developer in the IT department at Victim Company.
On or about January 8, 2014, the defendant was fired from Victim Company. As a result, Victim Company deactivated Wood’s electronic credentials which had given him access to the company’s internal computer network and file server systems. Shortly after being fired, Wood went home to his residence in the Winchester area, and through his home computer, remotely logged onto Victim Company’s computer system using another employee’s credentials, without that employee’s knowledge or consent.
Wood accessed Victim Company’s database, without their consent, and deleted many files from the company’s servers and disabled some of Victim Company’s accounts. When Victim Company noticed the damage they contacted law enforcement.
On February 4, 2015, law enforcement investigators interviewed Wood at his home, at which time he admitted to logging onto the company’s computer system, without their consent, and while using another employee’s credentials. He admitted that he deleted files and disabled accounts because he was upset about losing his job. IP information obtained by investigators corroborate that a computer in Wood’s home did in fact access Victim Company’s computer systems. It was later determined that Victim Company spent approximately $61,710 as a result of the damage caused by the defendant’s actions.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Grayson Hoffman is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Roanoke Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke man, who previously pled guilty to being a convicted sex offender who failed to properly register as such, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Donato Antonio Richardson, 37, of Roanoke, Virginia, pled guilty in December 2015 to one count of failing to register as a convicted sex offender. Today in District Court, Richardson was sentenced to 30 months in Federal prison and five years of supervised release thereafter.
“The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act is in place to keep our communities safe,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “When those required to submit to the rules of SORNA do not comply, they must be held accountable.”
According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day, Richardson was released from the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons on July 15, 2015 and began serving a term of supervised release. However, Richardson failed to report to his federal probation officer within 72 hours of his release, as required and also failed to register with the District of Columbia Sex Offender Registry. On August 27, 2015, following an investigation by the United States Marshals Service, Richardson was arrested in Roanoke, Virginia.
The investigation of the case was conducted by United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day prosecuted the case for the United States.
Man Pleads Guilty to Directing Sophisticated Tax Scheme from State PrisonRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced the guilty plea of a Virginia man who, while incarcerated in Tennessee state prison, organized and participated in a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.
David Witt, 36, of Jonesville, Virginia, pled guilty yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western of Virginia in Abingdon to one count of making false, fictitious or fraudulent claims and one count of conspiring to defraud the United States Government in respect to claims. A co-defendant in the case, William Ziehler, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison on related charges earlier this month.
“The United States Attorney’s Office takes seriously the responsibility of ensuring the integrity of our tax paying system,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “Prosecutions, like this one, that holds accountable those who attempt to defraud the system, should serve as an example to those looking to do harm to the system.”
According to evidence presented in District Court by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne, Witt, and others, participated in a sophisticated conspiracy to defraud the federal government. The scheme began when Witt, at the time an inmate in a Tennessee state prison, gathered personally identifiable information (including birth dates and social security numbers) belonging to other inmates, which he then used that information to complete Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040s. These Form 1040s contained false information, including false addresses outside of prison and false claims that the inmates were due a tax refund based on wages never earned by those inmates. Subsequently, these Form 1040s were sent to persons outside of the prison who then forwarded the Form 1040s to the IRS for processing. Based on these Form 1040s, the IRS issued tax refund checks in the names of these inmates and sent the checks to addresses associated with Witt’s accomplices in the scheme. Many of these tax refund checks were cashed at banks throughout Southwest Virginia by persons using fraudulent power-of-attorney forms. Return payment was made to Witt and others by use of electronic transfers, such as MoneyGram, and by other means.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service. Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne prosecuted the case for the United States.
Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute HeroinRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today the sentencing of a Roanoke man on federal heroin charges after he pled guilty last year in the United States District Court.
Dawayne Lamar Gibson, 27, of Roanoke, Virginia, pled guilty in December 2015 to one count of conspiring to distribute a measurable quantity of heroin. Today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, Gibson was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison.
“The Western District of Virginia has seen heroin rip through our communities and tear lives apart,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “Those who profit from the addiction of others, like Mr. Gibson, must be held accountable for their actions. However, we must also work to support those organizations helping treat those addicted to this deadly drug.”
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Roanoke City Police Department, the Virginia State Police and officials with the Roanoke HIDTA. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States
Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
DANVILLE, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today the guilty plea of a Henry County man to a federal firearms charge.
Barry Latwan Lowe, 41, of Henry County, Virginia pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Danville to one count of being a previously convicted felon illegally in possession of a firearm.
“The United States Attorney’s Office continues to stays focused on getting illegal guns off the streets,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick said today.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.
Abingdon Man Sentenced on Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – An Abingdon man was sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon on federal drug conspiracy charges, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Michael Bowman, 59, of Abingdon, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Yesterday in District Court, Bowman was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release thereafter. The defendant was also ordered to forfeit real property, multiple firearms, and ammunition.
“Ice methamphetamine is particularly addictive and deadly form of methamphetamine which is destroying communities and ruining lives,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick said today. “Today’s sentence sends the message that we will not tolerate these substances coming into our communities and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to put those who deal this deadly drug in federal prison.”
According to evidence presented to the District Court, Bowman was the head of a large, “ice” methamphetamine conspiracy that operated in Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky and Tennessee. In approximately 2013-2014, Bowman, and others, regularly received large supplies of ice methamphetamine from sources of supply in the Southwest United States.
Bowman and his co-conspirators would typically transport this ice methamphetamine from the Southwest United States to Virginia and Kentucky via interstate highways, coordinating among themselves to avoid law enforcement drug interdiction efforts along the way. Once in Virginia, Bowman would sell the drug to others, who would further distribute it for sale to end users.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bristol Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Bristol Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Virginia State Police, the Sheriff's Offices of Washington County, Russell County, Tazewell County, and Smyth County, the Commonwealth's Attorney's Offices of Russell County and Tazewell County and the police departments of Abingdon and Lebanon. Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne prosecuted the case for the United States.
Roanoke Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin ChargeRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today the guilty plea of a man to a federal heroin distribution charge.
Michael Anthony Kemp II, 35, of Roanoke, Va., pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke to one count of conspiring to distribute heroin.
“Heroin is ruining lives and destroying communities all across Western Virginia,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “We will continue to do all we can to prosecute those who deal in this highly addictive and deadly drug and provide support and treatment to those who are suffering from addiction.”
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Roanoke City Police Department and the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.
North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – A North Carolina man pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke to federal drug conspiracy charges, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
Bradley Scott Kennedy, 37, of Jonesville, North Carolina, pled guilty today in District Court to one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.
“In conjunction with a robust coalition of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies we have been able to make significant progress in the fight against methamphetamine distribution,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “However, there is still work to be done and we will continue to be vigilant in investigating and prosecuting those who manufacture and distribute this dangerous this substance.”
The investigation of the case was conducted the Virginia State Police, the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office, the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, the Galax Police Department, the Carroll County Sherriff’s Office, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley B. Neese prosecuted the case for the United States.
Cincinnati Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Importing Drugs into U.S.Read the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today the guilty plea of an Ohio man to conspiracy charges for illegally importing prescription drugs into the United States.
Michael Louis, 60, of Cincinnati, Ohio, waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon to one count of conspiring to illegally import prescription drugs into the United States and to illegally distribute tramadol.
“We are glad to work with our partners at the Food and Drug Administration to ensure the quality and authenticity of the drugs coming into our country,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. said today. “It is important for consumers in this country to know that what they are consuming is safe and approved.”
United States District Judge James P. Jones scheduled a sentencing hearing for June 6, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. in Abingdon.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States.
Bristol Man Indicted on Federal Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury sitting in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke has charged a Bristol, Virginia man with a variety of federal tax charges, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.
In an indictment returned under seal on March 3, 2016 and unsealed today following the defendant’s initial court appearance in District Court, the grand jury has charged Charles Doughty Sewell, 65, of Bristol, Va., with one count of impending or impairing the due administration of the Internal Revenue Service and four counts of tax perjury.
According to the indictment, Sewell resided in Bristol, Virginia, earned income and was provided W-2 forms by his employer. On January 2, 2010, a Final Judgment of Permanent Injunction against Sewell was entered in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon. The judgment was entered as a result of a stipulation between Sewell and the United States and permanently enjoined the defendant from engaging in any activity subject to penalty under the Internal Revenue Code and any conduct that interferes with the administration and enforcement of the internal revenue law.
The indictment alleges that between July 2010 and February 2015, Sewell did impede the due administration of the Internal Revenue Code by filing false tax returns and engaging in conduct, the likely effect of which was to mislead and to conceal income from the Internal Revenue Service.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney C. Patrick Hogeboom III will prosecute the case for the United States.
Roanoke Woman Pleads Guilty to Heroin ChargeRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today the guilty plea of a Roanoke woman on charges that she conspired with others to distribute heroin.
Camilla Bridget Ward, 25, of Roanoke, Va., pled guilty last week in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin.
“The use of heroin has destroyed communities throughout the Western District of Virginia,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick said today. “The number of overdose deaths has risen in the past few years to epidemic levels. We will work with our law enforcement partners to continue to be vigilant in doing what we can to take those who distribute this substance off the streets and provide support to those seeking help for their addiction.”
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Roanoke City Police Department and officials with the Baltimore/Washington HIDTA. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.