Western District of Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Synthetic Drug Supplier SentencedRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA -- A Baltimore man, who pleaded guilty to supplying synthetic drugs to drug dealers in Central Virginia, was sentenced this afternoon in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg to related drug charges.
Carlo Ernesto D’Addario, 43, of Baltimore, Maryland, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute a controlled substance analogue. Today in District Court, D’Addario was sentenced to one-year in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release with the first six months being served as home detention.
“By bringing synthetic drugs into our communities, Mr. D’Addario endangered the health and safety of Virginians,” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “These substances are volatile and dangerous, as reflected in a recent surge in emergency room visits and violent outbursts by users. Cases like this one demonstrate our commitment to prosecuting those who seek to profit on the sale of these dangerous illegal drugs. We will also continue to provide information about the dangers of these synthetic drugs and warn users and others about the potential for unanticipated health effects that often result from the use of these substances.”
D’Addario previously admitted to supplying synthetic drugs, also known as bath salts, to drug dealers in and around Augusta County. He has admitted that he transported the synthetic drugs from the Baltimore to Augusta County where he then sold the drugs to Holly Sprouse, a resident of Augusta County. Sprouse has previously pled guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute a controlled substance analogue.The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ronald Huber is prosecuting the case for the United States.
Harrisonburg Woman Pleads Guilty to Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA -- A local woman who sold the drugs that ultimately led to the overdose death of a Timberville, Va. man, pled guilty yesterday afternoon in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg to related charges.
Jacie Elizabeth Kyger, 28, of Harrisonburg, Va., waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to a one count Information charging her with distributing Fentanyl. As part of the plea agreement, Kyger has agreed to a 15-year sentence recommendation in Federal prison.
“This case shows how dangerous and highly addictive drugs like Fetanyl can be,” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “Ms. Kyger exploited the weakness of others when she sold Fetanyl, and her acts ultimately led to an untimely death. When it comes to the problem of drug abuse, we must bring a comprehensive approach which combines enforcement with prevention and treatment.”
According to a statement of facts entered into evidence by Assistant United States Attorney Grayson Hoffman and agreed to by the defendant, Kyger had an on-going narcotics relationship with Kevin Michael Moyer. The investigation revealed a large number of text messages sent between the two establishing that relationship and discussing Moyer purchasing Fentanyl from Kyger.In early November 2011, the two discussed, via text message, Kyger selling Moyer a Fentanyl patch and two Percocet pills. On November 4, 2011, Kyger sold Moyer the drugs for $60. On the morning of November 5, 2011, the body of Kevin Michael Moyer was found lying on the floor of his parent’s home. A syringe containing a liquid containing Fentanyl and a portion of a Fentanyl patch were found next to Moyer’s body in his parent’s bathroom. The Medical Examiner for the Commonwealth of Virginia concluded that Mr. Moyer died of “acute fentanyl toxicity.”
The investigation of the case was conducted by the RUSH Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Harrisonburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Grayson Hoffman will prosecute the case for the United States.
Ten Indicted on Prescription Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA -- A Federal Grand Jury sitting in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke has charged ten individuals with conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of a variety of prescription drugs, as well as other charges.
In an indictment returned under seal on January 17, 2013 and unsealed late Wednesday following the defendants’ initial court appearances, the grand jury has charged the following:
Bryant Edward Reynolds, 47, of Thaxton, Va., with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute Oxycontin, oxycodone, methadone, Adderall, oxymorphone, hydromorphone and suboxone and two counts of distributing oxycodone.
Danielle Norman Reynolds, 37, of Thaxton, Va., with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute Oxycontin, oxycodone, methadone, Adderall, oxymorphone, hydromorphone and suboxone , one count of distributing adderall, one count of distributing methadone and one count of distributing oxycodone.
Mark Anthony Campbell, 47, of Bedford, Va., with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute Oxycontin, oxycodone, methadone, Adderall, oxymorphone, hydromorphone and suboxone .
Timothy Lee Goodman, 23, of Thaxton, Va., with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute Oxycontin, oxycodone, methadone, Adderall, oxymorphone, hydromorphone and suboxone and one count of distributing suboxone.
Matthew Thomas Barlow, 24, of Bedford, Va., with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute Oxycontin, oxycodone, methadone, Adderall, oxymorphone, hydromorphone and suboxone, one count of distributing suboxone, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute oxycodone, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute distributing marijuana, one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and one count of distributing suboxone.
Jeffery Earl Reynolds, 39, of Thaxton, Va., with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute Oxycontin, oxycodone, methadone, Adderall, oxymorphone, hydromorphone and suboxone, two counts of distributing oxycodone, one count of possessing with the intent to distribute methadone, one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Tony Gene Abee, 40, of Thaxton, Va., with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute Oxycontin, oxycodone, methadone, Adderall, oxymorphone, hydromorphone and suboxone.
Dana Michelle Parker, 32, of Thaxton, Va., with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute Oxycontin, oxycodone, methadone, Adderall, oxymorphone, hydromorphone and suboxone.
George Franklin Lynch, 38, of Thaxton, Va., with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute Oxycontin, oxycodone, methadone, Adderall, oxymorphone, hydromorphone and suboxone.
Andy Lee Dooley, 27, of Bedford, Va., with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute Oxycontin, oxycodone, methadone, Adderall, oxymorphone, hydromorphone and suboxone.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000,000 on each count.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Neese 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.
North Carolina Man Sentenced in Murder PlotRead the Press Release
DANVILLE, VIRGINIA -- A North Carolina man who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana and murder charges, was sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia.
Following an extensive joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the Henry County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Keith Clifton Hairston, 26, of Greensboro, N.C., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and in the course of that violation did result in the death of another person in the first degree.
Yesterday in District Court, Hairston was sentenced to 600 months in Federal prison.
"Mr. Hairston and his co-conspirators have been justly held accountable for their brazen act of violence," United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. "The Department of Justice will continue to devote all possible resources to reduce acts of violent crimes like this senseless murder."
“When individuals brazenly disregard the law with such violence, make no mistake, ATF will take these individuals off our streets. ATF’s mission is to remove violent offenders from our streets and put them behind bars where they belong,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge James Newman.
Previously, Rodney Lamar Hairston, 22, Tremain Alando Thomas, 27, Quentin Dwayne McNebb, 36, and Andrew Albert Christian Edward Armour, 21, each pleaded guilty to the same conspiracy and murder charges as Keith Hairston.
According to a statement of facts entered into the record and agreed to by each defendant, in 2010, Rodney Hairston, a Henry County marijuana dealer, contacted his cousin, a known gang member, to recruit other gang members to help him rob one of his regular drug customers. Ultimately, Keith Hairston, Thomas, Armour and McNebb agreed to conduct the robbery.
While Demarcus Levon Hairston and Akorean JaJauntex Murphy – the customers – were purchasing marijuana from Rodney Hairston at his trailer home in Henry County, Keith Hairston, Thomas, McNebb and Armour had driven down the road approximately one mile away and were setting up an ambush.
As the two customers left Rodney Hairston’s home, Thomas and Keith Hairston had exited their own vehicle, both armed with loaded pistols. McNebb and Armour waited inside the vehicle.
When Demarcus Hairston’s car pulled up to a stop sign, Keith Hairston and Thomas fired shots into the car, hitting both Demarcus Hairston and Murphy, who was in the passenger seat. Murphy returned fire. After the shooting ended, the car Demarcus Hairston was driving rolled through the intersection and into a ditch, where it came to rest.
Shortly after the shooting, Demarcus Hairston got out of his vehicle and was picked up by a passing truck and taken to a local hospital. Murphy laid on the front passenger floorboard severely injured and moaning. Keith Hairston reached into the vehicle and grabbed the bag of marijuana that was underneath Murphy’s body. Murphy later died of gunshot wounds to his head and chest.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the Henry County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Donald Wolthuis prosecuted the case for the United States.
Husband and Wife Sentenced on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA -- A local husband and wife who admitted to committing fraud and stealing the identities of others were sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke.
Michelle A. Ferguson and William J. Ferguson Jr., both of Roanoke, Va., each previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud. In addition, Michelle Ferguson pled guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft. Today in District Court, Michelle Ferguson was sentenced to a total of 29 months in Federal prison. William Ferguson was sentenced to a total of 14 months in Federal prison.
“Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson lied to their clients and used the stolen the identities of innocent people for their own financial gain.,” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “They abused their positions as tax preparers for their own selfish greed.”
“Return preparer fraud and identity theft is a blight against our nation’s communities and threatens the veracity of our tax system,” said Sheila Olander, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Washington DC Field Office. “The Ferguson’s had a duty to their clients to protect their personal identifying information and to comply with the tax law. Today’s sentence serves as a reminder that all tax professionals have to respect the law and safe guard the financial interests of their clients’ and the taxpaying public.”
According to evidence presented at various hearing by Assistant United States Attorney C. Patrick Hogeboom III, the Fergusons operated a tax return preparation business out of their Roanoke home and committed fraud in two specific manners.
When meeting with clients face-to-face to prepare their taxes, the Fergusons would have their clients sign the return without reviewing its contents. The returns were set-up to have any refunds deposited directly into an account controlled by the defendants. To maximum refunds, Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson, without the knowledge of their clients, would include phony Schedule C's, Profit and Loss from Business to the returns. The Schedule C's would overstate income and deductions in order to maximize the amount of the false claim for refund. Once the tax refund was received by the defendants, they would write a check to each client for a fraction of the total refund received.
In addition, the defendants filed false tax returns using Social Security Numbers which had been stolen. Again, to maximize refunds, the defendants included phony Schedule C Businesses on the returns. However, the individuals who had their identity stolen did not receive any portion of the criminal proceeds obtained through the false claim for refund.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations and the Social Security Administration. Assistant United States Attorney C. Patrick Hogeboom prosecuted the case for the United States.
Danville Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
DANVILLE, VIRGINIA -- A 33-year-old Danville woman pled guilty yesterday morning in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Danville to stealing more than $34,000 of Social Security benefits intended for disabled individuals.
Joie Scott Whitt, 33, of Danville, Va., waived her right to be indicted and pled guilty yesterday morning to a one count Information charging her with theft of government monies. She faces a maximum possible penalty of up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
"Ms. Whitt betrayed the trust of those families who put their loved ones in her care," United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. "She stole money that was intended for those suffering from mental health problems, mental retardation and substance abuse issues. We will continue to do all we can to ensure that Social Security benefits assist those who need it rather line the pockets fraudsters like Ms. Whitt."
"Ms. Whitt's actions are another deplorable example of fraud being committed by health care providers as 'just the cost of doing business,'" said Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. "Providers like Ms. Whitt who bilk the system aren't only defrauding those in their care and the taxpayers, they're also stealing limited Social Security or Medicaid funds and keeping people truly in need from receiving the care they require. We will continue to do all we can to protect Virginia's most vulnerable citizens from predators like Ms. Whitt.”
According to evidence presented at yesterday’s guilty plea hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day, Whitt worked as the bookkeeper for Alternative Community Experience (ACE), a representative payee organization that provides residential support services and day support services for individuals with mental health illnesses, mental retardation and substance abuse problems.Whitt admitted today that while serving as the bookkeeper she embezzled $34,505 in Social Security Administration benefits from the businesses operating account.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Social Security Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day and Special Assistant United States Attorney Vaso Doubles are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Roanoke Man Sentenced on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA -- A former independent financial advisor who bilked his clients out of nearly $1 million dollars with the promise of high investment returns, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Lynchburg on fraud charges.
In October, Michael D. Leamnson, 56, of Roanoke, Va., waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty to a two-count Information charging him with one count of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. This morning in District Court, Leamnson was sentenced to 40 months in Federal prison.
“In perpetrating his long-running Ponzi scheme, Mr. Leamnson stole money from his elderly clients and deprived many of their life savings,” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “Leamnson falsely promised high investment returns, then used client funds for his personal benefit. This case shows our continuing commitment to prosecute investor fraud, particularly when such fraud targets vulnerable victims like our seniors. We will also continue to do what we can to warn our communities about fraud and encourage due diligence when evaluating investment opportunities.”
Leamnson previously admitted that he recruited investors for his company, Capital Creation. The defendant promised these “investors,” many of whom were senior citizens, that he would invest their money in safe and accessible investments. Leamnson told investors they could access their principle “on demand,” plus interest.However, Leamnson admitted that instead of using funds for safe investments, he instead simply deposited investor money into a general checking account which he used for personal expenses and outside business interests, including a small concrete company and a school fund-raising business. The defendant also used investors funds to cover “interest” payments owed to existing customers. All told, Leamnson defrauded his investors out of nearly $1 million.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Secrete Service, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas Cullen and Daniel Bubar will prosecute the case for the United States.
Nine Residents of Kingsport and Gate City Plead Guilty to Drug Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA -- United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy announced today that nine residents of Virginia and Tennessee entered pleas of guilty yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon to charges involving drug distribution. These charges resulted from a cooperative investigation by the Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Sullivan County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the United States Marshals Service.
Yesterday in District Court, Tabatha Drake, 22, Blountville Tenn., Mickey Fields, 26, Gate City, Va., Joshua Holmes, 21, Kingsport, Tenn., Thomas, Laney, 25, Kingsport, Tenn., Jessica Light, 25, Gate City, Va., Connie Puckett, 43, Kingsport, Tenn., Jacob Spivey, 25, Gate City, Va., Lovella Sweeney, 30, Kingsport, Tenn., and Donald Lee Whitefeather, 59, Gate City, Va., entered pleas of guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone.
“The success of this case demonstrates our commitment to work together across state lines to put criminal drug organizations out of business,” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “Prescription drug abuse is a serious health problem in Southwest Virginia and this office will continue to prosecute those who profit from the addiction of others. We will also continue to support education and treatment programs and pursue a holistic response to this persistent problem.”
Each defendant faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000. Spivey also entered a plea of guilty to one count of distributing Suboxone within 1,000 feet of a school which carries a potential punishment of up to twenty years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of one year.
According to evidence presented at the guilty plea hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee, the individuals who pleaded guilty were all involved in the distribution of controlled substances in Scott County, Virginia and Sullivan County, Tennessee from approximately 2007-2011. The Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined that Drake, Spivey, Whitefeather, Fields, and Light distributed large quantities of oxycodone and suboxone. It was also determined that large quantities of oxycodone were being supplied by Connie Puckett, Lovella Sweeney, and Thomas Laney to other members of the conspiracy for further distribution in Scott County, Virginia and Sullivan County, Tennessee.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Sullivan County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office, Sullivan County, Tennessee District Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee of the United States Attorney’s Office in Abingdon is prosecuting the case.Winchester Man Found Guilty on Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA -- A Winchester, Va. man charged with a variety of tax charges, was found guilty last week in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Lynchburg following a four-day jury trial.
James Bowers Johnson was indicted in April 2012 on one count of embarking in a corrupt endeavor to obstruct the due administration of the Internal Revenue Code and three counts of willfully failing to file a tax return.
Following a four-day trial, a Federal jury sitting in U.S. District Court in Lynchburg found Johnson guilty last Friday afternoon, on all four counts. A sentencing date has yet to be set.
“Each and every American has a duty to pay his or her fair share of taxes,” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “Mr. Johnson attempted to evade his tax obligation and took measures to hide his income. For that conduct, he has been held accountable.”
“There are numerous variations of abusive tax schemes used today in an attempt to conceal income from the IRS. The use of these abusive tax schemes isn't tax planning; it's criminal activity,” said Sheila Olander, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation Washington DC Field Office. “There is no secret formula that can eliminate a person's tax obligations and Mr. Johnson's guilty verdict reinforces IRS Criminal Investigation's commitment to the American taxpayer that individuals who engage in illegal financial transactions designed to evade the payment of taxes will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Based on evidence presented at trial by Assistant United States Attorney C. Patrick Hogeboom III, the jury found that Johnson, who was self-employed, hid his gross income, derived from the sale of prepaid telephone cards, rental receipts and capital gains, from the Internal Revenue Service in a number of ways. He requested that customers place payments in a variety of nominee entities he controlled, used money orders or cash and concealed his owners of assets by placing assets, including his residence, and bank accounts in the names of limited liability companies, foundations, companies, corporations and domestic and foreign trusts. Between 1999 and 2007, Johnson attempted to conceal more than $1.4 million in income.
In addition, the jury found that Johnson, despite earning $160,000 in income in 2005, $385,000 in income in 2006 and $123,000 in income in 2007, willfully failed to file a tax return in any of those years.
The investigation of the case was conducted by Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney C. Patrick Hogeboom III and Special Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Wright prosecuted the case for the United States.
Federal Inmate and Brother SentencedRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA -- United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy announced today that a federal inmate currently serving a prison sentence at United States Penitentiary Lee has been sentenced to serve additional federal time after he was involved in the distribution of a controlled substance. His brother was also sentenced to serve federal time after he was involved in providing a controlled substance to a federal inmate.
William Ruble, age 35, was sentenced in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon on January 4, 2013, for intent to distribute and distributing a controlled substance, methamphetamine, following his guilty plea.
“The criminal enforcement work of the Department of Justice does not cease at the walls of a Federal Penitentiary,” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “When laws of the United States are broken in prison, inmates must realize they will be held accountable for their actions.”
William Ruble, who was sentenced on May 18, 2009 to 57 months of incarceration by the Eastern District of Tennessee for knowingly possessing firearms and ammunition after having previously been convicted of crimes punishable by terms of imprisonment exceeding one year, was released from his federal sentence during the pendency of the action. He was sentenced to serve an additional 120 months of federal incarceration following his most recent conviction.
Scotty Ruble was sentenced to serve 60 months of federal incarceration following his guilty plea for intent to distribute and distributing a controlled substance, methamphetamine.
According to evidence provided by Special Assistant United States Attorney Debbie Stevens, on August 29, 2010, William Ruble was found to be in possession of methamphetamines after a visit with his brother, Scotty Ruble.
The investigation of this case was handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Special Investigative Unit of the Bureau of Prisons. Special Assistant United States Attorney Debbie Stevens prosecuted the cases for the United States.
United States Attorneys Recognize Southwest Virginia Drug Task ForceRead the Press Release
BIG STONE GAP, VIRGINIA -- Timothy J. Heaphy, United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and William Killian, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee, held a ceremony yesterday, in Wise, Virginia, to recognize the contributions of the Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force and its officers, in the investigation of the Rodney Mitchell Drug Trafficking Organization.
The Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force, comprised of law enforcement officers from the Virginia State Police, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office, Wise County Sheriff’s Office, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Big Stone Gap Police Department, and the Wise Police Department, was recognized by both United States Attorney’s Offices for assisting in a joint investigation by federal, state and local authorities from Tennessee and Virginia which culminated in the federal prosecution of Rodney Mitchell and twenty-two others in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee in Greeneville and the prosecution of nine individuals in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Big Stone Gap.
The Rodney Mitchell Drug Trafficking Organization was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of cocaine, prescription pain medication and marijuana in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee and had sources of supply in Detroit and Florida. More than 80 individuals were prosecuted as a result of the investigation in state and federal courts in Tennessee and Virginia.
“The officers involved with this task force put aside jurisdictional and agency boundaries to bring Rodney Mitchell and his co-conspirators to justice,” US Attorney Heaphy said today. “Impactful prosecutions like these help make our communities safer and send a powerful message about the benefits of law enforcement cooperation. I thank all the investigators who contributed to this important result.”"I am very proud of the cooperative efforts of the investigators from the numerous local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in Tennessee and Virginia. Their hard work resulted in these charges and guilty pleas of members of one of the largest drug conspiracies in east Tennessee," stated U.S. Attorney Bill Killian.
Agencies involved in the investigation included the Southwest Virginia Drug Tas Force, Tennessee Second Judicial Drug Task Force, Sullivan County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Office, Sullivan County, Tennessee District Attorney’s Office, and the Wise County, Virginia Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.Staten Island Man Found Guilty in Synthetic Drug CaseRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA -- A Staten Island man accused of supplying a local video store operator with synthetic drugs commonly known as “bath salts” was found guilty late Thursday evening of a variety of related charges following a four-day jury trial in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville.
Stephen Dominick McFadden, 52, of Staten Island, New York, was indicted in February 2012 on one charge of conspiracy to distribute three separate controlled substance analogues and eight counts of distributing controlled substance analogues. On Thursday evening, a federal jury found the defendant guilty of all nine charges.
“This verdict demonstrates that synthetic drugs, or bath salts, are illegal to buy and sell under federal law,” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “The analogue statute provides a powerful weapon to prosecute bath salt distribution, and we will use that weapon as part of a broad strategy to reduce the use of these dangerous substances. We must combine our investigation and prosecution of those who traffic synthetic substances with education and inform the public about the volatility of synthetic drugs. People should be aware that use of these substances may place you in federal prison or a hospital.”
According to evidence presented during the four-day trial by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald Huber and Special Assistant United States Attorney and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Charlottesville, Joe Platania, McFadden was the primary source of bath salts for Lois McDaniel, a local distributor of the drugs and former owner of C-ville Video, the venue from which she, and her employees, sold bath salts. McDaniel previously pleaded guilty to federal drug conspiracy charges associated with her involvement with McFadden.Evidence showed that McDaniel ordered bath salts from McFadden via text messages and the telephone every week or two. After receiving the order, McFadden would overnight ship the bath salts from Staten Island to Charlottesville. The jury heard evidence that McFadden was obtaining these substances from China. After hearing recorded phone calls during the trial, the jury concluded that McFadden and McDaniel were conspiring together to distribute the bath salts. Through other evidence, including expert witness testimony, the jury also found that the bath salts at issue in this case had similar chemical structures to controlled substances. The government also proved that McFadden knew the bath salts he was sending to Charlottesville were for human consumption and produced similar physical effects on users as controlled substances.
In addition to McDaniel, Dustin Wayne Orange, of Charlottesville, previously pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the sale of bath salts. Orange has admitted to selling bath salts while working at C-ville Video.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Investigations Division of the Charlottesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Ronald Huber and Special Assistant United States Attorney Joe Platania prosecuted the case for the United States.
Local Teen Charged as Adult, Pleads Guilty to Church ArsonRead the Press Release
DANVILLE, VIRGINIA -- A now 18-year-old resident of Henry County, Virginia, pleaded guilty this morning in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Danville to charges related to a fire deliberately set at a church.
Jean-Claude Bridges, 18, of Henry County, Va., waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty to a one count Information charging him with destroying a religious property by fire. Prior to pleading guilty this morning, the Court granted the government’s motion to transfer Bridges to adult status for criminal prosecution. The defendant was 17-years-old when the criminal conduct occurred.
“Mr. Bridges’ racial bias led him to commit the dangerous crime of arson,” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “When he set fire to the New Holy Deliverance Outreach Ministry, he endangered neighbors and first responders. This act of prejudice offended the entire community. This office will protect the civil rights of everyone and vigorously prosecute crimes like that committed by Mr. Bridges. Racism has no place in Axton or anywhere else in the Western District of Virginia.”
According to filings in the case, on May 20, 2012 at approximately 1:20 a.m., Bridges, and another juvenile, intentionally set fire to New Holy Deliverance Outreach Ministry, a church with a predominantly African American congregation, located in Axton, Va. In pleading guilty to this offense, Bridges admitted that he burned down New Holy Deliverance Outreach Ministry because of the race, color, and ethnic characteristics of its congregants.
At sentencing, the defendant faces a maximum possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Henry County Department of Public Safety, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Cullen, assisted by Trial Attorney Christopher Lomax of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, will prosecute the case for the United States.
Former Pennington Gap Police Chief Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy and Burglary ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, VIRGINIA -- The former police chief of the Pennington Gap Virginia Police Department pleaded guilty this morning to felony charges related to his involvement in the distribution of prescription pain killers and the burglary of a pharmacy.
William Bryan Young, 39, of Duffield, Va., pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute oxycodone and one count of burglary of a pharmacy, related to the burglary of the Rite-Aid pharmacy in Pennington Gap, Virginia, on September 28, 2012.
Young’s co-defendants, Kevin Andrew Young, 35, of Duffield, Va., and Chris Miles, 35, of Duffield, Va., also entered guilty pleas to one count of burglary of a pharmacy.
“William Bryan Young abused his police authority and repeatedly broke the law he was sworn to uphold,” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “By arranging a commercial burglary and engaging in numerous illegal drug transactions, Mr. Young tarnished the badge he wore and violated the trust of the people of Pennington Gap. This case demonstrates our commitment to enforce the law and hold individuals accountable, regardless of rank, position, or status.”
“When a police officer violates the trust that our citizens have placed in its law enforcement, that is something we will not tolerate. I hope this sends a clear message to those who would engage in this wanton misconduct that there will be a penalty paid,” said Richard Marianos, special agent in charge of ATF Washington Field Division.According to evidence presented at the guilty plea hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee, in the Spring of 2012, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) began investigating William Bryan Young’s associations with known drug distributors in Lee County, Virginia. Their investigation, aided by other state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, determined that William Bryan Young was a long-time user of controlled substances, had distributed controlled substances while employed as the police chief, and that he had orchestrated the burglary of the Rite Aid pharmacy in Pennington Gap, Virginia to obtain prescription pain killers.
Specifically, the investigation determined that on September 28, 2012, William Bryan Young sent all other Pennington Gap Police Department personnel home to ensure that he would be the only police officer working the night shift. At approximately 2:50 a.m. a burglary of the Rite-Aid pharmacy in Pennington Gap, Virginia occurred. Just prior to the burglary, William Bryan Young, who was on duty at the time, contacted officers with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to determine their positions relative to the location of the pharmacy. After determining that there were no law enforcement officers in close proximity to the pharmacy, William Bryan Young contacted Kevin Young, Jimmy Johnson and Chris Miles to tell them it was clear for them to break-in to the Rite Aid pharmacy. Kevin Young drove himself, Johnson and Miles to the Rite-Aid. Miles broke into the Rite-Aid pharmacy through the drive-thru window and stole approximately 5,000 oxycodone pills. William Bryan Young later received stolen pills from the pharmacy robbery.
On October 18, 2012, William Bryan Young, in his police department issued uniform, sold twenty oxycodone pills to a confidential informant cooperating with the ATF in their investigation. Shortly thereafter, William Bryan Young was arrested by agents with the ATF at the Lee County Courthouse in Jonesville, Virginia.
William Bryan Young admitted to being an illegal user of controlled substances for a number of years and admitted to distributing twenty Percocet pills earlier that day. William Bryan Young also admitted to distributing twenty Percocet pills the previous day, and to distributing six Percocet pills the previous weekend. A search of William Bryan Young’s police cruiser located the pre-recorded United States currency used by the confidential informant to purchase twenty Percocet pills earlier that day. Agents also located thirteen Percocet pills and one oxicodone pill in the police cruiser.
On October 18, 2012, a search warrant was executed at William Bryan Young’s residence located in Duffield, Virginia by federal agents, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police. Law enforcement officers found 548 Percocet pills and firearms in the residence. In addition, agents located empty evidence bags from the Pennington Gap Police Department in William Bryan Young’s personal vehicle that appeared to have previously contained controlled substances.
William Bryan Young faces a potential maximum sentence of up to forty years imprisonment and a potential fine of up to $1,250,000. Kevin Young faces a potential maximum sentence of up to twenty years imprisonment and a potential fine of up to $250,000. Chris Miles faces a potential maximum sentence of up to twenty years imprisonment and a potential fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Southwest Virginia Drug Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee is prosecuting the case for the United States.