FEDERAL DISTRICT ARCHIVE
Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two Individuals Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistCLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - Two individuals were sentenced on January 4, 2013, in United States District Court in Clarksburg by Judge Irene M. Keeley.
United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that:
JAMES ROBERT HURST, 45, of New Milton, West Virginia, was sentenced to 60 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. HURST enterd a plea of guilty on August 29, 2012, to “Manufacturing More than 100 Marijuana Plants” and “Possession with Intent to Distribute More than 100 Marijuana Plants,” both on August 15, 2011, in Doddridge County, West Virginia. HURST, who is free on bond, will self-report to the designated Federal institution.
The case was be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen D. Warner and investigated by the Doddridge County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia State Police.
KRISTEN DAVIS, age 38, of Clarksburg, was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment to be followed by six years of supervised release. DAVIS entered a plea of guilty on September
26, 2012, to the “Distribution of Crack Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of St. Mary’s Grade School” on July 1, 2011, in Clarksburg. DAVIS was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution.The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn A. Morgan and investigated by the Harrison County Task Force consisting of officers from the Clarksburg Police Department, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department and the Bridgeport Police Department.
Three Individuals Sentenced in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistMARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA — Three individuals were sentenced on January
7, 2013, in United States District Court in Martinsburg by Judge Gina M. Groh.United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that:
GREGORY LYTE, JR., age 36, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment to be followed by 6 years of supervised release. LYTE entered a plea of guilty on September 12, 2012, to “Distribution of Crack Cocaine” on September 30, 2011, in Martinsburg. LYTE was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution. The case was investigated by the Eastern Panhandle Drug
& Violent Crime Task Force, consisting of officers from the West Virginia State Police - Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Martinsburg Police Department, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department.LOREN CONSTANTINE BROWN, age 43, of Silver Springs, Maryland, was sentenced to 70 months imprisonment to be followed by 4 years of supervised release. BROWN entered a plea of guilty on September 13, 2012, to “Possession with Intent to Distribute 88.4 Grams of Crack Cocaine” on June 28, 2012, in Keyser, West Virginia. BROWN was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution. The case was investigated by the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, consisting of officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the West Virginia State Police - Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas O. Mucklow.
JAMES ALBERT WOLF, age 64, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment to be followed by 15 years of supervised release. WOLF entered a plea of guilty on September 13, 2012, to “Possession of Child Pornography.” During a search warrant executed on WOLF’S residence, several computers were seized which contained 30 still images and 59 video images of child pornography. WOLF, who is free on bond, will self- report to the designated Federal institution on February 11, 2013. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul T. Camilletti and investigated by the West Virginia State Police.
This case was prosecuted 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
New York Woman Pleads Guilty to Casino ScamRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistMARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A 29-year old Jamaica, New York, resident entered a plea of guilty in United States District Court in Martinsburg after fraudulently obtaining cash at the Hollywood Casino in Charles Town, West Virginia.
United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that REBECCA HILL entered a plea of guilty to “Use of a Counterfeit Access Device” at the casino in Charles Town when HILL, in 2010, presented photographic identification along with a counterfeit credit card in order to obtain a cash advance of $1,000. As part of her plea, HILL is required to make restitution in the amount of $31,000 to the casino. HILL, who is on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas O. Mucklow and was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and United States Secret Service.
Final Defendant in Pill Conspiracy Enters Plea of GuiltyRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistWHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - The final defendant involved in a pill conspiracy in Moundsville, West Virginia, entered a plea of guilty on January 4, 2013, before Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert.
United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that: JOHN HARVEY GODDARD, JR., age 26, entered a plea of guilty “Distribution of Oxycodone” on February
10, 2011, in Moundsville.GODDARD, who is in custody pending sentencing, face up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John C. Parr and investigated by officers of the Moundsville Police Department, Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia State Police.
Federal Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistCLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA — Five individuals were named in five Indictments returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on January 8, 2013.
United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced the following indictments: BRIAN A. CLARKE, age 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was named in a three- count Indictment charging him with “Distribution of Oxycodone” on May 2; May 16; and, June 8, 2012, in Monongalia County. If convicted, CLARKE faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine on each count.AUGUST TAMPOYA, age 48, of Arnettsville, West Virginia, was named in a three- count Indictment charging him one count of “Manufacturing in Excess of 100 Marijuana Plants;” one count of “Distribution of Marijuana;” and, one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana.” If convicted, TAMPOYA faces up at least 5 and up to 40 years imprisonment and a fine of $2,000,00 on the manufacturing charge and up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 on each of the distribution and possession counts.
JENNIFER NICOLE KELLEY, age 27, of Morgantown, was named in a seven-count Indictment charging her with three counts of “Distribution of Marijuana;” three counts of “Distribution of Cocaine;” and, one count of “Distribution of Marijuana within 1,000 Feet of Fairmont State University.” If convicted, KELLEY faces up to 5 years imprisonment and a
$250,000 on each of the marijuana distribution counts; up to 20 years imprisonment and a
$1,000,000 fine on each of the cocaine distribution counts; and, at least 1 and up to 10 years imprisonment and a $500,000 on the protected location (FSU) count.These three cases were investigated by the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of
Criminal Investigations.
JOSHUA NICHOLSON, age 35, of Lost Creek, West Virginia, was named in a two- count Indictment charging him with “Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon” and “Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.” If convicted, NICHOLSON faces up to 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 fine on each count.TIMOTHY LINGO, age 35, of Westover, West Virginia, was named in a three-count Indictment charging him with “Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;” “Possession with intent to Distribute Cocaine;” and, “Use/Carry of a Firearm in Relation to a Drug- Related Offense.” If convicted, LINGO faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on the felon in possession charge; up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine on the cocaine charge; and, a mandatory 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on the firearms charge.
These two cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. These five cases will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zelda E.
Wesley.All of the charges contained in the above-referenced indictments are merely accusations and not evidence of guilt, and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Maryland Resident Enters Plea to Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistMARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A 60-year old Sharpsburg, Maryland, resident entered a plea of guilty on January 8, 2013, in United States District Court in Martinsburg before Magistrate Judge David J. Joel.
United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that: WILBUR SLICK entered a plea of guilty to “Sale of a Firearm to a Prohibited Person” on August 8, 2012, in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. SLICK, who is on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jarod J. Douglas and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Three Individuals Enter Pleas of Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistWHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Three individuals entered pleas of guilty on January
3, 2013, in United States District Court in Wheeling before Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr.United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that:
JAMIE L. JOYNER, age 35, of Deland, Florida, entered a plea of guilty to “Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule II Controlled Substances” from March of 2012 to September 12, 2012, for his role in Florida to West Virginia pill ring. In a joint investigation, involving the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, the Moundsville Police Department, the DEA, United State Postal Service, and the West Virginia State Police, beginning in the spring of 2012, agents received information that Millie Roupe’s apartment in Marshall County was being used to distribute pills being brought to West Virginia from Florida typically via rental vehicles. During the investigation, a traffic stop occurred during which $2,096 in drug proceeds was seized which will be forfeited to the United States as proceeds from the drug activity.
JOYNER, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine.
JOSEPH A. MCDONALD, age 26, of Glen Dale, West Virginia, entered a plea of guity to “Distribution of Oxycodone within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” and one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone” on May 21, 2012. MCDONALD, who is on bond pending sentencing, faces up to 40 years imprisonment and a $2,000,000 fine. This case was investigated by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.
These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John C. Parr.
SHAWN L. BINKOWSKI, age 25, of Wheeling, West Virginia, entered a plea of guilty to “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” BINKOWSKI, having previously been convicted in the Circuit Court of Ohio County, West Virginia, of the felony offense of Grand Larceny, knowingly possessed a Bryco Arms pistol on September 16, 2012, in Wheeling. BINKOWSKI, who is in custody pending sentencing, faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin and investigated by the United States Probation office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department.
Six Individuals Sentenced During the Month of December for Federal Supervised Release ViolationsRead the Press Release
1125 Chapline Street, Federal Building, Suite 3000 ● Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 234-0100 ● Contact: Chris Zumpetta-Parr, Public Affairs SpecialistWHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that during the month of December, 2012, six individuals had their supervised release revoked for violating terms and conditions imposed by the United States District Court.
WHEELING DIVISION REVOCATIONS
(Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr.)
ANTOINE ALLEN a/k/a “BONES,” age 41, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment to be followed by 36 months of supervised release for a conviction in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, of drug trafficking and drug possession; failure to report the arrest to his probation officer and submission of a false monthly supervision report. ALLEN was originally sentenced on May 6, 2003, to 100 months imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release for the distribution of crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a protected location. In 2008, ALLEN’s sentence was reduced to 84 months pursuant to the crack re-sentencing guidelines. ALLEN was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution.
MARK MCCANN, age 46, of Wheeling, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for failure to report for sex offender evaluation; failure to make third-part risk notification; possession of pornography; failure to attend sex offender counseling; and, second offense domestic battery. MCCANN was originally sentenced on November 13, 2007, to 68 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for the distribution of crack cocaine. On November 1, 2011, MCCANN’s sentence was reduced to 38 months pursuant to the crack re- sentencing guidelines. MCCANN was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution.
ROBERT EUGENE PHILLIPS, age 43, of Colliers, West Virginia, was sentenced to
14 months imprisonment for testing positive for the use of marijuana; possession of a firearm; and, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. PHILLIPS was originally sentenced on August 22, 2004, to 120 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. PHILLIPS’ supervised release was previously revoked on July 1, 2008, for violations and he was sentenced to 5 months imprisonment and
31 months of supervised release. On January 3, 2011, PHILLIPS’ supervised release was again revoked for violations and he was sentenced to 5 months imprisonment and 26 months of supervised release. PHILLIPS was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution.The United States was represented at the Wheeling revocation hearings by Assistant
United States Attorneys John C. Parr and Randolph J. Bernard.CLARKSBURG DIVISION REVOCATIONS (Judge Irene M. Keeley)
JOSH MURRAY, age 34, of Spring Hill Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment for his arrest in Monongalia County, West Virginia, for driving under the influence 2nd offense; driving under the influence with injury; driving under the influence on a suspended/revoked license 1st offense; driving on a suspended/revoked license, leaving the scene of an accident, expired registration, no proof of insurance and no or expired motor vehicle inspection sticker. MURRAY was originally sentenced on April 20, 2007, to 70 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for the distribution of crack cocaine. MURRAY was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution.
CHARLES FREEMAN ECHOLS, age 56, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment for testing positive for the use of marijuana and possession of marijuana and heroin. ECHOLS was originally sentenced on March 6, 2011, to 151 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for bank robbery. ECHOLS was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending designation to a Federal institution.
JAMIE T. WEEKLY, age 32, of Enterprise, West Virginia, was sentenced to 3 months imprisonment to be followed by 33 months of supervised release for testing positive for the use of marijuana. WEEKLY was originally sentenced on June 29, 2010, to 24 months imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release for possession of a machine gun. WEEKLY, who is on bond, will self-report to the designated Federal institution on January 14, 2013.
The United States was represented at the Clarksburg revocation hearings by Assistant
United States Attorney Zelda E. Wesley.The United States Probation Office carries out probation and pretrial services functions throughout the Northern District of West Virginia. With locations in Wheeling, Clarksburg, Martinsburg, and Elkins, the office works to assist the federal courts in the fair administration of justice, to protect the community, and to bring about long-term positive change in individuals under supervision. Jeff Givens is the Chief Probation Officer for the Northern District.