Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Martinsburg man sentenced to 10 years for drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dwayne Paige, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Paige, 48, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl and Heroin.” Paige admitted to selling heroin and fentanyl in December 2018 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Washington County, Maryland Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County woman sentenced for role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jaime Renee Coddington, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months of incarceration for her role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Coddington, 35, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Eutylone and Cocaine Base.” Coddington admitted to working with others to distribute Eutylone and Cocaine Base from October 2019 to April 2020 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/west-virginia-and-virginia-residents-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation-berkeley-and
Baltimore man sentenced for drug trafficking chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dontaz Lavan Brandon, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced today to five years of probation for a drug a charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Brandon, 24, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” Brandon admitted to working with another to distribute fentanyl in January 2020 in Berkeley County.
This case is the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep. This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated. The task force consists of the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg Police Department.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Wheeling man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Wright of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Wright, 42, pleaded guilty today to today on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.” Wright, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a .9mm pistol, a five-shot revolver and ammunition for both firearms in June 2021 in Ohio County.
Wright faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
California man sentenced to more than 15 years for role in drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sixto Marquez, of Paramount, California, was sentenced today to 188 months of incarceration for his role in methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Marquez, age 46, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances” and one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Marquez admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin from the spring of 2018 to October 2020 in Monongalia County and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zelda E. Wesley and Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI's Northern West Virginia Drug Task Force in partnership with the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The Task Forces have members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Monongalia County Sheriff's Office; and the Morgantown, WVU, Granville and Star City Police Departments. The investigation was also assisted by the following law enforcement partners: the Monongalia County Prosecutor’s Office; the FBI in Houston, Texas; the Houston Police Department's Multi Agency Gang Initiative; the United States Postal Inspection Service in Houston; and the FBI and DEA in Los Angeles, California.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Randolph County woman admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jenny Lynn Wood, of Beverly, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Wood, 31, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Wood, a person prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having two revolvers in July 2019 in Barbour County.
Wood faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Grant County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Austin Blake Conrad, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Conrad, 23, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Conrad admitted to selling methamphetamine in August 2021 in Grant County.
Conrad faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Monongalia County man accused of producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Oliver Matheny, of Maidsville, West Virginia, was indicted today on child pornography charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Matheny, 48, was indicted today on three counts of “Attempted Production of Child Pornography – Previous Conviction” and two counts of “Production of Child Pornography – Previous Conviction.” Matheny was previously convicted of sexually abusing a minor in Florida in 1996. He is accused of using minors to produce child pornography from February to September 2018 in Monongalia County.
Matheny faces at least 25 years and up to 50 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.
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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Harrison County man indicted on firearms and witness tampering chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles Raymond Wable, of Shinnston, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms and witness tampering charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Wable, 61, was indicted today on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Tampering with a Witness by Corrupt Persuasion.” Wable, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior drug convictions, is accused of having a semi-automatic rifle in September 2020 in Harrison County. Wable is also accused of paying a witness to influence the witness’s testimony in a federal case before Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley between October 1, 2020, and November 10, 22020 in Harrison County.
Wable faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge and faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the witness tampering charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. ATF and the U.S. Probation Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Elkins man indicted on firearms and drug chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Eugene McDonald, of Elkins, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms and drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
McDonald, 45, was indicted today on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” McDonald is accused of distributing methamphetamine in December 2020 in Marion County. McDonald, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior convictions, is accused of having a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in December 2020 in Marion County.
McDonald faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the drug charge and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. ATF and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Clarksburg man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Erik J. Wilson, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Wilson, 35, was indicted today on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Wilson, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior firearms conviction, is accused of having a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in January 2022 in Harrison County.
Wilson faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. ATF and the Clarksburg Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Barbour County man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andrew Cordel Wagner, of Elkins, West Virginia, was indicted today on a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Wagner, 31, was indicted today on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Wagner, a person prohibited from having firearms, is accused of having four rifles, one revolver, seven pistols, and four shotguns in November 2021 n Barbour County.
Wagner faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. ATF investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Randolph County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Scott Connally, of Montrose, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Connally, 33, pleaded guilty today to today on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine.” Connally admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in October 2019 in Randolph County.
As a part of the plea agreement, Connally agreed to forfeit a 9mm pistol, 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and $940 cash.
Connally faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10 million. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen. D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug Task Force and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Martinsburg woman admits to role in drug trafficking and firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Hope Clemons, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Clemons, 31, pleaded guilty today to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearms.” Clemons admitted to falsifying a form to purchase firearms for someone else in October 2019 in Berkeley County.
Clemons faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Harpers Ferry Police Department; and the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. investigated. The EPDTF consists of the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg Police Department.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Hardy County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Angel Luis Martinez-Rodriguez, of Moorefield, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Martinez-Rodriguez, 37, pleaded guilty today to today on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine-Aiding and Abetting.” Martinez-Rodriguez admitted to having cocaine in August 2021 in Hardy County.
Martinez-Rodriguez faces at up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen. D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Barbour County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Calvin Crockett Mullins, of Philippi, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 48 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Mullins, 29, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Distribution of a Firearm.” Mullins admitted to selling a 16-gauge shotgun to a person prohibited from having firearms. The crime took place in February 2020 in Barbour County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Las Vegas woman guilty of fraud and money laundering chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shelly Anne Leipham, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was found guilty by a federal jury today of fraud charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
After a three-day trial, Leipham, 66, was found guilty of three counts of “Wire Fraud,” five counts of “Mail Fraud,” and three counts of “Money Laundering.” Leipham called an elderly victim living in Harrison County and claimed the victim won one million dollars. Leipham defrauded the victim of nearly $25,000 by directing the victim to send that amount to her over the course of a two-year period by mail and wire.
“Sweepstakes schemes like this continue to be a problem and the victims are often senior citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “We will seek a long prison sentence for Ms. Leipham and anyone else like her who preys upon older West Virginians.”
The government is also seeking a money judgment in the amount of $336,402.
Leipham is facing up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the wire fraud and mail fraud counts. She’s facing up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000 for each of the money laundering counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Wagner and Andrew R. Cogar are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service, the West Virginia State Police, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
This case is being prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice Elder Fraud Initiative. Since the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) was signed into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Ohio County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Cordale Antonio Williams, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 94 months of incarceration for a drug charge, First Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Williams, 41, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Williams admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in June 2020 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Marshall County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Mitchell R. Arbogast, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Arbogast, 60, pleaded guilty in February 2022 on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Arbogast, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a double-barrel 20-gauge Chinese shotgun, a 12-gauge shotgun, a 6-shot .22 caliber revolver, and a .380 semi-automatic pistol in March 2021 in Marshall County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Charleston man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jalin Tyref Mcarn, of Charleston, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Mcarn, 28, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Mcarn, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a semi-automatic pistol in June 2021 in Tyler County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Sistersville Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Pennsylvania man sentenced for drug trafficking chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – John Ross Lawrence, of Wind Ridge, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 70 months of incarceration for a drug a charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Lawrence, 32, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Lawrence admitted to selling methamphetamine in February 2021 in Marshall County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cameron Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ohio man sentenced for selling methamphetamineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kaprice D. Russell, of Steubenville, Ohio, was sentenced today to 124 months of incarceration for drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Russell, age 34, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Cocaine Hydrochloride, Methamphetamine, and Heroin,” “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride within 1000 feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Russell admitted to working with others to sell cocaine base, cocaine hydrochloride, methamphetamine and heroin from June 2019 to August 2021 in Ohio County and elsewhere, including the Southern District of Ohio.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Clairsville Police Department assisted.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Harrison County woman admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Heather Joe Paugh, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Paugh, 30, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Paugh, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in August 2021 in Monongalia County.
Paugh faces up to 10 years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Randolph County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Cameron K. Shreve, of Mill Creek, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Shreve, 43, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm as a Drug User.” Shreve, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a semi-automatic rifle and a 9mm pistol in May 2021 in Randolph County.
Shreve faces up to 10 years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the United States Marshals Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Martinsburg woman admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kristin Leanne Price, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Price, 28, pleaded guilty today to one count of “False Statements During Purchase of Firearm.” Price admitted to falsifying forms to purchase a 9mm pistol from a licensed dealer in Berkeley County in June 2020.
Price faces up to 10 years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Marshall County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Lonnie James Tanner, Jr., of Cameron, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Tanner, 53, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Tanner admitted to selling methamphetamine in July 2021 in Marshall County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Jefferson County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kyle Lee Harder, of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Harder, 23, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Harder, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in April 2021 in Jefferson County.
Harder faces up to 10 years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Randolph County woman sentenced for methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Patricia Ann Mahoney, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 84 months of incarceration for methamphetamine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Mahoney, 52, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of “Distribution of at Least Five Grams of Methamphetamine.” Mahoney admitted to selling at least five grams of methamphetamine in February 2020 in Randolph County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Allen Craig, II, of Lumberport, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Craig, 32, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Craig, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, admitted to having a .38 S&W Special caliber revolver in December 2020 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Taylor County man sentenced for a meth chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Kevin Isner, of Flemington, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Isner, 59, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Fifty Grams or more of Methamphetamine.” Isner admitted to selling more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in July 2020 in Marion County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Monongalia County man sentenced for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Raymond David Bates, of Morgantown West Virginia, was sentenced today to 97 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Bates, 44, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Bates admitted to having child pornography depicting minors under the age of 12 in July and August of 2019 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Lewis County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew J. Duncan, of Weston, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Duncan, 25, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Duncan, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior convictions, admitted to having a pistol, a rifle, and a shotgun in March 2021 in Braxton County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Braxton County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Hardy County woman sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Barbara Ann Thomas, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 151 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Thomas, 49, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Thomas admitted to having methamphetamine in August 2019 in Grant County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Hardy County man sentenced for role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Allan Howell, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 130 months of incarceration for his role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Howell, 43, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Howell admitted to having methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” or “ice,” in October 2018 in Hardy County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Moorefield Police Department investigated. The task force consists of the FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/hardy-county-man-appears-drug-charges
Monongalia County woman admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shelby Adams, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Adams, 26, pleaded guilty today to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” Adams admitted to making false statements to illegally purchase firearms in April 2021 in Marion County.
Adams faces up to 10 years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
U.S. Attorney to host Health Care Fraud SymposiumRead the Press Release
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – Experts from the public and private sector will gather in Morgantown next week for a seminar to highlight best practices in preventing and responding to health care fraud, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
The Mountaineer Health Care Fraud Symposium will take place on Thursday, April 21, at the WVU College of Law. Federal and state investigators will share the latest trends in health care fraud, while medical and insurance professionals will discuss best practices on how to detect and prevent fraud. A presentation explaining how whistleblowers can come forward, tell their story, and share in the financial recovery will also be made. The United States Attorney’s Office is hosting the event.
The symposium comes on the heels of the creation of a West Virginia-based health care fraud strike force comprised of state and federal agencies that takes a data-driven approach to uncovering waste and abuse. In addition to the formation of the strike force, a hotline, email address and mailing address have been established to allow for the reporting of potential fraud. Anyone with information may call (304) 234-7711, send an email to [email protected], or mail correspondence to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 591, Wheeling, WV 26003.
The registration-only event allows for both in-person and virtual attendance. The West Virginia State Bar has approved the event for 4.8 continuing legal education credits. To register, send an email to [email protected].
The full agenda may be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/health-care-fraud-symposium.
Maryland man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Alexander Michael Ryan Myers, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 10 months of incarceration for his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Myers, 23, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy.” Myers admitted to working with others to purchase, possess, and transfer firearms to persons who couldn’t legally purchase or possess firearms. The crimes took place in March and April 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Maryland man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Andrew Logan, of Dundalk, Maryland, was sentenced today to 24 months of incarceration for his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Logan, 27, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy.” Logan admitted to working with others to purchase, possess, and transfer firearms to persons who couldn’t legally purchase or possess firearms. The crimes took place from April 2019 to December 2020 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County woman sentenced for role in drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Angela Dawn Gregory, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to XX months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Gregory, 43, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Gregory admitted to working with others to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine hydrochloride from August 2020 to June 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; Customs and Border Protection; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; and the New Jersey State Police investigated. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania assisted.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Berkeley County man admits to role in drug trafficking and firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Craig Orndoff, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Orndoff, 35, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Eutylone.” Orndoff admitted to working with others to distribute Eutylone from June 2019 to December 2020 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.
Orndoff faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Harpers Ferry Police Department; and the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. investigated. The EPDTF consists of the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg Police Department.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
New Jersey man sentenced for role in drug trafficking ringRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Braheem Sallie, of Camden, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for his role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
After a three-day trial in October 2021, Sallie was found guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 100 Grams or More of Heroin and 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl,” one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Travel Act – Distribution of Proceeds.” Sallie worked with others to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl from June 2019 to November 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.
Co-conspirators in West Virginia would wire money for drug payments to Sallie and another in Camden, New Jersey. This trafficking ring involved multiple trips by West Virginia co-conspirators to Camden, New Jersey to obtain large amounts of heroin and fentanyl that were distributed and intended to be redistributed in West Virginia. This case involved nearly 100 grams of fentanyl and more than 137 grams of heroin.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office assisted.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Find the related press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-charged-six-state-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-cocaine
Morgantown woman sentenced for tax fraudRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Diann Carol Clark, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years of probation, with the first six months on home confinement, for a payroll tax fraud charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Clark, 59, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Willful Failure to Collect or Pay Over Employment Tax.” Clark was employed by Alpha Associates, Inc. in Morgantown. Clark was an office manager and bookkeeper at Alpha Associates, where she managed payroll between 2014 and 2018. Clark was responsible for collecting and paying over to the IRS Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes withheld from the wages of Alpha Associates employees. Despite knowing the firm withheld these payroll taxes from its employees’ paychecks, Clark did not pay over approximately $1,900,000, in such taxes to the IRS.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The IRS investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Jefferson County woman sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kia Johnson, of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Johnson, 25, pleaded guilty in October 2020 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Johnson admitted to using a phone to help distribute Phencyclidine (PCP) in September 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Illegal alien sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Lucio Javier Escobedo Fernandez, a Mexican national, was sentenced today to 63 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Fernandez, 28, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Fernandez admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from March 2018 to August 2020 in Monongalia County and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Harrison County man sentenced to 14 years for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Randy McKinley, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 168 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
McKinley, 58, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” McKinley admitted to having child pornography with children under the age of 12 in October 2020 in Harrison County.
McKinley was also ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution to the victims and victims assistance funds.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon Eugene Corbin, of Inwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 70 months of incarceration for his role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Corbin, 36, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine Base.” Corbin admitted to working with others to distribute controlled substances from January to September 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.
Corbin was a frequent re-distributor of drugs supplied to him by another in the conspiracy. During the investigation, he sold heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base, and PCP to his own customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. During a traffic stop that occurred in September 2019, he was found with more than 18 grams of fentanyl.
This case is the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep. This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-charged-six-state-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-cocaine
Berkeley County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James T. Cogle, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Cogle, 53, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Base and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Cogle admitted to working with others to distribute drugs from July 2018 to June 2021 in Jefferson County and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police, the DEA Task Force Montgomery County, Maryland; and the Frederick, Maryland, HIDTA group investigated. The EPDTF consists of the West Virginia State Police; Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department; and the Martinsburg Police Department.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Connecticut man admits to role in firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Joseph Milot, of Waterbury, Connecticut, has admitted to his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Milot, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms.” Milot admitted to working with another to illegally purchase two 9mm pistols from a firearms dealer in December 2020 in Marion County.
Milot faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Barbour County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Noah Jacob Graham, of Philippi, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
Graham, 20, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Graham, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a .44 magnum caliber revolver in June 2020 in Barbour County.
Graham faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
16 indicted on conspiracy charges for “boot” distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sixteen individuals from Maryland and West Virginia are facing charges involving a drug conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
The indictment alleges that large quantities of Eutylone, also known as “boot,” were trafficked from Maryland to Berkeley and Jefferson Counties, West Virginia from February 2019 to March 15, 2022.
“Eutylone is a dangerous drug that has a high potential for abuse and leads to adverse physical and psychological effects for its users,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “It poses a serious threat to public health in the Eastern Panhandle and this prosecution will make the community safer, both through enforcement and education.”
Those charged are:
- Charles Edward Scott, also known as “Whop Whop,” 28, of Damascus, Maryland
- Ryan Darnell Scott, 37, of Gaithersburg, Maryland
- Anthony Joseph Shants, Jr., also known as “Lul Draco,” 23, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Jose Michael Flores, also known as “Taz,” 26, of Montgomery Village, Maryland
- Andre Phillip Stevenson, 40, of Washington, D.C.
- Alim D. Farma, 23, of Gaithersburg, Maryland
- Robert Matthew Johnson, also known as “Flex,” 33, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Sophia Ellen Hizer, 20, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Bernard Anthony Brickhouse, also known as “Mitch Sosa,” 26, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Kofi Orleans-Lindsay, 22, of Gaithersburg, Maryland
- Shayla Louise Wetzel, 25, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Destiny Hope Turner, 25, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Kyle Thayer, 35, of Gaithersburg, Maryland
- Kyle Allen Finch, 23, of Hedgesville, West Virginia
- Corbin Charles Linthicum, 22, of Kearneysville, West Virginia
- Mikayla Doreen Thornton, 23, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
Further, the indictment alleges that a co-conspirator, Shants, possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activities.
All defendants have been arrested with the exception of Sophia Hizer and Shayla Wetzel, who are considered fugitives.
The defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the drug conspiracy charge. Shants faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; ATF; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Martinsburg Police Department; the Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department; the Virginia State Police, Montgomery County; and Maryland State Attorney’s Office investigated.
Eutylone, a synthetic cathinone with a chemical structural similar to Schedule I and II amphetamines and cathinones, such as MDMA/ecstasy, is an illegal, Schedule I controlled substance. Eutylone became a scheduled drug in 2018, and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia has seen an increase in the drug’s popularity in the last several years. This indictment is the largest conspiracy charged thus far for eutylone distribution in the Northern District of West Virginia.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.