Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Baltimore man admits to drug trafficking chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dontaz Lavan Brandon, of Baltimore, Maryland, has admitted to a drug a charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Brandon, 23, pleaded guilty today 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.
Brandon 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.
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 are prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Maryland man admits to a firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dylan Michael Ward, of Hagerstown, Maryland, has admitted to a firearms conspiracy, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Ward, 22, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy.” Ward admitted to working with others to purchase and transport firearms illegally across state lines from West Virginia into Maryland. The crimes occurred in March and April of 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.
Ward faces up to five 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Hardy County woman admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Barbara Ann Thomas, of Moorefield, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Thomas, 49, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Thomas admitted to having methamphetamine in August 2019 in Grant County.
Thomas faces up to 20 years of incarceration and 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; the West Virginia State Police; and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Maryland man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Todd Dwayne Mills, Jr., of Hagerstown, Maryland, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Mills, 23, pleaded guilty today to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearms.” Mills admitted to made false statements on forms to purchase two 9mm pistols in March 2021 in Berkeley County.
Mills 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Baltimore man admits to drug trafficking chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tremaine Antonio Davis, of Baltimore, Maryland, has admitted to a drug a charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Davis, 31, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” Davis admitted to working with another to distribute fentanyl in January 2020 in Berkeley County.
Davis 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.
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 are prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Maryland man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Joseph Young, of Baltimore, Maryland, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Young, 55, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 100 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing Phencyclidine (PCP).” Young admitted to having 100 grams or more of PCP in September 2019 in Jefferson County.
Young faces at least six years and up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. 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.
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 Eleanor F. Hurney are prosecuting the case 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.Harrison County man sentenced for firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Carl David Davis, of Hepzibah, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 63 months of incarceration for firearms charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Davis, 32, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of “Possession of an Explosive by a Prohibited Person” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Davis, who is prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, is accused of having two electric explosive detonators (blasting caps) in November 2018 and a .22 caliber rifle in October 2020 in Harrison County.
Davis also was ordered to forfeit a 9mm pistol, 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a .22 caliber rifle, seven rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, one 12-gauge shotgun shell, and four rounds of .32 caliber ammunition.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Texas woman admits to role in drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Narkevia Lewis, of Houston, Texas, has admitted to her role in methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William J, Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Lewis, age 23, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises.” Lewis admitted to working with another to run an apartment in Morgantown for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine, cocaine base, fentanyl, and heroin in the spring of 2020.
Lewis faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000. 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. Attorneys Zelda E. Wesley and Sarah E. Wagner are prosecuting 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation-spanned-several-states
Illegal alien admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Lucio Javier Escobedo Fernandez, a Mexican national, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Fernandez, 28, pleaded guilty today 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.
Fernandez faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Ohio man admits to selling methamphetamineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Myron Henderson, of Euclid, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Henderson, also known as “Charlie,” age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Henderson admitted to selling methamphetamine near North Park Apartments in June 2019 in Ohio County.
Henderson faces at least one year and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Maryland man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Alexander Michael Ryan Myers, of Hagerstown, Maryland, has admitted to his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Myers, 23, pleaded guilty today 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 from March and April 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.
Myers faces up to five 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.
Jefferson County man admits to government theftRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Phillip Downes, of Ranson, West Virginia, has admitted to a theft charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Downes, 44, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Theft of Government Funds.” Downes was employed by CSX Transportation from July 2006 to April 2019. Downes collected unemployment benefits from June 2019 to August 2020, but admitted that he was, in fact, employed elsewhere during this time frame. Downes submitted 29 false claims to hide his employment, resulting in a theft of more than $18,000. Downes also received nearly $10,000 in CARES Act funds.
Downes also agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $27,902.08 to the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board.
Downes 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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board Office of Inspector General investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Lewis County residents admit to firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew J. Duncan, of Weston, West Virginia, and Crystal Dawn Roth, of Walkersville, West Virginia, have admitted to firearms charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Duncan, 24 pleaded guilty today 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.
Roth, 39, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Roth, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior convictions, admitted to having a revolver in March 2021 in Braxton County.
Duncan and Roth each face 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 and the Braxton County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Justice Department Announces $139 Million for Law Enforcement Hiring to Advance Community PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced more than $139 million in grant funding through the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). The awards provide direct funding to 183 law enforcement agencies across the nation, allowing those agencies to hire 1,066 additional full-time law enforcement professionals.
“We are committed to providing police departments with the resources needed to help ensure community safety and build community trust,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The grants we are announcing today will enable law enforcement agencies across the country to hire more than 1,000 additional officers to support vitally important community oriented policing programs.”
United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II is proud to announce that, in the Northern District of West Virginia, Berkeley County Council was awarded $500,000.
“This funding will allow Berkeley County to hire more deputies to continue its great work. Our law enforcement partners are vital in maintaining safety in our communities and deserve our support,” said Ihlenfeld.
CHP is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing. CHP provides funds directly to law enforcement agencies to hire new or rehire additional career law enforcement officers, thereby increasing their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Of the 183 agencies awarded grants today, approximately half will use the funding to focus on building legitimacy and trust between law enforcement and communities; 41 agencies will seek to address high rates of gun violence; 21 will focus on other areas of violence; and 19 will focus CHP resources on combating hate and domestic extremism or supporting police-based responses to persons in crisis. The complete list of awards can be found here.
Since its creation in 1994, COPS has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 135,000 officers. CHP, COPS’ flagship program, continues to be in demand today: In FY21, COPS received 590 applications requesting nearly 3,000 law enforcement positions. For FY22, President Biden has requested $537 million for CHP, an increase of $300 million.
To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp-award. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served.
Ohio man admits to drug traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Lee Edgell, of Belmont, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Edgell, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Edgell admitted to distributing methamphetamine in January 2021 in Ohio County. Law enforcement seized 191 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” and 89 grams of fentanyl during a search of Edgell’s vehicle. They also recovered $12,380.00, which Edgell agreed to forfeit.
Edgell 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Maryland man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Andrew Logan, of Dundalk, Maryland, has admitted to his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Logan, 27, pleaded guilty today 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.
Logan faces up to five 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.
Lewis County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Samuel Lee Donaldson, Jr., of Weston, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 98 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
After a two-day trial in April 2021, a jury found Donaldson, 37, guilty of one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Donaldson is a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions of domestic battery and third offense DUI. On October 5, 2019, a Lewis County Sheriff’s Deputy and a Weston Police Department K-9 unit responded to a 911 call about a felon with a firearm. When the officers made eye contact with Donaldson, he immediately fled on foot. Just before the officers apprehended him, Donaldson threw a 9mm semi-automatic firearm, which was quickly recovered.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher L. Bauer and Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, and the Weston Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Federal-State Clean Water Act Settlement Resolves Sewer Overflow Violations in Berkeley County, West VirginiaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON- The Berkeley County Public Service Sewer District in West Virginia will pay a $518,400 penalty, make extensive improvements to its sewer and stormwater systems, and implement a state-directed supplemental environmental project valued at $1.14 million under a settlement with federal and state authorities, the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) announced today.
The settlement, lodged today in federal court by the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of EPA and WVDEP, resolves chronic alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act and the West Virginia Water Pollution Control Act.
In a federal court complaint filed with the settlement, the United States and WVDEP cited Berkeley for exceeding pollution limits at its permitted wastewater treatment plants more than 1,300 times; allowing sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) more than 500 times; failing to properly operate and maintain its sewage collection systems; and failing to develop and implement an adequate Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program.
“This settlement, done in partnership with the state of West Virginia, will ensure that Berkeley attains compliance with environmental laws protecting our waters and the citizens of Berkeley County,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Under the settlement, Berkeley will implement a comprehensive solution that will improve wastewater treatment and mitigate stormwater pollution.”
“Today’s settlement is a victory for protection of human health and the environment,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Larry Starfield for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This settlement includes concrete requirements that will reduce discharges of sewage and other pollutants in Berkeley County, which directly translates to cleaner, safer water for local communities and communities downstream along the Potomac River.”
The settlement requires Berkeley to pay civil penalties of $432,000 to the United States and $86,400 to WVDEP. Berkeley will satisfy remaining penalties owed to WVDEP by implementing a supplemental environmental project. This project requires Berkeley to provide treatment for sewage from the White Bush Landing and Midway mobile home parks in Falling Waters, West Virginia, a project valued at $1,145,000.
In addition to the penalty, the settlement requires extensive improvements to Berkeley’s sewer and stormwater systems at an EPA-estimated cost of $50 million to ensure compliance with federal and state pollution control laws. Improvements include:
- Establishing a comprehensive MS4 program.
- Assessing capacity, mapping, and developing a medial measures plan for the sewage collection system.
- Evaluating and taking corrective actions at under-performing treatment systems.
- Training employees.
- Developing and implementing a pump station inspection program and corrective action plan.
- Conducting inspections and taking corrective actions to prevent stormwater and groundwater from entering sewer pipes.
- Educating the public on handling/disposal of fats, oil and grease.
- Requiring reports to keep EPA and WVDEP informed of problems and progress toward various consent decree milestones.
SSOs pose a substantial risk to public health and the environment, and include pollutants such as bacteria, pathogens, nutrients, untreated industrial wastes, toxic pollutants, soil and pesticides and wastewater solids and debris. Berkeley’s wastewater and MS4 facilities, which include approximately 245 miles of sewer pipes and multiple wastewater treatment plants, all discharge to the Potomac River or its tributaries, which are part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. By improving water quality, the settlement will benefit communities in Berkeley, West Virginia, as well as communities downstream of Berkeley, including communities that are historically underserved and disproportionately impacted by pollution.
The proposed consent decree, which has been lodged with the U.S. District Court in Martinsburg, West Virginia, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final federal court approval.
For more information on the Clean Water Act, visit: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-clean-water-act .
For more information on sanitary sewage overflows, visit: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/sanitary-sewer-overflows-ssos .
Harrison County man admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Randy McKinley, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
McKinley, 57, pleaded guilty today 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 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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Berkeley County woman admits to role in drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Angela Dawn Gregory, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Gregory, 47, pleaded guilty today 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.
Gregory 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.
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 are prosecuting the cases 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.
Ohio man admits to selling cocaineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Antonio Mario Hall, of Cleveland, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Hall, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Hall admitted to selling cocaine in Ohio County in January 2020.
Hall 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. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting 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 U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Harrison County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Allen Craig, II, of Lumberport, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Craig, 32, pleaded guilty 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.
Craig is facing 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 Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Inmate admits to assault charge, sentencedRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Irvin Johnson, an inmate at Federal Corrections Institution Hazelton in Preston County, has admitted to an assault charge and was sentenced to 15 additional months of incarceration, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Johnson, 35, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Assault of a Correctional Officer Involving Physical Contact.” Johnson admitted to assaulting a correctional officer in April 2020 in Preston County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for his involvement in bank robberyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Blaine Allen Ash, of Bristol, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 49 months of incarceration for his involvement in the robbery of Summit Community Bank in November 2020, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Ash, 38, pleaded guilty in May 2021 to one count of “Accessory After the Fact – Bank Robbery.” Ash admitted to assisting Clinton Monroe Utter with concealing his involvement in the robbery of the bank. Utter was sentenced earlier this month for robbing the Summit Community Bank in Salem, West Virginia, of $69,100 on November 17, 2020.
Ash, along with the other two defendants in this case, was ordered to pay $69,100 in restitution to the bank.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Pennsylvania man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Solomon Williams, of Reading, Pennsylvania, has admitted to his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Williams, 28, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy.” Williams 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.
Williams faces up to five 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 admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Edward Lee Nelson, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Nelson, 29, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.” Nelson, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having 20 cartridges of ammunition in November 2020 in Marshall County.
Nelson 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, Firearm & Explosives and the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Marion County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terrance Cecil Clark, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 41 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Clark, 28, pled guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Clark, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, admitted to having 9mm pistol in May 2020 in Marion County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Inmate admits to assault charge, sentencedRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jamarcus Darnell Torrey, an inmate at Federal Corrections Institution Hazelton in Preston County, has admitted to an assault charge and was sentenced to 48 additional months of incarceration, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Torrey, 31, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Assault of a Correctional Officer Resulting in Bodily Injury.” Torrey admitted to injuring a correctional officer in October 2019 in Preston County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Georgia man sentenced to 14 years for drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Gregory Chappell, of Cartersville, Georgia, was sentenced today to 168 months for drug distribution and firearms charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Chappell, age 35, pleaded guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances” and one count of “Use and Carry a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime” in February 2019.
Three other co-conspirators in this case have either pled guilty or been sentenced for their roles in a drug distribution operation from Georgia to West Virginia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Three Rivers Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the West Virginia State Police; The Bartow County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office; the FBI in Rome, Georgia; and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Find the related cases here:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/georgia-man-sentenced-four-life-sentences-plus-10-years-drug-distribution-resulting
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/georgia-man-found-guilty-drug-distribution-resulting-death-0
Berkeley County man admits to role in drug trafficking and firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon Benjamin, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Benjamin, 24, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Eutylone.” Benjamin admitted to selling Eutylone in September 2020 in Berkeley County.
Benjamin 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.
Berkeley County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Hardy, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Hardy, 33, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Heroin and Cocaine Base.” Hardy 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.
Hardy 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. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Timothy D. Helman are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Twenty-one facing multiple drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Twenty-one people are facing charges involving drug trafficking and firearms in Barbour and Randolph Counties, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
“Methamphetamine continues to be a serious problem in our district. When you combine methamphetamine dealers with firearms, it’s a dangerous combination. I commend all of our law enforcement partners for their hard work on these cases, and their continued partnership to make our communities safer places to live and work,” said Ihlenfeld.
Law enforcement conducted an operation today to arrest those charged in separate indictments handed down in October and November by Grand Juries sitting in Elkins and Clarksburg. Those facing charges are:
• Caleb Andrew Beverly, 23, of Philippi, West Virginia
• Nicholas Joseph Buono, 34, of Philippi, West Virginia
• Kayla Lynn Jenkins, 27, of Philippi, West Virginia
• Calvin Crocket Mullins, 29, of Philippi, West Virginia
• Katrina Ann Sears, 42, of Belington, West Virginia
• Wendell Dean Beverly, 58, of Philippi, West Virginia
• Christopher Columbus Mayle, 42, of Philippi, West Virginia
• Kyle Richard Lantz, II, 38, of Philippi, West Virginia
• John C. Holliday, 31, Mill Creek, West Virginia
• Jenny Lynn Wood, 30, of Beverly, West Virginia
• Matthew Scott Mayle, 35, of Philippi, West Virginia
• James Richard Cutright, also known as “Jimmy,” 34, of Philippi, West Virginia
• Noah Jacob Graham, 20, of Philippi, West Virginia
• Austin Jay Robinson, 22, of Belington, West Virginia
• Dustin Allen Summerfield, 29, of Beverly, West Virginia
• Jonathan Andrew Swiger, 33, of Belington, West Virginia
• Cameron K. Shreve, 43, of Mill Creek, West Virginia
• Albert Perry Shreve, III, 42, of Elkins, West Virginia
• Gary Roudolph Loy, Jr., 48, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
• Cheyenne Mary Katherine Winning, 29, of Montrose, West Virginia
• Joshua Dewayne Simmons, 28, of Elkins, West VirginiaThe twenty-one are facing charges that range from distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine to unlawful possession of a firearm. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in Barbour and Randolph Counties.
Today’s operation also included the arrests of more than 20 others on state charges. Law enforcement seized approximately 35 firearms during the arrests.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower and Stephen D. Warner are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, West Virginia State Police, the Mountain Region Drug Task Force, the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office, and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New Jersey woman and Berkeley County man admit to roles in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ana B. Lopez, of Camden, New Jersey, and Brandon Eugene Corbin, of Inwood, West Virginia, have admitted to their roles in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Lopez, 21, and Corbin, 35, each pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine Base.” Lopez and Corbin admitted to working with others to distribute controlled substances from January to September 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.
Lopez and Corbin each face 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.
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, are prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Berkeley County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James T. Cogle, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Cogle, 53, pleaded guilty today 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.
Cogle faces up to 20 years of incarceration and 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 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Virginia woman sentenced for role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kaleah Scott, of Winchester, Virginia, was sentenced today to one year of probation for her role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Scott, 40, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.” Scott admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl from June to November 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.
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 Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Ohio man sentenced for methamphetamine and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Palmer, of Lore City, Ohio, was sentenced today to 63 months of incarceration for drug and firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Palmer, 57, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm as a Felon.” Palmer, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having methamphetamine and two pistols in February 2018 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar 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 & Explosives investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/ohio-and-west-virginia-residents-indicted-drug-and-firearms-charges
New Jersey man admits to role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Aquilino Javier Lorenzo-Rivera, of Blackwood, New Jersey, has admitted to his role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Lorenzo-Rivera, 37, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Forty Grams or More of Fentanyl.” Lorenzo-Rivera admitted to distributing nearly 34 grams of acetyl fentanyl (synthetic fentanyl) and more than 241 grams of a fentanyl mixture. A lethal dose of fentanyl is two milligrams.
Lorenzo-Rivera faces at least five and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. 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.
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, are prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Mineral County man sentenced for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Adam Michael, of Burlington, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 102 months of incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Michael, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine” in July 2020. Michael admitted to working with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from October 2018 to February 2019 in Mineral County and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The task force consists of the FBI, West Virginia State Police, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Martinsburg woman sentenced for role in cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jessica Sue Nicholson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to one year of probation for her role in a cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Nicholson, 25, pleaded guilty in September 2019 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Hydrochloride, and Cocaine Base.” Nicholson admitted to working with others to distribute the drugs from May 2018 to January 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Assistant U.S Attorney Timothy D. Helman, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Ranson Police Department investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Jefferson County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Gordon Farmer, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Farmer, 45, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Base and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Farmer admitted to working with others to distribute drugs from July 2018 to June 2021 in Jefferson County and elsewhere.
Farmer faces up to 20 years of incarceration and 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 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. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for firearms violationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan Johnson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years of probation for a firearms violation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Johnson, age 45, pleaded guilty in January 2020 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Johnson, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having 34 firearms in March 2017 in Berkeley County.
Johnson was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and ordered to forfeit 36 firearms, as well as thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Caleb Sinclair, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Sinclair, 35, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Heroin and Cocaine Base.” Sinclair 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.
Sinclair 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. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Timothy D. Helman are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Harrison County men sentenced for roles in bank robberyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Harrison County men were sentenced today for their roles in the robbery of Summit Community Bank in November 2020, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Clint Monroe Utter, of West Milford, West Virginia, was sentenced to 188 months of incarceration. Utter, 43, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of “Bank Robbery” and one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.” Utter admitted to robbing the Summit Community Bank in Salem, West Virginia, of $69,100 on November 17, 2020 and then attempting to conceal the proceeds from the bank robbery by directing the purchase of prepaid cards.
David Alan Gill, of Salem, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 48 months of incarceration. Gill, 61, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Accessory After the Fact – Bank Robbery.” Gill admitted to helping Clint Monroe Utter evade authorities.
Utter and Gill were also ordered to pay $69,100 jointly in restitution to the bank.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The FBI and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Taylor County man sentenced to 28 years for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dallas Edward Weber, Jr. was sentenced today to 336 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Weber, 40, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Production of Child Pornography.” Weber is accused of using a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct and producing child pornography from that conduct in June 2020 in Taylor County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Morgantown woman admits to tax fraudRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Diann Carol Clark, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a payroll tax fraud charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Clark, 59, pleaded guilty today 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.
Clark faces up to five 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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The IRS investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Preston County woman sentenced for role in drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tiffany Groves, of Kingwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 100 months of incarceration for her role in methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Groves, age 43, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Groves admitted to distributing methamphetamine in April 2020 in Monongalia County.
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.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Preston County residents indicted on charges involving insurance fraudRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four Preston County residents are facing wire fraud charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
The four are charged in eight-count indictment involving wire fraud. Those charged are:
- Cynthia Miller, 36, of Newburg, West Virginia
- Dustin Miller, 41, of Reedsville, West Virginia
- Markitta Miller, 28, of Reedsville, West Virginia
- Stacey Moreland, 34, of Tunnelton, West Virginia
The four are accused of working together to stage a vehicle accident, fabricate injuries, and file false insurance claims. The crimes allegedly occurred from March to July 2019 in Taylor and Preston Counties.
Each of them faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. 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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. ATF and the West Virginia Insurance Commission Fraud Unit investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Preston County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG WEST VIRGINIA – Michael C. Meade, Jr., of Masontown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 40 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Meade, 27, pleaded guilty in May 2021 to one count of “Possession by a Prohibited Person.” Meade, who had previously been convicted of a domestic battery charge in Marion County, admitted to having a semi-automatic pistol in February 2019 in Marion County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Ohio men indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Grand Jury in Clarksburg, West Virginia, indicted two Ohio men on drug charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Reuben Jahmell Dauntez Donald, of Akron, Ohio, and Darion Davon Isimemen Ojezua, of Dayton, Ohio, were each indictment on methamphetamine charges in separate cases.
Donald, 35, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Donald is accused of selling methamphetamine near Jensen Playground on Wheeling Island in October 2021.
Ojezua, also known as “Dee,” 25, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession with intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Ojezua is accused of having and selling methamphetamine in October 2021 in Wetzel County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the Ojezua case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case Donald case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Martinsburg man admits to role in drug trafficking and firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Antoine Paul Brown, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Brown, 38, pleaded guilty today to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” Brown admitted to falsifying a form to purchase a firearm for someone else in April 2019 in Berkeley County.
Brown 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.