Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Marshall County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Alex R. Lee, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Lee, 35, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Lee admitted to selling methamphetamine in February 2021 in Marshall County.
Lee 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 Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Barbour County man indicted on child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jon Travis Yost, of Philippi, West Virginia, was indicted on child pornography charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Yost, 27, was indicted on one count of “Transportation of Child Pornography – Previous conviction,” one count of “Possession of Child Pornography – Previous Conviction,” one count of “Production of Child Pornography – Previous conviction,” and one count of “Attempted Production of Child Pornography – Previous conviction.” Yost, who was previously convicted of 3rd Degree Sexual Assault in Barbour County, is accused of producing, having, and sending child pornography from September 2019 to May 2020 in Barbour County.
Yost faces at least 15 and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the transportation charge, faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the possession charge, and faces at least 25 years and up to 50 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the production and attempted production charges. 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wetzel County woman sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jane Grace Dawson, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William J Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Dawson, age 32, pled guilty in January 2020 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.” Dawson admitted to working with others to distribute heroin in Wetzel County and elsewhere from March 2019 to August 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Marshall County man sentenced for firearms violationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Michael Fuller, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld II announced.
Fuller, age 34, pled guilty in October 2020 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Fuller, who is not permitted to have a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a 12-gauge shotgun and a 10mm pistol in Marshall County in May 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Taylor County man admits to a meth chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Kevin Isner, of Flemington, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Isner, 59, pleaded guilty today 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.
Isner faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000. 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Monongalia County man admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Raymond David Bates, of Morgantown West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Bates, 43, pleaded guilty today 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.
Bates faces up to 20 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Maryland man admits to role in drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Karim Irvin Brooks, of Hagerstown, Maryland, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Brooks, 26, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.” Brooks admitted to working with others to sell heroin in February 2020 in Berkeley County.
Brooks 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 Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Belmont County, Ohio man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Lucas T. Kincade, of Jacobsburg, Ohio, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Kincade, 28, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Kincade, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior felony convictions, admitted to having a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in December 2020 in Marshall County.
Kincade 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 and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Taylor County woman admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ashley Marie Weber, of Thornton, West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Weber, 38, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Production of Child Pornography.” Weber admitted to using a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct and producing child pornography from that conduct in June 2020 in Taylor County.
Weber is facing at least 15 and up to 30 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 Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Randolph County man sentenced to 10 years for methamphetamine and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Casey Warren Lang, of Huttonsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 121 months of incarceration for drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Lang, 30, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Lang, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and 13 firearms in June 2019 in Randolph County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Martinsburg man admits to role in drug trafficking and firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sean Amos Robinson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Robinson, also known as “Zoo,” pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Eutylone.” Robinson admitted to working with others to distribute Eutylone from June 2019 to December 2020 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.
Robinon 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.
Grant County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Trampas Quint Wolford, of Cabins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 20 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Wolford, 57, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Wolford admitted to selling methamphetamine in March 2019 in Grant County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner 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, Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Barbour County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Theodore Edward Coontz, of Belington, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 70 months of incarceration for a methamphetamine charge, United States Attorney William J, Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Coontz, 48, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Coontz admitted to having methamphetamine in August 2020 in Barbour County.
Coontz also was ordered to forfeit two pistols, a revolver, a shotgun, a rifle, ammunition, and $1,538 in cash found during a traffic stop and a subsequent search of his home.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mountain Region Drug Task Force, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Randolph County woman admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Patricia Ann Mahoney, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Mahoney, 52, pleaded guilty today 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.
Mahoney faces at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5 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 & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Inmate admits to assaulting officer, sentencedRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daripsy Sanchez, an inmate at the Secure Female Facility at Federal Correctional Institution Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months for an assault charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Sanchez, 27, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Assault of a Correctional Officer Involving Physical Contact.” Sanchez admitted to assaulting a correctional officer in April 2021.
The 15-month sentence will run consecutively to any other sentence she is serving.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Hardy County man admits to role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Allan Howell, of Moorefield, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Howell, 43, pleaded guilty today 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.
Howell 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, 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/hardy-county-man-appears-drug-charges
Upshur County man admits to carjacking and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Chad C. Newcome, of Rock Cave, West Virginia, has admitted to carjacking and firearms charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Newcome, 40, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Carjacking” and one count of “Use of Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.” Newcome admitted to attempting to steal a 2018 Dodge Ram Truck on March 10, 2021 in Upshur County. Newcome used a 12-gauge shotgun during the carjacking.
Newcome faces up to 15 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the carjacking charge and at least seven years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the use of a firearm 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. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Randolph County man admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Edwin Mack Taylor, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to selling methamphetamine, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Taylor, 54, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Taylor sold methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in January 2020 in Randolph County.
Taylor 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 Mountain Region Drug Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Wetzel County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Wesley A. Ebbert, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to time served for selling drugs near a playground, United States Attorney William J, Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Ebbert, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location” in October 2019. Ebbert admitted to selling methamphetamine near Bruce Park playground in Wetzel County in May 2019.
Ebbert will be on supervised release for six years.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Wetzel County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Derrick Adams, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 77 months of incarceration for a heroin charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Adams, age 30, pled guilty in November 2020 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin.” Adams admitted to selling heroin in June 2019 in Wetzel County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Monongalia County woman admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Suzanne Adiyeh, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Adiyeh, 40, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises.” Adiyeh admitted to working with another to manage a place on Willowdale Road in Morgantown in Monongalia County for the purpose of storing, using, and distributing cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride in May 2020.
Adiyeh faces up to 20 years 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 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 Michael John Aloi presided.
Find more about the case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation-spanned-several-states
Cleveland man sentenced for role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Eiandreus Kirkland Rebraun Pique, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Pique, also known as “Duke,” age 26, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Pique admitted to working with someone to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack,” near Wheeling University in February 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, 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. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Original case indictment here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling
Ohio man appears on drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Reuben Jahmell Dauntez Donald, of Akron, Ohio, appeared in federal court today on a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Donald, 35, was charged in a criminal complaint with one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Donald is accused of having nearly 150 grams of methamphetamine on Wheeling Island on October 20, 2021. According to the affidavit, the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force conducted a controlled buy of methamphetamine from Donald. The purchased methamphetamine weighed approximately 149.56 grams, with a street value of nearly $15,000.
Donald is facing 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 case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The Wheeling Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, assisted.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
New Jersey men guilty of roles in drug trafficking ringRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sterling C. Davis and Braheem R. Sallie, both of Camden, New Jersey, were convicted at trial for their roles in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
“This result proves that drug traffickers can and will be held accountable even when they operate from another state and never set foot in West Virginia,” said Ihlenfeld. “The investigators and prosecutors are to be commended for their excellent work and the countless hours of time they invested in this case.”
After a three-day trial, Davis, 43, 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” and two counts of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Sallie, 42, was found guilty today 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.” Davis and 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.
At trial, the evidence revealed that co-conspirators in West Virginia would wire money for drug payments to Davis and Sallie in Camden, New Jersey. The evidence also revealed 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.
Davis and Sallie each face at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the conspiracy count, up to four years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the unlawful use of communication device counts, and up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the distribution of proceeds 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 defendants.
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, are prosecuting 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.
Chief 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
Monongalia County man guilty of failure to register chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Steven Kokinda, of Westover, West Virginia, was found guilty today of a failure to register charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
After a three-day trial, Kokinda, 42, was found guilty of one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registry.” Kokinda, who was previously convicted of sex offenses against children and child pornography charges, failed to update his sex offender registration after traveling from Vermont and New Jersey to West Virginia in August 2019.
Kokinda 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. Attorneys Brandon S. Flower and Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Marshal Service, the West Virginia State Police, and the Elkins Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Barbour County man indicted on drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Wayne Dadisman, of Philippi, West Virginia, was indicted today on a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Dadisman, 49, was indicted on one count of “Possession with intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Dadisman is accused of having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in June 2021 in Barbour County.
Dadisman faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. 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 Mountain Region Drug Task Force and the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
North Carolina man indicted for bank robberiesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles Lee Pingley, of Dunn, North Carolina, was indicted today on bank robbery charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Pingley, 52, was indicted today on two counts of “Bank Robbery.” Pingley is accused robbing the Citizens Bank in Randolph County on February 8, 2020, taking a bag filled with $30,216.05 in cash. He is also accused of robbing the same bank on August 6, 2020, taking a bag filled with $25,668 in cash.
Pingley faces up to 20 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maryland Nuclear Engineer and his wife indicted on national security chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - Jonathan and Diana Toebbe, both of Annapolis, Maryland, were indicted today by a Grand Jury in Elkins, West Virginia, on national security charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Jonathan, 42, and Diana 45, are each charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Communicate Restricted Data” and two counts of “Communication of Restricted Data.” The charges come after a complaint was filed and the Toebbes were arrested on October 9, 2021.
For almost a year, Jonathan Toebbe, aided by his wife, Diana, sold information known as Restricted Data concerning the design of nuclear-powered warships to a person they believed was a representative of a foreign power. In actuality, that person was an undercover FBI agent. The Toebbes had previously been charged in a criminal complaint alleging violations of the Atomic Energy Act.
Jonathan Toebbe is an employee of the Department of the Navy who served as a nuclear engineer and was assigned to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors. He held an active national security clearance through the U.S. Department of Defense, giving him access to Restricted Data.
Toebbe worked with and had access to information concerning naval nuclear propulsion including information related to military sensitive design elements, operating parameters, and performance characteristics of the reactors for nuclear powered warships.
The indictment alleges that on April 1, 2020, Jonathan Toebbe sent a package to a foreign government, listing a return address in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, containing a sample of Restricted Data and instructions for establishing a covert relationship to purchase additional Restricted Data. The indictment also alleges that, thereafter, Toebbe began corresponding via encrypted email with an individual whom he believed to be a representative of the foreign government. The individual was really an undercover FBI agent. Jonathan Toebbe continued this correspondence for several months, which led to an agreement to sell Restricted Data in exchange for thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency.
On June 8, 2021, the undercover agent sent $10,000 in cryptocurrency to Jonathan Toebbe as “good faith” payment. Shortly afterwards, on June 26, 2021, Jonathan and Diana Toebbe traveled to a location in West Virginia. There, with Diana Toebbe acting as a lookout, Jonathan Toebbe placed an SD card concealed within half a peanut butter sandwich at a pre-arranged “dead drop” location. After retrieving the SD card, the undercover agent sent Jonathan Toebbe a $20,000 cryptocurrency payment. In return, Jonathan Toebbe emailed the undercover agent a decryption key for the SD Card. A review of the SD card revealed that it contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. On August 28, 2021, Jonathan Toebbe made another “dead drop” of an SD card in eastern Virginia, this time concealing the card in a chewing gum package. After making a payment to Toebbe of $70,000 in cryptocurrency, the FBI received a decryption key for the card. It, too, contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. The FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) arrested Jonathan and Diana Toebbe on October 9, after he placed yet another SD card at a pre-arranged “dead drop” at a second location in West Virginia.
Trial Attorneys Matthew J. McKenzie and S. Derek Shugert, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, U.S. Department of Justice, National Security Division, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara Omps-Botteicher, Northern District of West Virginia, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar, Western District of Pennsylvania, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the NCIS investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marshall County man admits to fraud chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Francis Tucker, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a fraud charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Tucker, 67, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Structuring Financial Transactions to Evade Reporting Requirements.” Tucker admitted to conducting withdrawals of proceeds from the sale of a property in Florida in a manner and, with the intent to avoid bank reporting requirements regarding certain cash transactions. This crime occurred in 2016.
Tucker faces up 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. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Jarod J. Douglas are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Hardy and Grant County residents indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Scott Allen Greenwalt, of Moorefield, West Virginia, and Tonda Marie Hixenbaugh, of Petersburg, West Virginia, were indicted today on drug charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Greenwalt, 48, and Hixenbaugh, 30, were each indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Greenwalt was also indicted on three counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Greenwalt and Hixenbaugh are accused of working together to distribute more than five grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in the spring of 2021 in Hardy County and elsewhere. Greenwalt, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, is accused of having a 9mm pistol in April 2021 in Hardy County.
Greenwalt and Hixenbaugh each face at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for each of the conspiracy and possession with intent charges. Greenwalt also is facing up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the distribution charges 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Barbour County man indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Austin Jay Robinson, of Belington, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Robinson, 22, was indicted on two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Robinson is accused of selling methamphetamine in April 2021 in Barbour County.
Robinson faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug Task Force investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Monongalia County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Antonio Buzzo, of Maidsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 10 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Buzzo, 28, pleaded guilty in May 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl.” Buzzo admitted to selling fentanyl in January 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 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 Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Find related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation-spanned-several-states
Pocahontas County man sentenced for firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Julian N. Waddell, of Durbin, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 84 months of incarceration for firearms charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Waddell, 37, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to two counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Waddell, a person who isn’t permitted to have a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having three revolvers, a shotgun, and a semi-automatic rifle in April and July 2019 in Pocahontas County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Mountain Region Drug Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Dustin Cain Anderson, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Anderson, 27, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Anderson, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a .22 caliber revolver in November 2020 in Upshur 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 Upshur County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
U.S. Attorney’s Office recognized for work on Clarksburg VA Hospital Serial Murder caseRead the Press Release
AUSA Jarod J. Douglas and AUSA Brandon S. Flower receive a CIGIE award for their work on the serial killer case at the Clarksburg VA hospital.CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II is proud to announce that Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Brandon S. Flower are being recognized today for their tireless and superior work on the case of serial killer Reta Mays.
The Annual Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency Awards ceremony took place virtually this week. The award for excellence in investigation will be given to the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General investigative team for the murders committed by a nursing assistant at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia. This award is given in recognition of the personal sacrifice, exceptional investigative work, and unwavering dedication demonstrated in successfully investigating this case.
Douglas and Flowers will be recognized, along with VA OIG Resident Agent in Charge Keith Vereb, VA OIG Special Agent in Charge Colin Davis, VA OIG Special Agent in Charge Kim Lampkins, FBI Special Agent Ashley Archibald, and WV State Trooper Corporal John Smith.
In July 2020, Reta Mays, a former nursing assistant at the VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, admitted to killing seven veterans, and attempting to kill an eighth, with insulin injections. Mays was sentenced in May 2021 to seven consecutive life sentences plus 20 years.
For more information on the case, go to https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/former-va-hospital-nursing-assistant-sentenced-seven-consecutive-life-sentences.
The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) is an independent entity established within the executive branch to address integrity, economy and effectiveness issues that transcend individual Government agencies and aid in the establishment of a professional, well-trained and highly skilled workforce in the Offices of Inspectors General.
Preston County man sentenced to 14 years for drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David Ray Deberry, of Terra Alta, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 168 months of incarceration for drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Deberry, 34, of Terra Alta, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute More Than Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm as Felon.” Deberry admitted to working with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from February 2017 to June 2018 in Harrison County and elsewhere. Deberry, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a .45 caliber pistol in January 2018 in Marion 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.
Hampshire County woman admits to role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jennifer Ann Howell, of Three Churches, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William J Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Howell, also known as “Jennifer Jellerson,” 42, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting.” Howell admitted to selling methamphetamine in October 2018 in Hardy County.
Howell 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, 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Grant County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – William Glenn Vance, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Vance, 44, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Buprenorphine – Aiding and Abetting.” Vance admitted to selling buprenorphine in September 2019 in Grant County.
Vance faces up to 10 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. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the Moorefield Police Department, the West Virginia State Police and the Grant County Sheriff’s Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Youngstown men appear in federal court on multiple drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kamron Eugene Miller, Sr. and Andre Duana Bundy, both of Youngstown, Ohio, are appearing today on multiple drug charges, United States Attorney William, J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Miller, 34, and Bundy, 38, are each charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Cocaine Hydrochloride, and Cocaine Base,” three counts of “Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl.” Miller and Bundy are accused of working together to distribute the drugs from May to September 2021 in Hancock County and elsewhere, including the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation involving more than $210,000 in cash, an assault rifle, two pistols, and several rounds of ammunition seized during the investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration Wheeling; the Drug Enforcement Administration Youngstown; and the Ohio Highway Patrol investigated. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Mahoning County, Ohio Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
U.S. Attorney’s Office presents Medicolegal Symposium to discuss the case against Reta Mays, convicted VA hospital murdererRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia, is teaming up with Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and West Virginia University to hold a symposium discussing the cutting-edge methods used to convict a serial killer who preyed on veterans at the veteran’s hospital in Clarksburg.
In May 2021, Reta Mays, a former nursing assistant at the veteran’s hospital in Clarksburg, was sentenced to seven life terms in prison plus 20 years for murdering seven patients with insulin and attempting to murder an eighth veteran. The two-year investigation that preceded the July 2020 guilty pleas was highly complex.
The symposium consists of examining the clinical, forensic, psychiatry, and legal prosecution techniques used to ensure justice for Mays’ victims and their families. The prosecution team, investigators, and experts from around the globe will be presenting during this dynamic event. The symposium has been approved for CLE and CME credits. Credits for LE in-service are pending.
“The Medicolegal Symposium on the Serial Murder Case of Reta Mays” will be held at the WVU College of Law on Thursday, October 14 from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
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Jefferson County man sentenced for unlawful possession of a firearm silencerRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy John Watson, of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for unlawfully possessing a firearm silencer, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Watson, 31, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm Silencer.” Watson admitted to having an unregistered silencer in November 2020 in Jefferson County.
The government presented evidence today that Watson’s conduct also involved his manufacture and transfer of hundreds of machinegun conversion devices for AR-15 style rifles, also known as “drop in auto sears,” to nearly 800 individuals including individuals whom he had reason to believe were adherents to an extremist political movement referred to as “Boogaloo,” a term referencing an impending civil war or violent uprising against the government for perceived incursions on U.S. Constitutional rights, including the Second Amendment. From those sales, the FBI opened matters involving 58 individuals, resulting to date in three firearms-related arrests and one conviction. Many of the investigations remain ongoing.
Watson was ordered to forfeit the silencer, all 3D-printed items that the government will argue are machinegun conversion devices, the 3D printers, 3D printer parts, and 3D printer supplies, as well as a U.S. Postal Service package containing the same conversion devices. All items were seized during a search in November 2020.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service continues its investigation.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terrell Anderson, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
After a two-day trial in June 2021, a federal jury found Anderson, 26, guilty of one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Anderson had child pornography on his phone in January 2020 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Perri and Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Grant County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeffery Allen McCurdy, of Cabins, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
McCurdy, 34, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” McCurdy, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having two 12-gauge shotguns and a .22 caliber long rifle in January 2021 in Grant County.
McCurdy 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 Stephen D. Warner 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.
Berkeley County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian C. Dixon, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Dixon, 49, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Dixon admitted to having cocaine hydrochloride in March 2021 in Berkeley County.
Dixon 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.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/34-indicted-expansive-drug-trafficking-operation
William J. Ihlenfeld, II sworn in as United States Attorney for the Northern District of West VirginiaRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, IIWHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – William J. Ihlenfeld, II has taken the oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. Ihlenfeld was nominated by President Biden on August 10, 2021 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 5, 2021. U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh administered the oath of office to U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld today.
As U.S. Attorney, Ihlenfeld is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Northern District of West Virginia, which includes offices in Wheeling, Martinsburg, Clarksburg, and Elkins. He oversees a staff of 53 employees, including 24 attorneys and 28 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.
Ihlenfeld’s career in the law has been punctuated by terms of public service. He previously served as the United States Attorney in the Northern District of West Virginia, from 2010 until 2016. Prior to that, he was a state prosecutor for thirteen years in Ohio County and Brooke County, including three years as a domestic violence prosecutor. Most recently, he was a member of the West Virginia Legislature.
During his first term as U.S. Attorney, Ihlenfeld investigated and prosecuted British banking giant HSBC for its failure to identify money laundering transactions by Mexican drug cartels and terror groups. He also helped to broker a $150 million settlement with the McKesson Corporation for its filling of suspicious orders of painkillers from West Virginia pharmacies.The prevention and prosecution of public corruption has been a priority of Ihlenfeld throughout his career and will continue to be during his second term as U.S. Attorney.
Ihlenfeld has been honored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the FBI Citizens Academy for his efforts to address substance abuse.He served for many years as an executive board member of the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence as well as the Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center.
Ihlenfeld graduated with honors from Ohio University and earned his law degree from West Virginia University.
Wetzel County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Samuel Amos Minger, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, has admitted to firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Minger, 42, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Minger, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior offenses, admitted to having a six-shot revolver in November 2020 in Tyler County.
Minger 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Tyler County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Preston County woman admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Angela Dawn Yuchek, of Tunnelton, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Yuchek, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Yuchek admitted to selling methamphetamine in March 2019 in Preston County.
Yuchek 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 & 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, Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Pennsylvania man sentenced for his role in a drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Lance Smith, of Confluence, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to time served for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Smith, 48, pled guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base.” Smith admitted to working with others to distribute heroin and cocaine base, also known as “crack,” from March 2018 to September 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 Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office 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 Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Related press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/seventeen-people-charged-heroin-and-crack-cocaine-distribution-operation
Inmate admits to indecent exposure charge, sentencedRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Williams, an inmate at U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, has admitted to an indecent exposure charge and was sentenced today to four additional months of incarceration, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
Williams, 63, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Indecent Exposure.” Williams admitted to exposing himself to another at USP Hazleton in January 2020 in Preston County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Maryland Nuclear Engineer and spouse arrested on espionage-related chargesRead the Press Release
Jonathan and Diana Toebbe, both of Annapolis, Maryland, were arrested in Jefferson County, West Virginia by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) on Saturday, October 9, 2021. They will have their initial appearances on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, in federal court in Martinsburg, West Virginia. For almost a year, Jonathan Toebbe, 42, aided by his wife, Diana, 45, sold information known as Restricted Data concerning the design of nuclear powered warships to a person they believed was a representative of a foreign power. In actuality, that person was an undercover FBI agent. The Toebbes have been charged in a criminal complaint alleging violations of the Atomic Energy Act.
“The complaint charges a plot to transmit information relating to the design of our nuclear submarines to a foreign nation,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The work of the FBI, Department of Justice prosecutors, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of Energy was critical in thwarting the plot charged in the complaint and taking this first step in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
Jonathan Toebbe is an employee of the Department of the Navy who served as a nuclear engineer and was assigned to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors. He held an active national security clearance through the U.S. Department of Defense, giving him access to Restricted Data. Toebbe worked with and had access to information concerning naval nuclear propulsion including information related to military sensitive design elements, operating parameters, and performance characteristics of the reactors for nuclear powered warships.
The complaint affidavit alleges that on April 1, 2020, Jonathan Toebbe sent a package to a foreign government, listing a return address in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, containing a sample of Restricted Data and instructions for establishing a covert relationship to purchase additional Restricted Data. The affidavit also alleges that, thereafter, Toebbe began corresponding via encrypted email with an individual whom he believed to be a representative of the foreign government. The individual was really an undercover FBI agent. Jonathan Toebbe continued this correspondence for several months, which led to an agreement to sell Restricted Data in exchange for thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency.
On June 8, 2021, the undercover agent sent $10,000 in cryptocurrency to Jonathan Toebbe as “good faith” payment. Shortly afterwards, on June 26, 2021, Jonathan and Diana Toebbe traveled to a location in West Virginia. There, with Diana Toebbe acting as a lookout, Jonathan Toebbe placed an SD card concealed within half a peanut butter sandwich at a pre-arranged “dead drop” location. After retrieving the SD card, the undercover agent sent Jonathan Toebbe a $20,000 cryptocurrency payment. In return, Jonathan Toebbe emailed the undercover agent a decryption key for the SD Card. A review of the SD card revealed that it contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. On August 28, 2021, Jonathan Toebbe made another “dead drop” of an SD card in eastern Virginia, this time concealing the card in a chewing gum package. After making a payment to Toebbe of $70,000 in cryptocurrency, the FBI received a decryption key for the card. It, too, contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. The FBI arrested Jonathan and Diana Toebbe on October 9, after he placed yet another SD card at a pre-arranged “dead drop” at a second location in West Virginia.
Trial Attorneys Matthew J. McKenzie and S. Derek Shugert, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, U.S. Department of Justice, National Security Division, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara Omps-Botteicher, Northern District of West Virginia, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar, Western District of Pennsylvania, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the NCIS investigated.
A complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.