Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Philadelphia man sentenced to 10 years for role in cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Leroy Raymond Griffin, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for his role in a cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Griffin, age 41, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” in October 2019. Griffin admitted to distributing heroin in Berkeley County in December 2018.
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.
Florida man sentenced for scheme to defraud the IRS, using taxpayer identitiesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Juan David Moreno, of Miramar, Florida, was sentenced today to 36 months of incarceration for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
In February 2020, Moreno, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Wire Fraud” and one count of “Aggravated Identity Theft.” Moreno admitted to fraudulently accessing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) eAuthentication online taxpayer system, which has servers located in Berkeley County, from January 2015 to February 2017. Through his scheme to defraud, Moreno obtained personal identifying information of taxpayers without their knowledge to access the online taxpayer system and obtain income tax transcripts for those taxpayers. Moreno then filed tax returns and directed tax refunds in the amount of at least $86,525 be deposited into fraudulent bank accounts without the taxpayers’ knowledge. Moreno was responsible for filing fraudulent tax returns in the names of taxpayers located in various states, including Florida, Texas, and California.
The investigation revealed that Moreno attempted to obtain at least $389,198 in additional fraudulent tax refunds from the IRS but was unsuccessful. Moreno was also found to be in unlawful possession of over 2,600 unique identities, including social security numbers and dates of birth, of other individuals.
In addition to his sentence of incarceration, Moreno was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $86,525 to the IRS.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Cybercrime Investigations Division investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Florida man admits to filing fraudulent tax returns with the IRSRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Windsor Nycklass, of West Park, Florida, has admitted to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Nycklass, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Wire Fraud” and one count of “Aggravated Identity Theft.” In March and April 2015, Nycklass unlawfully obtained the names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of multiple taxpayers without their knowledge and consent. Nycklass then used the taxpayers’ information to fraudulently access the IRS eAuthentication (“eAuth”) Online Taxpayer System. Nycklass then filed fraudulent tax returns using the taxpayers’ identities. The fraudulent tax returns were processed at an IRS facility location in Martinsburg.
As a part of his plea agreement with the United States, Nycklass has agreed to pay $50,801 in restitution to the IRS.
Nycklass faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the wire fraud charge and two years of incarceration for the aggravated identity theft 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration – Cybercrime Investigations Division investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Berkeley County woman sentenced for role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ashley Lynn Hess, of Inwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months of incarceration for her role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Hess, 32, pled guilty in November 2020 to one count of “Distribution of a Mixture and Substance Containing Phencyclidine (PCP)” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Hess admitted to selling PCP and cocaine hydrochloride or “coke” in September 2019 in Berkeley County.
This case is the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep. This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Original press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-charged-six-state-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-cocaine
Fairmont man admits to his role in a drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathaniel Lee Williams, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Williams, also known as “Sticks,” 63, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Five Grams or more of Methamphetamine.” Williams admitted to having 37.43 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal” or “ice,” in August 2018 in Marion County. As a part of the plea agreement, Williams also admitted that he sold more than a half of a gram of fentanyl during three separate buys in July 2020.
Williams faces at least five and up 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Three Rivers Drug Task Force and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/west-virginia-and-detroit-residents-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation
Wetzel County woman indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kerry L. Sands, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was indicted today on heroin and fentanyl charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Sands, 37, was indicted on three counts of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl” and one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl.” Sands is accused of selling heroin and fentanyl in March and April 2021 in Wetzel County.
Sands 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 Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wetzel County man indicted on drug and firearm chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Franklin Keith Dotson, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was indicted today on methamphetamine and firearm charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Dotson, 43, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” two counts of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Dotson is accused of having and selling methamphetamine in Wetzel County in April and July 2021. Dotson, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior convictions, is accused of having a 9mm pistol in Wetzel County in July 2021.
Dotson faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the drug charges. He faces 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office; and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marshall County man indicted on drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dalton Kade Riggs, of Cameron, West Virginia, was indicted today on a methamphetamine charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Riggs, 33, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Riggs is accused of selling methamphetamine in Marshall County in March 2021.
Riggs 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Kanawha County man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jalin Tyref Mcarn, of Charleston, West Virginia, was indicted today on a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Mcarn, 37, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Mcarn, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, is accused of having a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in June 2021 in Tyler County.
Mcarn 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 Explosives and the Sistersville police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Detroit man indicted on drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Alante Martel Nelson, of Detroit, Michigan, was indicted today on drug and firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Nelson, 28, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Nelson is accused of having heroin in August 2020 in Monongalia County. Nelson, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, is also accused of having a .380 caliber pistol and a semi-automatic pistol in August 2020 in Monongalia County.
Nelson faces up to 30 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for the heroin charge and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,0000 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
California man indicted on drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Victor L. Roebuck, II, of Long Beach, California, was indicted today on a marijuana charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Roebuck, 33, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana.” Roebuck is accused of having marijuana in May 2021 in Ohio County.
Roebuck 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney’s Office to take part in National Night OutRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of West Virginia, will join law enforcement, community leaders and residents on Tuesday, August 3rd at events in Martinsburg, Bridgeport, and Wheeling to celebrate the 37th annual National Night Out crime prevention event.
“Our law enforcement partners across the district work tirelessly to protect our communities. We support them on this day and every day in their efforts,” said Randolph J. Bernard, Acting U.S Attorney, Northern District of West Virginia. “Our staff will spread a message of drug prevention and positivity at this year’s event. We are also giving away one backpack filled with school supplies at each location to support the importance of education.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will participate at Wheeling Park’s Ice Rink, Martinsburg’s War Memorial Park, and Bridgeport’s Recreational Complex, with each event from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
National Night Out is a community-building and crime prevention campaign that promotes collaborative law enforcement-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Thousands of communities nationwide will participate in neighborhood block parties, festivals, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, and activities that heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support for and participation in local anticrime efforts. Events such as these help to strengthen neighborhood spirit, police-community partnerships, and demonstrate a shared commitment for strong and safe communities.
Monongalia County man sentenced for his role in a drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andrew Benson, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 16 months of incarceration for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Benson, 35, pled guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base.” Benson admitted to working with others to distribute the drugs 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 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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Related press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/seventeen-people-charged-heroin-and-crack-cocaine-distribution-operation
Pendleton County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Devin Cory Teter, of Franklin, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 48 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Teter, 33, pled guilty in January 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Teter, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a 12-gauge shotgun in December 2019 in Hardy County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Mineral County woman sentenced for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Samantha Jo Guinn, of Keyser, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Guinn, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in October 2019. Guinn admitted to having more than 50 grams of “crystal” methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in January 2019 n Grant County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Martinsburg man admits to role in drug trafficking ringRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sanford Fayton Venable, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Venable, 51, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Forty Grams or More of a Heroin and Fentanyl Mixture.” Venable admitted to selling more than 40 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mixture in November 2019 in Berkeley County. In a separate case, Venable pleaded guilty to one count of “Distribution of 28 grams or More of Cocaine Base.” Venable admitted to selling more than 28 grams of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in August 2019 in Berkeley County.
Venable faces at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 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.
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. 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Find the related press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-charged-six-state-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-cocaine
Gilmer County man sentenced to nearly 18 years for fentanyl chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Lee Rutherford, of Linn, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 215 months of incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution operation, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Rutherford, 32, pled guilty in January 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least Forty Grams of Fentanyl—Aiding and Abetting.” Rutherford admitted to having more than 40 grams of fentanyl, enough to kill more than 13,000 people, in Hardy County in January 2020.
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 is comprised of the DEA, the FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the Mineral County Sheriff's Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff's Office, the Hardy County Sheriff's Office, the Grant County Sheriff's Office, and the Keyser Police Department.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Find the related press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/gilmer-and-grant-county-residents-indicted-methamphetamine-and-fentanyl-charges
Wood County man admits to violation against a minorRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Lockhart, of Davisville, West Virginia, has admitted to trying to meet a minor for sex, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Lockhart, 57, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor.” Lockhart admitted to using his phone to entice a minor in Harrison County to engage in sexual activity in April 2020.
Lockhart faces at least 10 years and up to life 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 investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
West Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. residents indicted on firearms and drug trafficking chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Twelve people are facing multiple firearms and drug charges after a federal Grand Jury handed down a firearms and drug trafficking indictment on July 21, 2021, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
The twelve West Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. residents are facing charges involving a firearms and drug trafficking conspiracy in Berkeley County and elsewhere from April 2019 to December 2020. Fifteen firearms were seized as part of the investigation, and so far three have been recovered in Washington, D.C. Those charged are:
- Tyrone Greenfield, also known as “Tidy,” 44, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Antonio Paul Brown, 37, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Jerome Winecoff, also known as “Q,” 43, of Washington, D.C.
- Hope Julia Clemons, 31, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Marcus Purnell, also known as “Mo,” 34, of Oxon Hill, Maryland
- Jennifer Lynn Dick, 46, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Charles Grant, Jr., 60, of Waldorf, Maryland
- Matthew Crimm, 29, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia
- Brandon Dale Benjamin, 24, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia
- Samuel Curtis Taylor, 54, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Sean Amos Robinson, also known as “Zoo,” 36, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Craig Orndoff, 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mineral County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kendu Woodard, of Keyser, West Virginia, was sentenced this week to 24 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Woodard, also known as “Kenneth Barmore,” 43, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Woodard, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, has admitted to having a 9mm pistol in February 2019 in Mineral County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett 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.
Jefferson County residents indicted on drug trafficking chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eight people are facing multiple drug charges after a federal Grand Jury handed down a drug trafficking indictment on July 21, 2021, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
The eight Jefferson County residents are facing charges involving a drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride in Jefferson County and elsewhere from July 2018 to June 2021. During the investigation, investigators seized over sixty grams of cocaine base. Those charged are:
- Antonio Junior Guerrero, also known as “Mula,” 29, of Ranson, West Virginia
- Michael Lynch, 57, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Camren Allen Klimes, also known as “Cam,” 27, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Christin Blake Hoffman, 35, of Ranson, West Virginia
- Crystal Farmer, 42, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- Robert Gordon Farmer, 44, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
- James T. Cogle, also known as “Cricket,” 53, of Jefferson County, West Virginia
- Shaquan Osullivan Kelly, 24, of Ranson, West Virginia
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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Camp counselor sentenced to 14 years for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David Jonathan Weston, of Westminster, Maryland, was sentenced this week to 168 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Weston, 42, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Attempted Solicitation of Child Pornography.” Weston, who had served as a camp counselor at Camp Tohiglo in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania around the time of the crime, admitted to persuading a 15-year-old female to send inappropriate pictures and videos to his smart phone. From July 2020 to September 2020, Weston exchanged nearly 1,000 messages via Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram with the minor, who lives in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated with assistance from Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
34 indicted for expansive drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Arrests were made this morning after 34 people were indicted on July 20 for a drug trafficking conspiracy that spans several states, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
The 30-count indictment charges 34 people from West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the Dominican Republic for allegedly conducting a drug trafficking operation that included large amounts of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base, and cocaine hydrochloride from Hagerstown, Maryland to locations in Berkeley County, West Virginia from August 2020 to June 2021. The drugs seized during the investigation amounted to 8.6 kilograms of cocaine, 1.02 kilograms of heroin, and 12 ounces of cocaine base “crack,” with a street value of approximately $471,000. Those charged are:
- Lenin Erasmo Luna Mota, also known as “Papi,” 48, of Hagerstown, Maryland and the Dominican Republic
- Juan Manuel De La Rosa-Tejeda, also known as “Little Papi,” 35, of Hagerstown, Maryland and the Dominican Republic
- Daniel Inoa-Rodriguez, also known as “Danny,” 21, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Shawn Gorsira, 50, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Ana Ercilia Luna, 36, of Hagerstown, Maryland and the Dominican Republic
- Stephany Rodriguez, 32, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Dominick Mickens, 38, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Jackie Devon Thompson, 41, of Frederick, Maryland
- Tyrone Lewis, Aka Roc, 42, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Alan Clark Tolliver, 41, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Miguel Angel Santiago Caraballo, 30, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
- Carl Lomax Wynn, 56, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Marcus Deon Longus, 40, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Thomas Moore, 38, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Samuel Rose, 48, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Dandre Trayham, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Branden Watson, 38, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Caleb Sinclair, 35, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Destiny Dabbs, 29, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Felicia Johnson, 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Brian C. Dixon, 49, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Christina Anders, 25, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Edwin Orrillio, also known as “J Money,” 34, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Paul David Fairburn, 26, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Edson Velasquez-Lopez, 50, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Chelsea Nicole Pinkcett, 33, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Daniel Hardy, 33, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Eliseo Rozas, 43, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
- Ron Bowers, 52, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Angela Dawn Gregory, 47, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Demitre Mccoy White, 40, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Devron Jerel Brown, also known as “Country,” 33, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Lester Luna, 27, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Carlos M. Nunez-Arias, also known as “Charlote,” 51, of Hagerstown, Maryland
“This case is, once again, a prime example of the excellent work being performed by the Assistant United States Attorneys in the Northern District of West Virginia, members of the task force and our state and local law enforcement partners. The drug enterprise run by the defendants involved a sophisticated operation including the use of a purported business to act as a front for drug trafficking and the laundering of hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds. The fact that a good portion of the investigation occurred during the pandemic makes the results even more impressive. The message for those engaged in the trafficking of drugs, especially heroin and fentanyl, within the Northern District of West Virginia remains the same; you will be caught and the United States will seek lengthy prison terms to protect the citizens of West Virginia from the danger you present,” said Bernard.
It is alleged that Luna Mota, the owner of Top 3 Sources, a business in Hagerstown, Maryland, was using his business on West Washington Street for the purpose of having and selling controlled substances.
The indictment also lists items requested for forfeiture that include more than $400,000 in cash, a .22 caliber pistol, ammunition, and six vehicles, all believed to be proceeds from the drug trafficking conspiracy.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia Air National Guard, the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative (agencies included are the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department, Ranson Police Department, Charles Town Police Department, and Martinsburg City Police Department); West Virginia State Police; Customs and Border Protection; the Hagerstown Police Department; the National Resources Police Department; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; the New York Police Department; the New Jersey State Police; the Washington County (Maryland) Drug Task Force; the Maryland State Police; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania 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 – Lance McClendon, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 100 months of incarceration for a drug charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
McClendon, age 47, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” McClendon admitted to having methamphetamine in September 2019 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia Probation Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Martinsburg man sentenced for role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephon Robert Christian, of Martinsburg West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months of incarceration for his role in a drug distribution operation, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Christian, 26, pled guilty in Match 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Eutylone.” Christian admitted to having Eutylone in April 2020 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/west-virginia-and-virginia-residents-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation-berkeley-and
Martinsburg man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darian Leizear, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Leizear, 23, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Leizear, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a .380 caliber pistol in September 2020 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor F. Hurney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Harrison County man sentenced to 14 years for having more than 50 grams of methamphetamineRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David Christopher Monroe, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 168 months of incarceration for a methamphetamine charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Monroe, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine” in November 2020. Monroe admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal” and “ice,” in Harrison County in December 2019.
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, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Delaware man sentenced for role in drug trafficking enterpriseRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andre Jason Burgos, of Wilmington, Delaware, was sentenced today to 30 months of incarceration for his role in a drug distribution enterprise, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Burgos, also known as “Ghost,” 30, pled guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Burgos admitted to working with others to sell cocaine hydrochloride, cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl from June 2019 to October 2020 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office assisted.
These charges are 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.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/22-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-enterprise-spanned-several-states
Berkeley County man sentenced for role in drug trafficking enterpriseRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Suffare Beavers, II, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months of incarceration for his role in a drug distribution enterprise, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Beavers, 34, pled guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride” and three counts of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl.” Beavers admitted to working with others to sell cocaine hydrochloride, cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl from June 2019 to October 2020 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office assisted.
These charges are 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.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/22-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-enterprise-spanned-several-states
Virginia man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terry William Jimenez Morales, of Strasburg, Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Morales, 26, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Morales admitted to having more than 85 grams of cocaine hydrochloride in March 2019 in Jefferson County.
Morales 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 Ranson Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Cleveland man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Genghis Taylor, of Cleveland, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Taylor, also known as “G,” 38, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Taylor admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” near Riverview Towers in Ohio County in May 2020.
Taylor 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, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Maryland man indicted on firearms theft chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Lee Tyndall, Jr., of Oldtown, Maryland, was indicted today on firearms theft charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Tyndall, 43, was indicted on two counts of “Stealing Firearms from a Dealer” and two counts of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms.” Tyndall, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, is accused of stealing eight firearms from a licensed dealer in Mineral County on September 4, 2019. He is also accused of stealing five firearms from a licensed dealer in Mineral County on September 27, 2019.
Tyndall faces up to 10 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Illinois women indicted on counterfeit chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Clarissa Mosley, of Chicago, Illinois, and Asante James, of Freeport, Illinois, were indicted today on counterfeit charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Mosley, 24, and James, 21, were each indicted today on one count of “Conspiracy to Possess and Pass Counterfeit Obligations,” one count of “Possession of Counterfeit Obligations,” and one count of “Passing Counterfeit Obligation.” Mosley and James are accused of passing counterfeit money in December 2020 in Ritchie County.
Mosley and James each face up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy charge and face up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 fine for two other counterfeit 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 Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service, the Ritchie County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Charleston Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Eastern Panhandle man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ronald Louis Browning, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Browning, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” Browning admitted to making a false statement to purchase a 9mm pistol in December 2020 in Berkeley County.
Browning 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 & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Randolph County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Derek Raines, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Raines, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” Raines admitted to having a .40 caliber pistol during a drug trafficking crime in August 2019.
Raines faces at least 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 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.
Jefferson County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Aaron Patrick Stamets, of Charles Town, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Stamets, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Stamets, a person prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having two firearms in August of 2020 in Jefferson County.
Stamets 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.
This charge 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 Timothy D. Helman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Charles Town Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Grant County man admits to fentanyl chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Allen Hinkle, of Cabins, West Virginia, has admitted to a fentanyl charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Joshua Allen Hinkle, 36, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute at Least 40 Grams of Fentanyl.” Hinkle admitted to working with others to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl in April 2020 in Grant County and elsewhere.
Hinkle faces at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the conspiracy charge. Hinkle also faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the possession of fentanyl 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; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated. The Task Force consists of members from the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the FBI, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Mineral County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald Mark Tillotson, of Burlington, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Tillotson, 24, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Tillotson, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction, admitted to having a .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number in January 2021 in Mineral County.
Tillotson 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 & Explosives and the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
New York man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Levon Williams, of Mount Vernon, New York, was sentenced today to 36 months of incarceration for his involvement in a drug distribution operation, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Williams, also known as “Slim,” 39, pleaded guilty in August 2019 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Williams admitted to selling cocaine near Mascoli Park in Monongalia County in July 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Hampshire County man admits to role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Michael Bourne, of Shanks, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Bourne, age 36, pleaded guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin. Fentanyl, and Cocaine Base.” Bourne admitted to working with another individual to distribute the controlled substances from January 2020 through October 2020.
Bourne 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 K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Attorney’s Office worked closely with the Hampshire County Prosecutor’s Office to bring this case forward. In addition, the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crime task Force, a HIDTA funded initiative, investigated. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the Mineral County Sheriff's Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff's Office, the Hardy County Sheriff's Office, the Keyser Police Department, and the Grant County Sheriff's Office
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Berkeley County man admits to role in drug trafficking enterpriseRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Maxwell Edward Sanderlin, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution enterprise, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Sanderlin, 33, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl.” Sanderlin admitted to working with others to sell heroin and fentanyl in February 2020 in Berkeley County.
Sanderin 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; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office assisted.
These charges are 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/22-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-enterprise-spanned-several-states
Ohio man sentenced to 10 years for carjackingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Ashley Hubbs, of Paris, Ohio, was sentenced today to 124 months of incarceration for carjacking, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Hubbs, 38, pled guilty in January 2021 to one count of “Carjacking.” Hubbs admitted to using violence to steal a Honda CR-V in Lewis County in October 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Lewis County Sheriff Office; and the Weston Police Department and investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Harrison County woman admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Harlie Christian Shaw, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Shaw, 30, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Shaw, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a .22 caliber revolver in June 2020 in Harrison County.
Shaw 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Upshur County woman sentenced to 10 years for meth distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ashley Nichole Bennett, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 121 months of incarceration for a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Bennett, 35, pleaded guilty in February 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Five Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Bennett admitted to selling more than five grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal” and “ice,” in January 2020 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Clarksburg man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tee El Dodd, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Dodd, 34, pleaded guilty in December 2020 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Dodd, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in October 2019 in Doddridge County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Morgantown man sentenced for harboring a fugitive wanted on a felony chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Paul Chibuzo, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months of incarceration for charges related to hiding a fugitive, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Chibuzo, age 25, pled guilty in August 2020 to one count of “Harboring and Concealing a Federal Fugitive” and one count of “False Statement to Federal Agent.” Chibuzo admitted to hiding Donquale Gray in Morgantown from March 1 to March 6, 2019. Gray was wanted by the U.S. Marshal Service on a felony charge. Chibuzo lied to authorities about speaking with Gray and knowing he was wanted in February 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Marshal Service; The Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Maryland man sentenced drug traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Donald Noel Smith, of Oakland, Maryland, was sentenced today to three years probation for drug trafficking, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Smith, 42, pleaded guilty in October 2020 to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Meadows admitted to using a phone to distribute drugs in March 2020 in Monongalia County.
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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Harrison County man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Chad Perkins, of Wallace, West Virginia, was indicted yesterday on a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Perkins, 31, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Perkins, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, is accused of having a .32 caliber revolver in February 2021 in Harrison County.
Perkins faces up to 10 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 Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Hardy County man indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gregory Stump, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was indicted yesterday on firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Stump, 51, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number.” Stump, a person prohibited from having a firearm, is accused of having a .45 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number in April 2020 in Monongalia County.
Stumps faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful possession charge and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000 fine for the obliterated serial number charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Hampshire County woman admits to role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jessica Lee Lynch, of Augusta, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Lynch, age 38, pleaded guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin. Fentanyl, and Cocaine Base.” Lynch admitted to working with another individual to distribute the controlled substances from January 2020 through October 2020.
Lynch 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 K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Attorney’s Office worked closely with the Hampshire County Prosecutor’s Office to bring this case forward. In addition, the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crime task Force, a HIDTA funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.