Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Harrison County Task Force Officer given top honorRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, Vice Chair for the Executive Board of the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA), and AHIDTA Executive Director Vic Brown are proud to announce the AHIDTA Outstanding Task Force Officer of the Year Award recipient for 2020.
The Commander of the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, was recognized last week at the Appalachia HIDTA quarterly meeting in Kentucky. While his name isn’t being released because of the nature of his work, the Commander is a 12-year veteran of the task force and a 30-year veteran of the Bridgeport Police Department.
“There isn’t a man more deserving of this award than this commander. I am extremely proud that he is in our district. He ia single minded in his efforts to protect the people of West Virginia. His dedication is legendary and we are lucky to have him,” said Powell.
The Commander was selected from 287 task force officers in AHIDTA, 110 different agencies in four states encompassing 93 counties.
“Appalachia HIDTA is honored to be able to recognize this officer for his outstanding performance in drug law enforcement. Due to the efforts of this special officer, undoubtedly there are sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers who are alive today due to the efforts made by this hero,” said Brown.
The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). A component of the Executive Office of the President, ONDCP was created by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. ONDCP advises the President on drug control issues, coordinates drug-control activities and related funding across the Federal government, and produces the annual National Drug Control Strategy, which outlines Administration efforts to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences.
Appalachia HIDTA is an important component of the President’s National Drug Control Strategy, which provides additional federal resources to help eliminate or reduce drug trafficking and its harmful consequences. Law enforcement organizations within HIDTA assess drug trafficking problems and design specific initiatives to reduce or eliminate the production, manufacture, transportation, distribution, and chronic use of illegal drugs, as well as money laundering.
Harrison County woman admits to meth chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kaylie Marie Jones, of Wallace, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jones, 26, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute More Than Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Jones admitted to working with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from February 2017 to June 2018 in Harrison County and elsewhere.
Jones faces not less than five and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar 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 & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Former correctional officer admits to sexual abuse of an inmateRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Scott Douglas Born, a former correctional officer at Federal Correctional Institution Hazelton’s Female Facility has admitted to the sexual abuse of an inmate, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Born, 33, of Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, pled guilty today to one count of “Sexual Abuse of a Ward.” Born admitted to accepting oral sex from an inmate at the secure female facility from September 2018 to January 2019.
Born faces up to 15 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Marion County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jonathan David Cochran, of Barrackville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 34 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cochran, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm” in September 2020. Cochran, prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction, is accused of having a .380 caliber pistol in December 2019 in Marion 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 Probation and Parole Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Wetzel County woman sentenced for heroin chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tina Rose Yoho, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Yoho, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in October 2020. Yoho 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.
Wetzel County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nicholas D. Klem, of Proctor, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 70 months of incarceration for his role in a drug trafficking operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Klem, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine” in October 2020. Klem admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2019 to August 2020 in Marshall County and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Upshur County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert James Tiffner, of French Creek, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Tiffner, 27, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm.” Tiffner admitted to having a 20 gauge shotgun that wasn’t registered to him in February 2019 in Upshur County.
Tiffner faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Marshall County man sentenced to more than 10 years for drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dustin L. White, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 130 months of incarceration for drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
White, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking” in October 2020. White admitted to distributing methamphetamine in March 2019 in Marshall County. White also admitted to possessing two pistols, a revolver, and a shotgun during drug trafficking crimes.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Belmont County woman admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Sheri K. Green, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Green, 56, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Green admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2019 to August 2020 in Marshall County and elsewhere.
Green faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Wheeling woman sentenced for embezzling nearly $350,000Read the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Cindy Shearer, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months of incarceration for embezzling nearly $350,000 from her previous employers, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Shearer, 58, pled guilty to one count of “Wire Fraud” and one count of “Filing False Income Tax Return” in September 2020. From April 2013 until the end of 2019, Shearer was employed as the office manager by Cane Business Forms & Systems and later reorganized as Precision Printed Products, a printing company in Triadelphia, West Virginia.
Shearer admitted to writing checks totaling $276,892.88 from Cane Business Forms & Systems and a total of $67,672.41 from Precision Printed Products to herself, but listing the check as paid to a legitimate vendor. She would then cash or deposit the checks into her own bank account. Shearer also admitted to not claiming the embezzled money on her personal taxes, defrauding the IRS of approximately $54,509.
Shearer was ordered to pay restitution to both business owners and restitution to the IRS that totals $399,074.29.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service investigated.U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Wheeling man sentenced for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremy Crinkey, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for having child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Crinkey, 44, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography – Previous Conviction” in August 2020. Crinkey, having previously been convicted of possession of child pornography in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in 2012, admitted to having images of child pornography in his possession in March 2020 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Probation Office and the FBI investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ohio woman admits to role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jennifer M. Cuffman, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, has admitted to her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cuffman, also known as “Jennifer Proctor,” age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Fentanyl.” Cuffman admitted to working with others distribute the drugs from February 2019 to July 2020 in Ohio County and elsewhere.
Cuffman faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone 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 woman admits to role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Brookelyn Myers, of Bellaire, Ohio, has admitted to her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Myers, also known as “Brooke,” age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl.” Myers admitted to selling a mixture of heroin and fentanyl in December 2019 in Ohio County.
Myers faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Original case indictment here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling
Monongalia County man indicted on child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Steven Kokinda, of Westover, West Virginia, was indicted today on a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Kokinda, 42, was indicted today on one count of “Second Offense Possession of Child Pornography” and one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registry.” Kokinda, who was previously convicted of sex offenses against children and child pornography charges, is accused of having a cell phone with child pornography images in Randolph County in September 2019. He is also accused of failing to update his sex offender registration after traveling from Vermont and New Jersey to West Virginia in August 2019.
Kokinda is facing at least 10 years and up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the child pornography charge. He is facing up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the registration charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department and the U.S. Marshal Service investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Columbus man indicted on methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Devante Crutez Taylor, of Columbus, Ohio, was indicted today on a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Taylor, 28, was indicted today on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Taylor is accused of having 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in August 2019 in Ohio County.
The government is also seeking the forfeiture of $3,638 in cash found with Taylor that is believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
Taylor is facing 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Wheeling Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Cleveland man sentenced to 10 years for cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Clarence Maceo Carter, Jr., of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Carter, also known as “Moe,” age 34, pleaded guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base” in July 2020. Admitted to having cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in Ohio County in February 2020.
Later testing of drugs found in Carter’s possession indicated 26 grams of fentanyl, enough to kill 8,000 people
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Nearly $53 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2020Read the Press Release
WHEELING - U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced today that the Northern District of West Virginia collected $52,693,826.90 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2020. Of this amount, $443,308.84 was collected in criminal actions and $52,250,518.10 was collected in civil actions.
“Protection of the public involves more than prosecuting criminal defendants. Criminal forfeitures, civil collections, and civil judgements are very important, but often difficult, tasks. I commend my staff on the resolve to ensure that the public treasury saw this significant benefit,” said Powell.
The Justice Department collected more than $15.9 billion in civil and criminal actions in fiscal year (FY) 2020 ending Sept. 30, 2020. The $15,988,516,670 in collections in FY 2020 represents more than five times the approximately $3.2 billion appropriated budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period. The total includes all monies collected as a result of Justice Department-led enforcement actions and negotiated civil settlements. It includes more than $13.5 billion in payments made directly to the Justice Department, and more than $2.4 billion in indirect payments made to other federal agencies, states and other designated recipients.
In 2020, the Northern District of West Virginia secured a $50 million settlement from Wheeling Hospital, Inc. The hospital agreed to pay the United States a total of $50,000,000 to resolve claims that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting claims to the Medicare program that resulted from violations of the Physician Self-Referral Law and the Anti Kickback Statute. The settlement was announced and paid in September 2020. Read more here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/west-virginia-hospital-agrees-pay-50-million-settle-allegations-concerning-improperIn a criminal action, former pharmacist Scott Tingler of Morgantown was ordered to pay more than $1.845 million in a money judgement and more than $500,000 in restitution to the IRS and former employees for his drug distribution and tax crimes. He was sentenced to 121 months in prison in January 2020.
Ohio County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Patrick A. Groves, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Groves, 30, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.” Groves, who is prohibited from having a gun, admitted to having a 9mm caliber pistol and ammunition in April 2020 in Ohio County.
Groves 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Monongalia County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Carlentez McDaniel, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McDaniel, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” McDaniel, who is prohibited from having a gun, admitted to having a .45 caliber Glock pistol in February 2020 in Monongalia County.
McDaniel 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 Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Marion County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Joshua Hardesty, of Rivesville, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hardesty, 40, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Hardesty, who is prohibited from having a gun, admitted to having a .40 caliber pistol in March 2020 in Marion County.
Hardesty 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 Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Pennsylvania man admits to role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Zjaondezel Solomyn Douglas, of Zelionople, Pennsylvania, has admitted to his role in a cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Douglas, 37, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Douglas admitted to working with another to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in August 2018 in Hancock County.Douglas 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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Indictment press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/ohio-west-virginia-and-pennsylvania-residents-indicted-drug-conspiracy-ohio-valley
Ohio County man faces child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Nicholas Wolf, of Wheeling, West Virginia, appeared in federal court today on a criminal complaint alleging child pornography possession, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The complaint was filed today after the Wheeling Island home of Wolf, 34, was searched and officers found evidence of child pornography. According to the complaint, the search found a thumb drive containing over a thousand images of what appeared to be juveniles. Wolf was charged with “Possession of Child Pornography.” He was arrested, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone, and released.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security and Wheeling Police Department are investigating.
A complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Monongalia County man admits to fentanyl distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles Clint Gaines, Jr., of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Gaines, 33, pled guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” Gaines admitted to having fentanyl in February 2020 in Monongalia County.
Gaines 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Gilmer County man admits to fentanyl chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Lee Rutherford, of Linn, West Virginia has admitted to his role in a methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rutherford, 32, pled guilty today 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.
Rutherford is facing at least five and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
West Virginia Woman Sentenced for Willful Retention of Top Secret National Defense Information and International Parental KidnappingRead the Press Release
Elizabeth Jo Shirley, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 97 months of incarceration for unlawfully retaining documents containing national defense information and 36 months of incarceration for international parental kidnapping.
Shirley, 47, pleaded guilty to one count of willful retention of national defense information and one count of international parental kidnapping in July 2020. Shirley admitted to unlawfully retaining a National Security Agency (NSA) document containing information classified at the Top Secret/Secret Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) level relating to the national defense that outlines intelligence information regarding a foreign government’s military and political issues. Shirley also admitted to removing her child, of whom she was the non-custodial parent, to Mexico with the intent to obstruct the lawful exercise of the custodial father’s parental rights.
“Shirley betrayed the trust of the American people when she took classified information from her work with the Intelligence Community,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the National Security Division. “She then sought to profit from her betrayal by seeking to sell this information to Russia, one of America’s foremost adversaries, in order to further her criminal abduction of her daughter. This sentence will hold Shirley accountable for her violations of the American people’s trust, and serves as a warning to others who would seek unlawful profit at America’s expense.”
“Shirley held a position that required the highest level of trust,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Powell for the Northern District of West Virginia. "When she committed these crimes, she not only broke that trust, she potentially endangered the very people who employed her and her neighbors. National security is one of our highest priorities. Shirley deserves her sentence and not a day less.”
“Ms. Shirley was trusted with our nation’s highest-level documents when she was given a high-level security clearance," said Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office. "But she betrayed that trust and put our country at risk by stealing classified national security documents, which she later hoped she could sell to Russian officials. We must safeguard this information from foreign adversaries. Today’s sentence shows the FBI will not let anyone get away with putting the lives of American citizens at risk.”
Shirley served on active duty with the U.S. Air Force, and in August 1994, the Air Force granted Shirley her first TS/SCI security clearance. After leaving active duty, Shirley served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and later in the U.S. Navy Reserves. While serving in the Air Force, she worked on assignments with the NSA. From May 2001 to August 2012, Shirley held various positions with the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Intelligence, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force, and at least five different cleared defense contractors. In connection with these positions, Shirley held TS/SCI security clearances at various times.
In July 2019, Shirley took her six-year-old daughter to Mexico with the intent to contact representatives of the Government of Russia to request resettlement in a country that would not extradite her to the United States. Shirley took with her to Mexico national defense information, which she had unlawfully retained. While in Mexico, Shirley prepared a written message to Russian government officials, referencing “an urgent need” to have “items shipped from the USA related to [her] life’s work before they are seized and destroyed.”
On Aug. 13, 2019, the U.S. Marshals Service and Mexican law enforcement located Shirley and her daughter at a hotel in Mexico City. Mexican authorities arrested Shirley pursuant to an arrest warrant the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) had obtained on a charge of concealment of a minor from a custodian.
The FBI subsequently executed search warrants on numerous of Shirley’s electronic devices, including devices she took to Mexico in July 2019 and devices the FBI seized from her Martinsburg storage unit in August 2019. Pursuant to the search of the storage unit, the FBI located the NSA document underlying the willful retention of national defense information offense. In addition, pursuant to searches of the electronic devices, the FBI found an Office of Naval Intelligence PowerPoint presentation containing information classified at the secret level and messages Shirley had drafted to Russian government officials while in Mexico, the latter of which the Central Intelligence Agency has determined to include information classified at the secret level.
The FBI Pittsburgh field office and WVSP investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher and Trial Attorney Evan N. Turgeon with the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Webster County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office cooperated in the investigation and prosecution of the case. Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Illegal Alien sentenced for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Hashim Hussein, a citizen of Kuwait, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day of incarceration for selling cocaine near West Virginia University, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hussein, also known as “Kuwait,” age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride within 1000 Feet of Protected Location” in August 2020. Hussein admitted to selling cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “Coke,” in December 2019 near the campus of West Virginia University in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S Kleeh presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jonathan Michael Smith, of Lumberport, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smith, 36, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in August 2020. Smith, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a .22 caliber revolver in June 2019 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Berkeley County woman sentenced for willful retention of top secret national defense documents and international parental kidnappingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Elizabeth Jo Shirley, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 97 months of incarceration for unlawfully retaining a document containing national defense information and 36 months of incarceration for committing international parental kidnapping. The sentences will run concurrently.
Shirley, 47, pleaded guilty to one count of willful retention of national defense information and one count of international parental kidnapping in July 2020. Shirley admitted to unlawfully retaining a National Security Agency (NSA) document containing information classified at the Top Secret/Secret Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) level relating to the national defense that outlines intelligence information regarding a foreign government’s military and political issues. Shirley also admitted to removing her child, of whom she was the non-custodial parent, to Mexico with the intent to obstruct the lawful exercise of the custodial father’s parental rights.
“Shirley betrayed the trust of the American people when she took classified information from her work with the Intelligence Community,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers for the National Security Division. “She then sought to profit from her betrayal by seeking to sell this information to Russia, one of America’s foremost adversaries, in order to further her criminal abduction of her daughter. This sentence will hold Shirley accountable for her violations of the American people’s trust, and serves as a warning to others who would seek unlawful profit at America’s expense.”
“Shirley held a position that required the highest level of trust,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Powell for the Northern District of West Virginia. "When she committed these crimes, she not only broke that trust, she potentially endangered the very people who employed her and her neighbors. National security is one of our highest priorities. Shirley deserves her sentence and not a day less.”
“Ms. Shirley was trusted with our nation’s highest-level documents when she was given a high-level security clearance," said Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office. "But she betrayed that trust and put our country at risk by stealing classified national security documents, which she later hoped she could sell to Russian officials. We must safeguard this information from foreign adversaries. Today’s sentence shows the FBI will not let anyone get away with putting the lives of American citizens at risk.”
Shirley served on active duty with the U.S. Air Force, and in August 1994, the Air Force granted Shirley her first TS/SCI security clearance. After leaving active duty, Shirley served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves and later in the U.S. Navy Reserves. While serving in the Air Force, she worked on assignments with the NSA. From May 2001 to August 2012, Shirley held various positions with the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Intelligence, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force, and at least five different cleared defense contractors. In connection with these positions, Shirley held TS/SCI security clearances at various times.In July 2019, Shirley took her six-year-old daughter to Mexico with the intent to contact representatives of the Government of Russia to request resettlement in a country that would not extradite her to the United States. Shirley took with her to Mexico national defense information, which she had unlawfully retained. While in Mexico, Shirley prepared a written message to Russian government officials, referencing “an urgent need” to have “items shipped from the USA related to [her] life’s work before they are seized and destroyed.”
On Aug. 13, 2019, the U.S. Marshals Service and Mexican law enforcement located Shirley and her daughter at a hotel in Mexico City. Mexican authorities arrested Shirley pursuant to an arrest warrant the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) had obtained on a charge of concealment of a minor from a custodian.
The FBI subsequently executed search warrants on numerous of Shirley’s electronic devices, including devices she took to Mexico in July 2019 and devices the FBI seized from her Martinsburg storage unit in August 2019. Pursuant to the search of the storage unit, the FBI located the NSA document underlying the willful retention of national defense information offense. In addition, pursuant to searches of the electronic devices, the FBI found an Office of Naval Intelligence PowerPoint presentation containing information classified at the secret level and messages Shirley had drafted to Russian government officials while in Mexico, the latter of which the Central Intelligence Agency has determined to include information classified at the secret level.
The FBI Pittsburgh field office and WVSP investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher and Trial Attorney Evan N. Turgeon with the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Webster County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office cooperated in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for wire fraud involving Hearts2Heros organizationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher T. Engle, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 41 months of incarceration for wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Engle, age 30, was the co-owner of Hearts2Heros, a for-profit entity that allegedly was meant to support the military by creating and sending care packages to deployed service members. Hearts2Heros employees solicited contributions and misrepresented that the organization was a charity.
Engle pled guilty in February 2020 to a one-count information, charging him with “Wire Fraud.” Engle admitted that he defrauded donors in the Northern District of West Virginia, taking their donations for Hearts2Heros and using it for personal use. The fraud included thousands of donors from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. The total loss is $286,959.95. Engle was ordered today to pay that amount in full in restitution.
“To steal money from generous and caring people is wrong, but to steal money under the guise of assisting the brave men and women of our military is detrimental to reputable and hard-working charity organizations. I commend the FBI and my staff for their tireless work to ensure that Mr. Engle not only is held accountable, but can no longer prey on the kindness of others,” said Powell.
“Mr. Engle should be ashamed of himself,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. “Using our military members as pawns to line your pockets is simply disgusting. The FBI values the work our military members do and will always make sure anyone who has the audacity to take advantage of them for financial gain is brought to justice.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Barbour County man sentenced for drug trafficking and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Scott Upton, of Philippi, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 70 months of incarceration for methamphetamine and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Upton, 41, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in July 2020. Upton, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having more than five grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” or “ice,” and having a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in September 2018 in Barbour County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosive, the Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Philippi Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Monongalia County man admits to role in firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon J. Martino, of Wadestown, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a firearms conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Martino, age 26, pled guilty today to one count of “False Statement During Attempted Purchase of Firearm.” Martino admitted to falsifying documents to illegally purchase a 9mm pistol in May 2018 in Monongalia County.
Martino faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center, and Monongalia County QRT offer trainingRead the Press Release
MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – A virtual human trafficking training for Quick Response Teams will be held next week as a part of National Human Trafficking and Slavery Prevention Month, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center and the Monongalia County Quick Response Team to offer “Human Trafficking 101: Identifying and Helping Victims.” The goal of the training is to convey the reality and seriousness of human trafficking crimes and allow for those responding to overdoses in our communities to recognize the signs of human trafficking and report it.
The training will provide practical guidance to distinguish trafficking from other crimes and offer a comprehensive overview of the state and federal anti-trafficking laws. It will also provide information on the identifying and triage of trafficking victims, and more on initiating trafficking investigations.
The two-hour virtual training hosted by the Monongalia County QRT will include presentations from Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar of the Northern District of West Virginia and Katie Spriggs, the Executive Director of the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center. The training will also offer a question and answer discussion.
The event will be held Tuesday, January 26 at 1:00 p.m. More than 100 attendees are expected, which includes law enforcement, EMS, and service providers. The event is free for those registered.
In 2019, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 98 calls regarding human trafficking in West Virginia. Those calls resulted in the identification of 153 victims, 21 traffickers, and five trafficking businesses. The majority of those cases were sex trafficking cases.
For more information on the training and to request participation, call 304-234-0100.
For more information on human trafficking, go to the West Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force website at https://stophumantraffickingwv.org/
Ohio man admits to carjackingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Ashley Hubbs, of Paris, Ohio, has admitted to carjacking, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hubbs, 38, pled guilty today to one count of “Carjacking.” Hubbs admitted to using violence to steal a Honda CR-V in Lewis County in October 2016.
Hubbs faces up to 15 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; the Lewis County Sheriff Office; and the Weston Police Department and investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Martinsburg man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darian Leizear, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Leizear, 23, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Leizear, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, is accused of having a .380 caliber pistol in September 2020 in Berkeley County.
Leizear 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 Eleanor F. Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ohio woman sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Amy S. Lambert-Shuster, of Caldwell, Ohio, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day of incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Amy Lambert-Shuster, 41, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Unlawful Transfer of a Machinegun” in September 2020. Lambert-Shuster admitted to transferring an AR15-type firearm in January 2019 in Ritchie County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Grant County woman admits to fentanyl chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Kelsey Morgan Ault, of Maysville, West Virginia has admitted to her role in a methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ault, 26, pled guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least Forty Grams of Fentanyl—Aiding and Abetting.” Ault admitted to having more than 40 grams of fentanyl in Hardy County in January 2020.
Ault is facing at least five and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Wheeling man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark L. Flint, II, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Flint, age 35, of Wheeling, pled guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Flint, who is prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having a .40 semi-automatic pistol in May 2020 in Ohio County.
Flint faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Grant County man facing drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Phillip Michael Sites, of Maysville, West Virginia, appeared in federal court today to face a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sites, 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Elkins in December 2020. He is facing one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Sites is accused of having methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” or “ice,” in December 2019 in Grant County.
Sites 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Michael John Aloi presided.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ohio man admits to selling cocaineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Erick Lamont Stanback Singleton, of Cleveland, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Singleton, also known as “Gotti,” age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Singleton admitted to selling heroin near Madison Elementary School on Wheeling Island in February 2020.
Singleton faces at least one 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. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Find related press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling
Martinsburg man admits to role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Pierre Christian, of Martinsburg West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Christian, 44, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base.” Christian admitted to working with another to distribute cocaine base in April 2020 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.Christian faces at least five and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/west-virginia-and-virginia-residents-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation-berkeley-and
Wheeling man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Devon Alexander Bertram, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bertram, also known as “VON,” 31, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Bertram admitted to selling cocaine base or “crack” near The Linsly School in March 2020 in Ohio County.
Bertram faces at least one 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.
Virginia man sentenced for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Damanya Terelle Carter, of Front Royal, Virginia, was sentenced to 12 months of incarceration for his role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Carter, 38, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride” in September 2020. Carter admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine hydrochloride in Jefferson County and elsewhere from February to March 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Pendleton County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Devin Cory Teter, of Franklin, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Teter, 33, pled guilty 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.
Teter 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 and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Cleveland man admits to cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Anthony Toler, of Cleveland, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Toler, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Toler admitted to having cocaine case, also known as “crack,” in Ohio County in February 2020.
Toler faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Upshur County man sentenced for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Benton Barcus, of Ellamore, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 87 months of incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Barcus, age 41, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine” in July 2020. Barcus admitted to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in March 2019 in Upshur County.Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Pocahontas County man facing several firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Julian N. Waddell, of Durbin, West Virginia, appeared in federal court today to face several firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Waddell, 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Wheeling in October 2020. He is facing four counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.” Waddell, a person who isn’t permitted to have a firearm because of a prior conviction, is accused of having three revolvers, a shotgun, a semi-automatic rifle, and an unregistered silencer from April to August 2019 in Pocahontas County.
Waddell is facing up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the first four counts and face up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000 for the unregistered 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 and the Mountain Region Drug Task Force investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Magistrate Michael John Aloi presided.
Ohio men admit to roles in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dominique Revell Dungey, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, and Denico Anderson, of Columbus, Ohio, have admitted to their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dungey, also known as “Murda,” age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Dungey admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in May 2019 in Ohio County.
Anderson, also known as “Tone,” age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Anderson admitted to selling methamphetamine in September 2019 in Ohio County.
Dungey and Anderson each face up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Original case indictment here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling
Statement on the violence at the nation’s Capitol BuildingRead the Press Release
“The violence at the United States Capitol was reprehensible. It adds nothing of value to important public discourse. While peaceful protests are protected by our nation’s constitution, violence is not. I support the right to peacefully assemble. I also was sworn to uphold the rule of law. Those who violated the law in the nation’s capital today should and will face the justice system,” said Bill Powell, U.S. Attorney, Northern District of West Virginia.
Marshall County woman admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dannielle L. Young, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Young, 32, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Young admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2019 to August 2020 in Marshall County and elsewhere.
Young faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Hampshire County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jamie Lee Sirbaugh, of Springfield, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sirbaugh, 43, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Sirbaugh admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in February 2019 in Hampshire County.
Sirbaugh faces not less than 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.