Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Berkeley County woman admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacqueline L. Krsul, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, has admitted to cocaine possession, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Krsul, 30, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Krsul admitted to having cocaine base or “crack” in April 2020 in Morgan County.
Krsul 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 Timothy D. Helman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Two Florida men charged with stealing campers and attempting to transport them across state linesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Florida men were indicted today on charges involving the stealing of campers from a business in Elkins, West Virginia, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Taylon Batista Garcia, 35, and Yankier Gaston Garcia, 32, are each charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Offense against the United States” and one count of “Attempted Transportation of Stolen Property in Interstate Commerce.” Both men are accused of driving heavy-duty pickup trucks into Elkins, West Virginia, and stealing a 2020 Jayco North Point Camper and a 2021 Grand Design Reflection camper from Roy’s RV Supercenter in July 2020. The Garcias are then accused of attempting to transport the stolen campers across state lines. The campers were valued at $145,260.
The theft at Roy’s RV involved four campers being hauled by four different trucks. The other two stolen campers, both 2020 Keystone Passport models, were later recovered that day just off Interstate 77 in Odd, West Virginia. The identities of the drivers of the other two trucks are still being investigated.
Taylon and Yankier are each facing up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy charge and each face up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the stolen property 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 Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three FCI Hazelton Inmates indicted on assault and contraband chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three inmates at Federal Correction Institution Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, were indicted today on various charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Edward Smith, 38, was indicted on one count of “Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm.” Smith is accused of assaulting another inmate in October 2019.
Dell Dingle, 44, was indicted on one count of “Assault of a Correctional Officer Involving Physical Contact” and one count of “Possession of a Prohibited Object (Narcotic).” Dingle is accused of attacking a federal correctional officer during the officer’s workday in May 2019. Dingle is also accused of having suboxone inside the prison in October 2019.
Sebastian M. Moore, 23, was indicted on one count of “Assault of a Correctional Officer Involving Physical Contact.” Moore is accused of assaulting a federal correctional officer while the officer was on duty in March 2020.
Smith is facing up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Dingle faces up to eight years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the assault charge and faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the drug charge. Moore faces up to eight 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 all three cases on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Upshur County man admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Rodney Allen Rowan, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rowan, 25, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least 50 Grams of Methamphetamine.” Rowan admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in November 2019 in Upshur County.
Rowan faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, West Virginia State Police, and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Marshall County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Alexander Ruskin, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ruskin, 28, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Ruskin, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in August 2020 in Marshall County.
Ruskin 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 Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Harrison County man admits to meth distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Maylen Crayton, II, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Crayton, age 30, pled guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine,” two counts of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Crayton admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in April 2019 in Harrison County. He also admitted to having methamphetamine and heroin in June and July 2019 in Harrison County.
Crayton faces at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for the 50 grams or more count, and faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the other counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. 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, and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Grant County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Lawrence Allen Keplinger, of Lahmansville, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Keplinger, age 39, is pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” involving more than 50 grams of “crystal meth” or “ice.” Keplinger admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in March 2019 in Grant County.
Keplinger faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Statement on the deaths of Vinnie and Kelly ZummoRead the Press Release
“I, along with my staff at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, are shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic deaths of Supervisory U.S. Probation Officer Vinnie Zummo and his wife, Kelly. Our thoughts go out to their families, friends, and colleagues. As the investigation continues, please be respectful of those who knew the Zummos, as well as their families, at this difficult and unimaginable time,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, Northern District of West Virginia.
Hardy County man appears on drug chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Allan Evans, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was arrested today and appeared in federal court to face drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Evans, 48, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Elkins on December 15, 2020 on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine,” one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting.”
Also charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and other related charges are:
• Kaleb Joseph Beals, 31, of Silver Creek, Georgia
• Jennifer Ann Howell, 41, of Moorefield, West Virginia
• Kelly Marie Talbert, 36, of Keyser, West Virginia
• Richard Allen Howell, 42, of Moorefield, West VirginiaAll defendants are accused of working together to distribute crystal methamphetamine or “ice” from August 2018 to April 2019 in Hardy County and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Moorefield Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
2020 busy year in the NDWVRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell is applauding the efforts of his staff, as well as law enforcement partners in the Northern District of West Virginia, for a highly-productive year, despite the pandemic.
The District saw a 27% increase in the number of criminal matters received for consideration, with charges brought against 300 defendants. Of the 300, 42% were drug related.
“Notwithstanding a pandemic our office concluded several major investigations. Our Assistant US Attorneys, support staff and law enforcement partners excelled and overcame the many obstacles incident to a public health crisis. Our office prosecutes more than its share of criminal offenses, but also has highly skilled civil lawyers and staff who protect government agencies in court and protect our tax dollars.” said Powell.
Some of the more notable cases in 2020 included the guilty plea of Reta Mays, who admitted murdering seven veterans and the assault of an 8th victim at the VA hospital in Clarksburg; the indictment of four men accused of being involved in the murders of three individuals, one of whom was kidnapped and taken across state lines in the Eastern Panhandle; and the guilty plea of Elizabeth Shirley, who admitted to kidnapping her daughter and retaining top secret national defense documents. (See links below.)
There were also several large-scale drug distribution operations that were dismantled, thanks to the good work of the District’s drug task forces, including the case of Jennifer Cuffman and 25 other defendants. The Cuffman case involved alleged traffickers from other states and West Virginia, trafficking drugs on Wheeling Island and the surrounding area. Read more here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling
Earlier this year in In Morgantown, U.S. Attorney Powell announced that 25 people were charged in a drug trafficking operation that spanned from Mexico to California to Texas to West Virginia. Learn more about that case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation-spanned-several-states
A large multi-state drug trafficking operation was halted after charges were filed in September. The “19th Street Enterprise” case was announced at a press conference in Martinsburg. The case involved 22 people from Philadelphia, Maryland, Delaware, and West Virginia. For more: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/22-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-enterprise-spanned-several-states
The District also successfully garnered a $50 million settlement with Wheeling Hospital, Inc., involving allegations concerning improper compensation to referring physicians. https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/west-virginia-hospital-agrees-pay-50-million-settle-allegations-concerning-improper
“In addition to the more publicized cases, many violent crimes, firearm offenses, child pornography, tax fraud, election fraud, health care fraud, among other crimes were prosecuted this past year. Numerous civil enforcements actions and prison litigation matters were also successfully concluded. The citizens of the Northern District of West Virginia were always the paramount concern of our office, and we are proud of our work on behalf of those citizens,” continued Powell.
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s office and press, go to https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv.
- Mays case: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/former-va-hospital-nursing-assistant-admits-murdering-seven-veterans-and-assault-intent
- Shirley case: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/berkeley-county-woman-admits-willful-retention-top-secret-national-defense-documents
- Merrell et al case: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/martinsburg-federal-grand-jury-indicts-four-kidnapping-and-murder-case
Hear from U.S. Attorney Powell here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMmhN6flrO4Berkeley County woman admits to drug chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kristina Gilmore, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Gilmore, also known as “Diamond,” 25, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine Base” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl Mixture.” Gilmore admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base in February 2020 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.
Gilmore 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
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.
Ohio man admits to soliciting minor for child pornographyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David Dorst, of Shade, Ohio, has admitted to a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dorst, age 59, pled guilty to one count of “Solicitation of Child Pornography.” Dorst admitted to asking a minor in Harrison County to send material of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The crime occurred in February 2020.
Dorst faces at least five years and up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Inmates admit to attacking another inmateRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darion Gipson and Calvin Rader, both inmates at U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton, have admitted to attacking another inmate, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Gipson, age 26, and Rader, 29, each pled guilty to one count of “Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.” Gipson and Rader admitted to assaulting another inmate, causing serious injury, in November 2019 in Preston County.
Gipson and Rader were each sentenced to 24 months of incarceration to be served consecutively to any sentence they are currently serving.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Monongalia County woman admits to role in drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Loren Delaney, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Delaney, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Delaney admitted to having cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in May 2020 in Monongalia County.
Delaney 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 Zelda E. Wesley and Sarah E. Wagner are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI's Northern West Virginia Drug Task Force in partnership with the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The Task Forces have members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Monongalia County Sheriff's Office; and, the Morgantown, WVU, Granville and Star City Police Departments. The investigation was also assisted by the following law enforcement partners: the Monongalia County Prosecutor’s Office, the FBI in Houston, Texas; the Houston Police Department's Multi Agency Gang Initiative; the United States Postal Inspection Service in Houston; and, the FBI and DEA in Los Angeles, California.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Monongalia County man admits to role in firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dylan Conaway, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a firearms conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Conaway, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Violate Federal Firearms Laws.” Conaway admitted to working with others to illegally purchase firearms in May 2018 in Monongalia County.
Conaway 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 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.
Martinsburg man admits to role in drug trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Clinton, of Martinsburg West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Clinton, 25, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Eutylone and Cocaine Base.” Clinton admitted to working with others to distribute Eutylone and Cocaine Base from October 2019 to April 2020 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.Clinton 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.
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
Randolph County woman indicted on drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Melissa Elaine Caprio, of Elkins, West Virginia, is facing firearms and drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Caprio, 31, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm as Drug User.” Caprio is accused of having more than five grams of methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” and a .22 caliber rifle in June 2019 in Randolph County.
Torres faces at least five and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the drug count and faces up to 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 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.
Randolph County man indicted on methamphetamine chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Edwin Mack Taylor, of Elkins, West Virginia, is facing drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Taylor, 53, was indicted today on five counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Taylor is accused of selling methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in January 2020 in Randolph County.
Taylor faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug Task Force investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Randolph County man indicted on methamphetamine chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Billy Ray Shamblin, II, of Elkins, West Virginia, is facing drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Shamblin, 36, was indicted today on three counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Shamblin is accused of selling methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in February 2020 in Randolph County.
Shamblin faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug Task Force investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Randolph County man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Eugene McDonald, of Elkins, West Virginia, is facing a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McDonald, 44, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” McDonald, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, is accused of having a .22 caliber rifle in June 2019 in Randolph County.
McDonald 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 and the Mountain Region Drug Task Force investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Martinsburg woman admits to role in drug trafficking enterpriseRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Barbara Jean Feltner, of Martinsburg West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug distribution enterprise, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Feltner, 32, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl.” Feltner admitted to working with others to sell heroin and fentanyl in February 2020 in Berkeley County.Feltner 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
Harrison County man indicted for bank robberyRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Clint Monroe Utter, of West Milford, West Virginia, is facing a charge of bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Utter, 43, was indicted today on one count of “Bank Robbery.” Utter is accused of robbing the Summit Community Bank in Salem, West Virginia, of $69,100 on November 17, 2020.
Utter faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The government is also seeking a money judgment in the amount of $69,100.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Clarksburg man indicted on drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jo-El Rene Torres, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, is facing a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Torres, 36, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.” Torres is accused of having heroin and fentanyl in May 2020 in Upshur County.
Torres faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, and the Buckhannon Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Randolph County man admits to transporting stolen propertyRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Travis Charles White, of Kerens, West Virginia, has admitted to charges related to taking stolen items across state lines, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
White, 43, pled guilty to one count of “Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property.” White admitted to taking more than $16,000 of stolen U.S. Savings Bonds from West Virginia to Colorado. The crime occurred in February 2017 in Randolph County.
White 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 West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Morgan County man admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gunner Scott Young, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Young, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Young admitted to having pornographic images involving minors under the age of 12 in June 2019 in Morgan County.
Young faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Marion County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn Monte Pritchard, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Pritchard, 33, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Pritchard, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, admitted to having a 12-gauge shotgun in May 2020 in Marion County.
Pritchard 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 West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Hampshire County man admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jonathan Burgess, of Augusta, West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Burgess, age 57, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Burgess admitted to having child pornography images of a minor who hadn’t reached the age of 12 in Hampshire County in September 2019. 9 in Morgan County.
Burgess faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Monongalia County man admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Clay Westbrook, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Westbrook, age 39, pled guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Westbrook admitted to having methamphetamine in December 2019 in Monongalia County.
Westbrook 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Grant County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jay Jay William Hedrick, of Petersburg West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hedrick, age 44, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Hedrick, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, admitted to having a .40 caliber pistol, a 9mm pistol, and a .17 caliber rifle in June 2020 in Grant County.
Hedrick 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 & Explosives and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Randolph County man admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jesse David Tolson, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Tolson, 34, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine.” Tolson admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in December 2019 in Randolph County.
Tolson faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10 million. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Florida man indicted for unlawfully accessing IRS system and fraudulently filing tax returnsRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Keith Joseph, of Miami, Florida, was indicted on multiple counts of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Joseph, age 37, was indicted on six counts of “Wire Fraud” and six counts of “Aggravated Identity Theft.” Joseph is accused of fraudulently accessing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) eAuthentication online taxpayer system, which has servers located in Berkeley County, from March 2015 to March 2017. Joseph allegedly obtained personal identifying information of taxpayers without their knowledge to gain access to the IRS online taxpayer system. Once he had access, Joseph unlawfully obtained income tax transcripts and fraudulently filed tax returns using the taxpayers’ personal identifying information. The total amount claimed by the fraudulent returns in the scheme was at least $152,948.00.
Joseph faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the wire fraud counts and two years incarceration for each of the aggravated identity theft counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Cybercrime Investigations Division investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Upshur County man admits to making a bombRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Eric Reynolds Rowan, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has admitted to making a bomb, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rowan, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Making a Destructive Device.” Rowan admitted to making an explosive bomb sometime between August and November 2019 in Upshur County.
Rowan 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 & Explosives and the FBI investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Morgantown woman admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marreen Joy Garrett, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Garrett, age 60, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Garrett admitted to having heroin in March 2020 in Morgan County.
Garrett 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 Timothy D. Helman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Grant County man admits to drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jay Dean Hall, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hall, 55, pled guilty today to on one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises,” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” Hall admitted to using his home on Spencer Drive in Petersburg as a drug distribution location and having a 9mm rifle in his home. The crimes occurred in August 2019 in Grant County.
Hall faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the drug charge and faces at least five years of incarceration for the firearm during a drug crime charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Cleveland man admits to selling heroin and fentanylRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Andre Diggs, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Diggs, also known as “Dre” and “Big Homie,” age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Diggs admitted to selling a heroin and fentanyl mixture near Riverview Towers in Wheeling in December 2019.
Diggs 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.
Ohio man sentenced for role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenyatta Banks, Jr., of Canal Winchester, Ohio was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for his role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Banks, also known as “Yatta,” age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” in August 2020. Banks admitted to working with others to traffic methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin in Wetzel County, Ohio, Georgia, as well as into the southern district of West Virginia.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. and Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Florida man sentenced for unlawfully downloading tax return transcripts from IRSRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ludrick Joseph, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for downloading taxpayer transcripts by unlawfully accessing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) computers, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Joseph, age 39, pled guilty in March 2020 to a one-count information charging him with “Accessing a Computer and Obtaining Information.” Joseph admitted to fraudulently accessing the IRS eAuthentication online taxpayer system, which has servers located in Berkeley County, in April 2015. In order to pass IRS security protocols, Joseph unlawfully obtained the Electronic Filing Pin (EFP) for a taxpayer which allowed him access into the eAuthentication system. Once in the IRS eAuthentication system, Joseph fraudulently gained access to eight different tax return transcripts of an individual taxpayer. The tax return transcripts contained the taxpayer’s date of birth, social security number, and gross income, among other sensitive information.
The investigation further revealed that Joseph unlawfully possessed approximately 2,145 credit card numbers and 3,875 unique social security numbers.
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.
Eastern Panhandle man sentenced for heroin chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Karl Justin Dunn, III, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months of incarceration for distributing heroin, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dunn, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in February 2020. Dunn admitted to selling heroin in July 2018 in Berkeley County.
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.
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 Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County woman sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jazzlyn Rae Molloy, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 41 months of incarceration for a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Molloy, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine” in March 2020. Molly admitted to having more than 500 grams of cocaine in April 2018 in Berkeley County in September 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Martinsburg Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Statement on the shooting death of Charleston Police Department’s Officer Cassie JohnsonRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell expressed sorrow and offers his heartfelt sympathy to family and friends of Officer Cassie Johnson, as well as the Charleston Police Department.
Johnson, 28, was shot during a routine response to a traffic complaint Wednesday afternoon in the city. She passed away Thursday, December 3.
“We are once again tragically reminded of the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make. Officer Johnson has made the ultimate sacrifice while serving to protect her community. I am profoundly saddened and can only offer prayers to her family at this difficult time. Nothing I can say will assuage the anguish the Johnson family and her brothers and sisters in uniform are feeling. I hope this tragedy once again reminds our citizens of the dangers our law enforcement face every day, and that we all take a moment to thank them for their continued willingness to put on their badges every day,” said Powell.
Harrison County man sentenced for firearms violationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Lewis Woodyard, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 21 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Woodyard, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in July 2020. Woodyard, who was previously convicted of a felony, admitted to having a .22 caliber pistol in August 2019 in Lewis County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Former West Virginia University professor sentenced for wire fraud and tax fraudRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG – Dr. Qingyun Sun, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years of probation, with the first four months on home confinement, after defrauding West Virginia University and filing a false tax return, both offenses arising out of his official travel to China, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sun, age 58, pleaded guilty to a two-count information charging him with wire fraud and filing a false tax return in July 2020. Sun was a Chinese National employed by WVU as an associate professor and the associate director of the United States-China Energy Center at the University. As a part of his employment at WVU, through the West Virginia Development Office, he also acted as the Governor’s assistant for China affairs. He was also employed by Synfuels Americas Corporation, an energy conversion technology provider of coal-to-liquids and gas-to-liquids processes located in Sterling, Virginia, but headquartered in Beijing, China. From July 2011 to May 2015, Peabody Energy Generation Holding Company based in St. Louis, Missouri, paid consulting fees to Energy United LC, a consulting business Sun established in 2005. The scheme involved Sun’s operation of his consulting business through Energy United.
In 2015, Sun traveled to China on behalf of WVU and the WV Development Office to prepare for an upcoming visit to China by WVU representatives and to lead a West Virginia industrial delegation for a coal expo in Beijing. Sun booked both a coach flight and a business class flight for this trip, submitting a request for reimbursement to WVU for the coach flight, and submitting a request for reimbursement to Synfuels Americas for the business flight. Sun only used the business class ticket for his trip.
In 2014, Sun filed a joint income tax return with his wife, grossly overstating his business-related travel expenses, when a large sum of those travel expenses were paid for by a State Purchasing Card, or reimbursed to him by WVU and Peabody Energy. He also failed to state any financial interest in, or authority over, a financial account in a foreign country. Sun had an interest in numerous financial accounts in China.
As a part of the plea agreement, Sun has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $6,233.12 in full to WVU. Sun is no longer employed by WVU.
Sun was also ordered to pay for the four months of home confinement monitoring as a part of his sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the Internal Revenue Service investigated. WVU cooperated in the investigation of this case.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Wheeling woman admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kathleen Everly, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Everly, also known as “Katie,” 38, pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Everly admitted to working with another to sell methamphetamine in July 2019 in Ohio County.
Everly 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 Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
North Carolina man admits to ginseng violationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – David Changhyub Lee, of Raleigh, North Carolina, has admitted to aiding and abetting the illegal transportation of ginseng across state lines, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lee, 35, pled guilty today to one count of “Interstate Transportation of Ginseng in Violation of State Law – Aiding and Abetting.”
In the fall of 2018, Lee was identified as a willing buyer of illegally transported ginseng. In September and October 2018, Lee facilitated and purchased nearly 15 pounds of ginseng for a total of $4250 from Randolph County and elsewhere and transported it to North Carolina.
This case was in violation of the federal Lacey Act (16 USC § 3371 et seq.), which prohibits the taking and interstate trafficking of protected plants and animals in violation of state law. Under 16 USC § 3373, it's a felony if the plant's market value exceeds $350.00. West Virginia's ginseng statute (WV Code 19-1A-3a) has various requirements for the ginseng market. One requirement is that ginseng not be transported to another state absent a certificate of origin from the West Virginia Division of Forestry.
Lee faces up to one year 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the West Virginia Natural Resources Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Marshall County man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – James Warren, of Cameron, West Virginia, is facing a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Warren, 59, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms.” Gray, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction, is accused of having six firearms and various ammunition in May 2020 in Marshall County.
Warren 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.
For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Cleveland man indicted on drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Sylvester Deangelo Walker, of Cleveland, Ohio, is facing a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Walker, also known as “DBOS,” 25, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Walker is accused of selling methamphetamine in November 2020 in Ohio County.
Walker 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 Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wood County man indicted for violations against a minorRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Lockhart, of Davisville, West Virginia, is facing charges involving a minor, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lockhart, 56, was indicted on one count of “Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor” and one count of “Attempted Transfer of Obscene Materials to a Minor.” Lockhart is accused of using his phone to entice a minor in Harrison County to engage in sexual activity in April 2020. He is also accused of sending obscene material on the phone to a minor under the age of 16.
Lockhart faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the coercion count and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the obscene material 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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wheeling woman indicted for failing to registerRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Bobbi Jo Starry, of Wheeling, West Virginia, is facing a sex offender registry charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Starry, 55, was indicted on one count of “Failure to Register.” Starry, who is required to register as a sex offender, is accused of failing to update her registry from January to August 2020 in the Northern District of West Virginia and elsewhere.
Starry 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 U.S. Marshals Service investigated.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wheeling man indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Devon Alexander Bertram, of Wheeling, West Virginia, is facing drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bertram, also known as “VON,” 31, was indicted on two counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Bertram is accused of selling cocaine base or “crack” near West Virginia Northern Community College in April 2019 and near The Linsly School in March 2020 in Ohio County.
Walker faces at least one and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tyler County man indicted for tax violationsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Roger Lee Stevens, of Middlebourne, West Virginia, is facing tax fraud charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Stevens, 62, was indicted on one count of “Corrupt Endeavor to Obstruct or Impede the Due Administration of the Internal Revenue Laws,” one count of “Failure to Pay Income Tax,” and one count of “Failure to File Income Tax Return.” Stevens is accused of failing to pay income taxes from 2005 to 2009. The IRS issued a notice to Stevens, and later to Stevens’ bank, that his assets would be levied to pay the debt owed to the IRS. As the IRS began directing the bank to turn over funds in Stevens’ account, it is alleged that Stevens began removing funds from the account to impede the IRS from collecting the $22,066 debt. Stevens is also accused of failing to pay income tax for 2016, as well as failing to file an income tax return for 2018.
Stevens faces up to three years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the corruption count and faces up to one year of incarceration and a fine of up to $100,000 for the other two counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The IRS investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.