Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Hancock County man sentenced for his role in a drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Antonio Dewayne Brown, of Weirton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 45 months of incarceration for his role in a cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Brown, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base” in February 2020. Brown admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in August 2018 in Hancock County.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted 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.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Virginia man admits to drug traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Damanya Terelle Carter, of Front Royal, Virginia, has admitted to 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.” Carter admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine hydrochloride in Jefferson County and elsewhere from February to March 2019.
Carter faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Seventeen people charged in heroin and crack cocaine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Seventeen people were charged with drug distribution in early September in a one-count indictment, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sixteen of the defendants were arrested in a multi-agency operation yesterday, September 15, 2020. Those charged and arrested for conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine base are:
- Alonzo Eugene Travis, age 27, of Detroit, Michigan
- Tyron Terreono Adams, age 26, of Detroit, Michigan
- Darius Dashawn Wade, age 26, of Grosse Pointe, Michigan
- Willie Clark, age 27, of Warren, Michigan
- Schuyler Davis, age 30, of Detroit, Michigan
- Kyle Alexander Martin, age 33, of Morgantown, West Virginia
- Kenneth Burns, age 34, of Morgantown, West Virginia
- Jeremy Hamlin, age 41, of Morgantown, West Virginia
- Donald Noel Smith, age 41, of Oakland, Maryland
- Alyssa Demus, age 30, of Fairmont, West Virginia
- Candis Sanders, age 38, of Morgantown, West Virginia
- Daniel McClung, age 40, of Morgantown, West Virginia
- Daniel Meadows, age 49, of Morgantown, West Virginia
- Andrew Benson, age 34, of Morgantown, West Virginia
- Larry Bruce Heaster, age 55, of Morgantown, West Virginia
- Lance Smith, age 46, of Confluence, Pennsylvania
The U.S. Marshals are looking for information leading to the arrest of Candice Marie Adams, age 40, of Morgantown, West Virginia. Anyone with information is asked to contact the U.S. Marshal Service at 304-623-0486.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Harrison County man sentenced for drug distribution and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Philip K. Finley, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 228 months incarceration for drug distribution and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Finley, age 53, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime” in January 2019.
Finley admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Harrison County from March until September 2018. He also admitted to having 12 different firearms in his possession during the crime.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Wheeling woman admits to embezzling nearly $350,000Read the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Cindy Shearer, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to 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.” 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.
As a part of the plea agreement, Shearer has agreed to pay restitution to both business owners and restitution to the IRS for the amounts above.
Shearer faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the wire fraud charge and faces up to three years and a fine of up to $250,000 for the tax 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 defendants.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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Wheeling man sentenced for his role in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Damend Lavel Pollard, of Wheeling, West Virginia was sentenced today to 15 months of incarceration for drug distribution in the Wheeling area, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Pollard, also known as “Skills,” pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a Protected Location” in May 2020. Pollard, age 49, admitted to selling methamphetamine near Luau Manor in Ohio County in March 2019.
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, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Martinsburg man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eric W. Hathcock, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months of incarceration for distributing fentanyl and heroin, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hathcock, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl and Heroin” in May 2020. Hathcock admitted to selling heroin and fentanyl in June 2019 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office 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.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Grant County man sentenced to 30 years for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Lee Pauley, Jr., of Mount Storm, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 360 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
“Our district has seen an increase in methamphetamine activity, and we will continue to aggressively act to prosecute those who distribute it in our communities. This prosecution is the result of excellent work by law enforcement and our prosecution team,” said Powell.
Pauley, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Pauley admitted to working with others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine from March 2018 to May 2018 in Mineral, Grant, and Randolph Counties.Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; and the Ravenswood Police Department investigated.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Monongalia County woman sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sandra Riggleman, of Granville, West Virginia was sentenced today to 33 months of incarceration for her involvement in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Riggleman pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base” in April 2019. Riggleman, age 60, admitted to selling cocaine base in Monongalia County in April 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Gilmer and Grant County residents indicted on methamphetamine and fentanyl chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Five West Virginia residents are facing charges involving methamphetamine and enough fentanyl to kill 20,000 people, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The five were indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Elkins on August 18, 2020 on charges involving a drug distribution operation spanning Maryland and West Virginia. The object of the conspiracy was to distribute at least 5 grams of methamphetamine and at least 40 grams of fentanyl. They are:
• Joshua Lee Rutherford, 32, of Linn, West Virginia
• Kevin Wayne Fultz, 31, of Maysville, West Virginia
• Betty Arlene Chapman, 42, of Cabins, West Virginia
• Joshua Aaron Roy, 35, of Maysville, West Virginia
• Kelsey Morgan Ault, 26, of Maysville, West VirginiaThe crimes are alleged to have occurred in Grant County and elsewhere from the fall of 2019 to January 2020.
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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Bill Powell Announces Awards to Improve School SafetyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell of the Northern District of West Virginia announced that several law enforcement agencies and school districts received more than $824,000 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). Nationally, the COPS Office SVPP awarded nearly $50 million in school safety funding. SVPP provides up to 75% funding for school safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools and school grounds.
“Children and their safety are top priorities for my office and our law enforcement partners. Every child deserves a safe and secure learning environment, and this funding will go a long way in creating just that,” said Powell.
“With the new school year underway, the safety of our nation’s students remains paramount,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “Although this school year may look different at the start, now is the ideal time to make preparations to enhance school safety for when all of our children are back in the classroom.”
Awards in the Northern District of West Virginia are:
• Marshall County Sheriff’s Office - $120,560
• Upshur County Sheriff’s Office - $146,230
• Grant County Board of Education - $390,069
• Pocahontas County Board of Education - $167,915The Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence Act of 2018 (STOP School Violence Act of 2018) gave the COPS Office authority to provide awards directly to states, units of local government, Indian tribes, and public agencies (such as school districts and law enforcement agencies) to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the jurisdiction of the grantee through evidence-based school safety programs. The four awards announced today can be used for coordination with law enforcement; training for local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence; metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; technology for expedited notification of local law enforcement during an emergency; and other measures that provide a significant improvement in security. The full list of SVPP awards can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2020AwardDocs/svpp/Award_List.pdf.
In addition to the school safety grants announced today, the COPS Office School Safety Working Group, which is composed of representatives from eight national law enforcement organizations, has identified 10 essential actions that can be taken by schools, school districts, and law enforcement agencies to help prevent critical incidents involving the loss of life or injuries in our nation's schools and to respond rapidly and effectively when incidents do occur. The Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety are applicable to school shootings as well as to other areas of school safety, including natural disasters and traumatic events such as student suicide. Adopting policies and practices based on the recommendations in this publication can help make school communities safer and save lives.
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The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1994, the COPS Office has invested more than $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of more than 134,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years
West Virginia Hospital Agrees to Pay $50 Million to Settle Allegations Concerning Improper Compensation to Referring PhysiciansRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Wheeling Hospital, Inc., an acute care hospital located in Wheeling, West Virginia, has 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 Justice Department announced today.
The Physician Self‑Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law, prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions. The Anti‑Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying remuneration to induce the referral of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. Both the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute are intended to ensure that medical decision-making is not compromised by improper financial incentives and is instead based on the best interests of the patient.
“Improper financial arrangements between hospitals and physicians can influence the type and amount of health care that is provided,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to taking action to eliminate improper inducements that can corrupt the integrity of physician decision-making.”
In this case, the United States alleged that, from 2007 to 2020, under the direction and control of its prior management, R&V Associates, Ltd. and Ronald Violi, Wheeling Hospital systematically violated the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute by knowingly and willfully paying improper compensation to referring physicians that was based on the volume or value of the physicians’ referrals or was above fair market value.
“Our office is committed to ensuring that health care providers in the Northern District of West Virginia abide by the law,” said Bill Powell, United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. “We are pleased this settlement will enable Wheeling Hospital to resolve these prior False Claims Act violations and continue to provide a full range of healthcare services to patients in the area.”
“Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries trust that their healthcare providers will make decisions based on sound medical judgment,” said Scott W. Brady, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Our office will take decisive action against any medical providers which betray that trust and make medical decisions based on their own financial interests. Our seniors deserve nothing less.”
“Improper inducements made to physicians can interfere with medical decision-making and undermine the public’s trust in the health care system,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Our agency will continue to investigate those who seek to improperly enrich themselves at the expense of public safety and federal health care programs.”
The settlement announced today stems from a whistleblower complaint filed in 2017 by a former Executive Vice President of Wheeling Hospital, Louis Longo, pursuant to the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private persons to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the government and to share in the proceeds of the suit. The Act also permits the government to intervene and take over the lawsuit, as it did in this case as to some of Longo’s allegations. Longo will receive $10,000,000 of the settlement.
The United States’ intervention and settlement in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800‑HHS‑TIPS (800-447-8477).
This matter was handled on behalf of the government by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of West Virginia and Western District of Pennsylvania, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Louis Longo v. Wheeling Hospital, Inc. et al., No. 19-cv-192 (N.D.W. Va.). The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Ohio couple admits to drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony A. Shuster, Jr. and Amy S. Lambert-Shuster, both of Caldwell, Ohio, have admitted to drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Anthony Shuster, also known as “Tiny,” 35, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of More than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine.” Shuster admitted to selling more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in January 2019 in Ritchie County.
Amy Lambert-Shuster, 41, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Unlawful Transfer of a Machinegun.” Lambert-Shuster admitted to transferring a AR15-type firearm in January 2019 in Ritchie County.
Shuster faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Lambert-Shuster 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 L. Vogrin 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.
Gilmer County man sentenced to 14 years for role in drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Waitman Larry Frederick, of Glenville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 168 months of incarceration for his role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Frederick, also known as “Cornbread,” age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine ,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises ,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in November 2019.
Frederick admitted to working with others to distribute large quantities of crystal methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” from July 2018 to November 2018 in Gilmer County and elsewhere. Frederick also admitted to operating a residence located at 18 East Main Street, Apartment C in Glenville for the purpose of distributing the drug. He also was illegally in possession of 10 different firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Gilmer County man sentenced for role in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremiah Lee Carr, of Glenville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months of incarceration to be followed by six months of home detention for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Carr, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location” in August 2019. Carr admitted to selling methamphetamine near Glenville State College in September 2018 in Gilmer County.Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Gilmer County man sentenced for role in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Chet Atkins Massey, of Sand Fork, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months of incarceration to be followed by six months of home detention for his involvement in methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Massey, age 51, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location” in September 2019. Massey admitted to selling methamphetamine near Gilmer County High School in September 2018 in Gilmer County.Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Columbus man sentenced for meth distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Anthony Hill, Jr., of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for his role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hill, also known as “Big Mike,” age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Possession With Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine” in November 2019. Hill admitted to distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal” and “ice,” in November 2018 in Gilmer County. Hill also pled guilty in January 2020 to one count of “Possession With Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine” from a crime that occurred in the Southern District of West Virginia. He was sentenced today for that crime to 57 months of incarceration to run concurrently to the Northern District of West Virginia case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Clarksburg Federal Grand Jury indicts several on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Five West Virginia residents are facing charges involving firearms, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
A federal grand jury sitting in Clarksburg indicted the following people on various firearms violations in separate indictments:
• Cheyann Ciarra Hammonds, 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Andrew Douglas Packard, 30, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Mark Allen Riffle, 31, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
• Willie E. Robinson, Jr., 62, of Fairmont, West Virginia
• Damon Sturgeon, 41, of Mannington, West VirginiaAssistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the Hammonds case on behalf of the government. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the Packard and Robinson cases on behalf of the government. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the Riffle ad Sturgeon cases on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated all five cases. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; assisted in the Riffle investigation. The Morgantown Police Department assisted in the Packard investigation. The Fairmont Police Department assisted in the Robinson investigation. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Mannington Police Department assisted in the Sturgeon case.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Hammonds Indictment Sturgeon Indictment Robinson Indictment Packard Indictment Riffle IndictmentOhio man indicted on carjacking and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Ashley Hubbs, of Paris, Ohio, is facing federal charges involving a carjacking and firearms, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hubbs, 37, was indicted today on one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm,” one count of “Carjacking,” and one count of “Use of Firearm During Crime of Violence.” Hubbs, who is prohibited from having a firearm because of a previous crime, is accused of using a .380 caliber pistol to steal a Honda CR-V in Lewis County in October 2016.
Hubbs faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful possession and carjacking charges. He no less than seven years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the violence 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 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Florida man indicted on fraud charges involving nearly $5 MillionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Phillip W. Conley, of Jacksonville, Florida, is facing fraud charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Conley, 38, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Wheeling in August 2020 on six counts of “Mail Fraud” and one count of “Securities Fraud.” Conley is alleged to have schemed 18 individuals out of nearly $5 million from 2014 to 2019. The victims were from all over the United States, including West Virginia and Maryland.
Conley operated a company by the name of Alpax, LLC, portraying himself as an investment advisor living and working out of Morgantown and Kingwood, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. He is alleged to have developed a scheme to defraud investors by convincing the victims to give him and his companies money for him to invest for returns for the victims. The victims included churches, pastors, at least one parishioner, and his adoptive mother and step-father. He is accused of giving the victims a false sense of security by mailing them false dividend statements, claiming a positive rate of return for their investments. Conley allegedly fraudulently obtained approximately $5.2 million dollars from 18 victims, but invested little or none of that money and spent much of it on private jet flights, expensive meals, clothes, jewelry, housing and living expenses for himself, returning only about $210,000 to the victims.
Conley faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the mail fraud charges. He faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5 million for the securities fraud 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.
The government is also seeking the forfeiture of any property purchased from the proceeds of the crimes, including a money judgment of at least $4,990,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Randolph County woman indicted on methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Patricia Ann Mahoney, of Elkins, West Virginia, is facing drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Mahoney, 50, was indicted on four counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl,” one count of “ Distribution of More Than Five Grams of Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” Mahoney is accused of selling methamphetamine and fentanyl in April 2019 and February 2020 in Randolph County. She is also accused of having a .22 caliber pistol with her during a drug sale in February 2020.
Mahoney faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the distribution charges. She faces at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5 million for the distribution of more than five grams of meth charge. Mahoney faces at least five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of 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 Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Randolph County woman indicted on methamphetamine and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Tara Lynn Leary, of Valley Head, West Virginia, is facing drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Leary, 30, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute More Than Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine,” one count of “ Distribution of More Than Five Grams of Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” Leary is accused of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from August 2019 to March 2020 in Randolph County. She is also accused of having a .380 caliber postil with her during one drug trafficking crime in January 2020.
Leary faces not less than 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for each of the conspiracy and possession of meth charges. She faces at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5 million for the distribution of more than five grams of meth charge. Leary faces at least five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the possession of a firearm charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Randolph County residents indicted on methamphetamine and heroin chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jesse David Tolson and Melissa Ann Slayton, both of Elkins, West Virginia, are facing drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Tolson, 34, and Slayton, 35, were each indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine.” Tolson was also indicted on two counts of “Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Slayton is also facing one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than Five Grams of Methamphetamine.”
The two are accused of having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in November and December 2019 in Randolph County. Tolson is also accused of having heroin in November 2019 in Randolph County.
Tolson faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10 million for each of the methamphetamine charges. He faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the heroin charge. Slayton faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10 million for the conspiracy charge. She faces at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration for the possession 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 Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes 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 and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Derek Raines, of Elkins, West Virginia, is facing drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Raines, 37, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute at Least Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” Raines is accused of having at least 50 grams of methamphetamine in August 2019 in Randolph County. He is also accused of having a .40 caliber pistol during a drug trafficking crime in August 2019.
Raines faces not less than 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for each of the conspiracy and possession of meth charges. Raines faces at least five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the possession of a firearm charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes 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 and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Casey Warren Lang, of Huttonsville, West Virginia, is facing drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lang, 29, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Lang, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, is accused of having at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and 13 firearms in June 2019 in Randolph County.
Lang faces not less than 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for the meth charge. He faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pendleton County man indicted on methamphetamine and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Cody Alan Grapes, of Riverton, West Virginia, is facing drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Grapes, 31, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” Grapes, who was previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from having a gun, is accused of having methamphetamine and a 5.56 mm rifle n November 2019 in Grant County.
Grapes faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the drug charge. He faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful possession charge. Grapes faces at least five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of 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 & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Marion County physician sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eugenio Menez, a former physician of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison following a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Menez, age 69, pled guilty to a one-count information in March 2020 charging him with “Distribution of Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice.” Menez admitted to illegally distributing oxycodone in September 2015 in Marion County.
Menez was a family physician who practiced in Marion County. He distributed controlled substances outside the course of professional medical practice by writing prescriptions for several female patients in exchange for sexual favors. Even though the female patients had medical appointments, those visits involved sexual acts, and Menez did not conduct medical exams of those patients. The appointments would be scheduled either early in the morning at his office before his staff reported or at his residence. The patients believed they would have been denied their prescriptions if they did not consent to the sexual acts. The patients’ accounts were corroborated by numerous video recordings produced by Menez.
Menez has surrendered his medical license, as well as his DEA registration, which permitted him to write prescriptions.
Mezen was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Overdose calls increase 24% and higher in some counties during COVIDRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – As the Northern District of West Virginia continues to see the effects of the opioid epidemic, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell is concerned about the increase in overdose calls during the peak months of COVID.
From March through June 2020, the state of West Virginia, as did many other states across the country, closed many public places and asked that residents shelter in place. During this same time frame, the number of EMS calls due to suspected overdoses was 24% higher than the same time frame in 2019 for the five counties with the highest overall calls in the Northern District of West Virginia: Berkeley, Harrison, Monongalia, Jefferson, and Marion.
“In speaking with those on the front lines battling the drug epidemic, this isn’t a coincidence. The isolation, job loss, and disruption in some treatment services most likely led to this increase. This is a concerted group effort. I know we can’t prosecute our way out of the issue. And while we need to be ever vigilant in getting the drugs off the streets, we will also continue our community outreach work,” said Powell. “My office has worked diligently through this pandemic to stop the dealers in their tracks, and we are also working with Quick Response Teams, educators, and the West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy to assist those offering prevention and treatment solutions.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office offers prevention education, support with Quick Response Teams, community informational meetings, and other forms of outreach. For more information on outreach efforts, go to https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/programs/community-outreach.
The data is collected by the West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy from Emergency Medical Service providers across each county. To view the data, go to https://dhhr.wv.gov/office-of-drug-control-policy/datadashboard/Pages/default.aspx.
Upshur County man admits to making a bombRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – William John Clark, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Clark, age 62, pled guilty to one count of “Making a Destructive Device.” Clark admitted to making an explosive bomb, which wasn’t registered as required by law. The crime occurred in March 2020 in Upshur County.
Clark faces at 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Upshur 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, please see https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
U.S. Marshals searching for 6 Ohio residents in a drug conspiracy involving heroin, fentanyl, “crack” cocaine, and meth in WheelingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – The U.S. Marshals are searching for six individuals who are wanted in a drug conspiracy operation that spanned Ohio and West Virginia, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The Marshals are asking for information leading to the arrests of:
• Dominique Revell Dungey, also known as “Murda,” 28, of Martins Ferry, Ohio
• Tyrone Majette, also known as “Rullo” and “Marlo,” 24, of Martins Ferry, Ohio
• Sihrahn Major, II, also known as “Black,” 24, of Columbus, Ohio
• Antonio Mario Hall, 28, of Cleveland, Ohio
• Damion Jontaz Pippens, also known as “Dolla” and “DJ,” 36, of Euclid, Ohio
• Joseph Garth, also known as “Nephew,” 23, of Bellaire, OhioThe six men are facing charges in a drug distribution operation that sold cocaine base, also known as “crack,” heroin, methamphetamine, including “ice,” and fentanyl in Ohio County and elsewhere from February 2019 to August 2020. In some instances, the sale of the drugs took place near protected locations such as North Park Apartments, Riverview Towers, Luau Manor, Madison Elementary School, Jensen Playground, Belle Isle Playground, Elks Playground, Bridge Park Playground, West Virginia Northern Community College, Wheeling Central Catholic High School, and Wheeling University.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the U.S. Marshal Service at 304-232-2980.
There are 20 others charged in this case. See the release issued on August 6, 2020: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wheeling man admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremy Crinkey, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to having child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Crinkey, 43, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography – Previous Conviction.” 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.
Crinkey faces at least 10 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 U.S. Probation Office and the FBI 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/.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Illegal Alien admits to drug traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Hashim Hussein, a citizen of Kuwait, has admitted to selling cocaine near West Virginia University, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hussein, also known as “Kuwait,” age 21, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride within 1000 Feet of Protected Location.” Hussein admitted to selling cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “Coke,” in December 2019 near the campus of West Virginia University in Monongalia County.
Hussein faces at least one and up to 40 years 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michal John Aloi presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for firearms violationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Given, Jr., of Lost Creek, West Virginia, was sentenced last week to six months incarceration for a firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Given, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Machinegun” in November 2019. Given admitted to having a machine gun in February 2019 in Harrison County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarksburg Police Department, and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Tyler County man admits to drug distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Warf, of Sistersville, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and cocaine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Warf, age 56, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.” Warf admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base in Wetzel County, Ohio, Georgia, and the Southern District of West Virginia from 2016 to April 2018.
Warf faces up to 20 years 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 Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting 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.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Ohio man admits to role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenyatta Banks, Jr., of Canal Winchester, Ohio has admitted to his role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Banks, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.” 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.
Banks faces up to 20 years 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 Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting 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.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Grant County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy Elliot Wheeler, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 60 months of incarceration for a firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Wheeler, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime” in November 2019. Wheeler admitted to having a 9mm pistol during a drug trafficking crime in March 2019 in Grant 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 Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Columbus man admits to drug distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Aaron B. Callahan, Jr., of Columbus, Ohio, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and cocaine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Callahan, also known as “A1,” age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.” Callahan admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base in Wetzel County, Ohio, Georgia, and the Southern District of West Virginia from 2016 to April 2018.
Callahan faces up to 20 years 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 Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting 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.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Berkeley County woman admits to firearms traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kristal Rayne Montieth, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Montieth, 24, pled guilty to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” Montieth purchased a firearm a 9mm pistol, making a false statement on the ATF in December 2019 in Berkeley County.
Montieth faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau 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). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
West Virginia physician indicted for illegally distributing drugsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dr. Felix Brizuela, Jr., a Pennsylvania physician operating offices in West Virginia, was indicted by a grand jury today on charges of illegally distributing controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Brizuela, age 59, of Harrison City, Pennsylvania, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice” and six counts of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice.”
Brizuela is accused of conspiring with three others not charged in this indictment to illegally distribute controlled substances from a drug treatment center, Advance Healthcare, Inc., in Weirton, West Virginia from 2009 to 2016.
Brizuela faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Wagner and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, WV Offices of the Insurance Commissioner Fraud Division, WV Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of Ohio Attorney General Health Care Fraud, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the Hancock-Brook-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, West Virginia State Police, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Weirton Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Upshur County man indicted on methamphetamine and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Rodney Allen Rowan, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was indicted today on methamphetamine and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rowan, 25, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least 50 Grams of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Rowan is accused of having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in November 2019 in Upshur County. Rowan, who is prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior offense, is accused of having a .380 caliber pistol in November 2019 in Upshur County.
Rowan faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10 million the methamphetamine charge. He faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, West Virginia State Police, and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Randolph County man indicted on methamphetamine and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Scott Connally, of Montrose, West Virginia, was indicted on methamphetamine and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Connally, 25, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least 50 Grams of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” Connally is accused of having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in October 2019 in Randolph County. Connally is also accused of having a 9mm pistol at the time of the methamphetamine possession.
Connally faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10 million the methamphetamine charge. He faces at least five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Randolph County man charged with transporting stolen propertyRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Travis Charles White, of Kerens, West Virginia, was indicted on charges related to taking stolen items across state lines, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
White, 43, was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of “Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property.” White is accused of taking more than $16,000 of stolen U.S. Savings Bonds from West Virginia to Colorado, as well as taking a stolen 2007 Toyota RAV4 from West Virginia to Pennsylvania. The crimes are alleged to have 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mineral County woman admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Amber Heward, of Burlington, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Heward, also known as “Amber Brown,” age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Heward admitted to working with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” from October 2018 to February 2019 in Mineral County.
Heward 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher 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 Robert W. Trumble presided.
Hancock County man facing child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Gavin Collins, of Newell, West Virginia, was indicted today on charges involving child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Collins, 29, was indicted by a grand jury on one count of “Production of Child Pornography by Person Having Custody or Control” and one county of “Distribution of Child Pornography.” Collins is accused of producing child pornography with a minor in his custody from September 2018 to July 2020 in Hancock County and distributed child pornography in July 2020.
Collins faces at least 15 years and up to 30 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the production charge and faces no less than five years and up to 20 years of incarceration for the distribution 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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Randolph County man sentenced for role in methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Phillip Grant Boyles, of Kerens, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Boyles, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in January 2019. Boyles admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine from December 2017 to March 2018 in Tucker and Randolph Counties.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Hardy County man sentenced for heroin and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy Juston Wimer, of Old Fields, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 106 months of incarceration for drug distribution and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Wimer, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime” in November 2019. Wimer admitted to distributing heroin in January 2019 and admitted to having a .32 caliber pistol in February 2019. The crimes occurred in Hardy and Hampshire Counties.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Michigan man sentenced to more than 8 years for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Foy, of Detroit Michigan, was sentenced today to 100 months of incarceration for selling heroin, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Foy, also known as “Duke,” age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin” in September 2019. Foy admitted to selling heroin in October 2017 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Maryland man sentenced for firearms and drug violationsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Somers, of Clinton, Maryland, was sentenced today to 78 months incarceration for drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Somers, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm as Drug User” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana” in January 2020. Somers admitted having marijuana in July 2019 in Monongalia County, and admitted to illegally having a 5.7x28mm caliber pistol in June 2018 in Lewis County.
“Drugs and firearms are not only a dangerous combination, it is an illegal one. When combined with witness intimidation, the significant sentence was justified and in the interests of our communities,” said Powell.
During a June 2018 traffic stop, Lewis County deputies found Somers in possession of counterfeit currency, a firearm, ammunition, marijuana, and an amphetamine/MDMA mix commonly known as “molly.” When federal agents executed a search warrant at Somers’ Monongalia County residence in July 2019, they found additional firearms, ammunition, THC “vape” cartridges, psychoactive mushrooms, over $12,000 in cash, and an illegal marijuana grow operation.
ATF testified today regarding several firearms that were purchased for Somers by someone else. One of those firearms was seized by Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C. and appeared to be in the possession of a convicted murder. Another firearm was found in the hands of a high school student in Maryland as he attempted to take it into the school. Three of those firearms have yet to be recovered.
“Armed drug traffickers represent a violent and persistent threat to our communities, especially those who would seek to obstruct justice by threatening witnesses,” said R. Shawn Morrow, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Louisville Field Division, which includes West Virginia. “ATF will continue to prioritize investigations of these offenses, including the illegal purchase of firearms for criminals prohibited from possessing them. The recoveries of these crime guns took place hundreds of miles from their purchase, and were linked to drug traffickers, juveniles, and in one case, a convicted murderer.”
Prior to today’s sentencing, U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh had revoked Somers’ bond, after hearing testimony that Somers threatened a witness in an effort to influence his potential testimony.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Wheeling man sentenced for his role in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles Cesar Ansley, Jr., of Wheeling, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day of incarceration for drug distribution in the Wheeling area, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ansley, also known as “Mike,” pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a Protected Location” in May 2020. Ansley, age 40, admitted to selling methamphetamine near Luau Manor in Ohio County in March 2019.
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, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Tyler County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dale Robert Barnhart, of Alma, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 33 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Barnhart, age 57, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition” in February 2020. Barnhart, who is prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, is accused of having two shotguns, a rifle, and multiple rounds of ammunition in August 2019 in Tyler County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Presto Bailey presided.