Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Martinsburg man sentenced for role in cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Jones, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months of incarceration for his role in a cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jones, also known as “Moosa,” age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in December 2019. Jones admitted to using a phone to arrange a heroin purchase in December 2018 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Assistant U.S Attorney Timothy D. Helman, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Ranson Police Department investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). 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.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Two West Virginia men indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Wheeling man and a Morgantown man were both indicted today by a federal grand jury on firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Mark L. Flint, II, age 35, of Wheeling, was charged with one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Flint, who is prohibited from having a firearm, is accused of having a .40 semi-automatic pistol in May 2020 in Ohio County.
In an unrelated case, Marquise Hicks, age 26, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was indicted on one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Offense.” Hicks is accused of having a 9mm pistol while allegedly trafficking marijuana in August 2019 in Monongalia County.
Flint faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Hicks 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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the Flint case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the Hicks case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Monongalia County Probation Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pennsylvania man charged with robbing Elm Grove bankRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Frank L. Morrison, of Braddock Hills, Pennsylvania, was indicted this week on a bank robbery charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Morrison, 54, was indicted on one count of “Bank Robbery.” Morrison is accused of robbing the United Bank in the Elm Grove section of Wheeling on September 4, 2018. Morrison is accused of taking $4,221 from the bank.
Morrison 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 Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. 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.
Georgia man charged with having more than 50 grams of methamphetamineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – James Matthew Hembree, of Snellville, Georgia, was indicted today on a methamphetamine charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hembree, 39, was indicted by a grand jury on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Hembree is accused of having 50 grams or more of methamephtamine in September 2019 in Ohio County.
Hembree 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 Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley 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.
26 charged in a drug conspiracy involving heroin, fentanyl, “crack” cocaine, and meth in WheelingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Residents of multiple states were arrested today after being charged in a 50-count indictment involving a drug conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The indictment charges 26 people 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. Those arrested today and charged are:
• Jennifer Marie Cuffman, also known as “Jennifer Proctor” and “Jen,” 32, of Martins Ferry, Ohio
• Carlos Leeper, also known as “Los,” 57, of Wheeling. West Virginia
• Andre Cornell Diggs, also known as “Dre” and “Big Homie,” 38, of Cleveland Heights, Ohio
• Jalen Deshon Dalton, also known as “J” and “NBA J,” 27, of Cleveland, Ohio
• Susan Manuel, 57, of Wheeling, West Virginia
• Quaison Maurice Harris, also known as “Action,” 35, of Willoughby Hills, Ohio
• Zachary James Parsons, 30, of Wheeling, West Virginia
• Erick Lamont Stanback Singleton, also known as “Gotti,” 26, of Cleveland, Ohio
• Matthew Trabert, 37, of Wheeling, West Virginia
• Willie Johnson, also known as “Ace,” 36, of Cleveland, Ohio
• Kristen Hoffler, 24, of Wheeling, West Virginia
• Larry A. Cuffman, also known as “Pops,” 60, of Martins Ferry, OhioFourteen others are charged and still at large. Their names are not being released at this time.
“We are sending a strong message to all of those from other states who want to sell drugs in our neighborhoods. We will not tolerate the poison and violence. The residents and business owners on Wheeling Island and the City of Wheeling deserve to live, work, and recreate in a safe neighborhood,” said Powell.
“The dedicated men and women of the Drug Enforcement Administration are committed to stopping the flow of drugs and violence into West Virginia and bringing to justice those who seek to poison our communities and threaten the safety of our residents,” said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott, of DEA’s Louisville Division. “Violence and drug crime know no borders; we will find you, wherever you are, and put you behind bars,” added Scott.
The government is seeking forfeiture of more than $21,000 in cash and multiple firearms associated with the alleged crimes.
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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Watch the press conference here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diumz-YnImg
Randolph County woman sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Julie Ann Cutright, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years of probation for running a drug house, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cutright, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises” in May 2019. Cutright admitted to maintaining a home at 113 Riverview Drive in Elkins that was used for distributing methamphetamine, also known as “ice” from October 2017 to November 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, the Greater Harrison Drug &Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the West Virginia State Police, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Buckhannon Police Department, and the Weston Police Department 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 Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Randolph County man sentenced to 10 years for methamphetamine distribution and firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph William Howell, Jr., of Beverly, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months incarceration for methamphetamine and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Howell, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possess Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime” in October 2019. Howell admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from December 2017 to July 2018 in Randolph County and elsewhere. He also admitted to having a .34 Colt caliber revolver during the drug crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Elkins woman admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Courtney Marie Zirkle, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Zirkle, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Zirkle admitted to having methamphetamine in January 2019 in Randolph County. Zirkle, who is prohibited from having a firearm, also admitted to having a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Zirkle faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Belmont County, Ohio man sentenced for heroin chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan Parker, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for a heroin distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Parker, also known as “Zay,” age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location” in July 2020. Parker admitted to selling heroin near St. Michael Parish School in July 2019 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin 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.
Tucker County man admits to his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dustin Bruce Moran, of Parsons, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Moran, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Moran admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in April 2018 in Randolph County.
Moran faces not less than ten 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 Brandon S. Flower 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.
Morgantown man admits to harboring a fugitive wanted on a felony chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Paul Chibuzo, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to charges related to hiding a fugitive, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Chibuzo, age 24, pled guilty today to one count of “Harboring and Concealing a Federal Fugitive” and one count of “False Statement to Federal Agent.” Chibuzo admitted to hiding Donquale Gray in Morgantown from March 1 to March 6, 2019. Gray was wanted by the U.S. Marshal Service on a felony charge. Chibuzo lied to authorities about speaking with Gray and knowing he was wanted in February 2019.
Chibuzo faces up to five years 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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Marshal Service; The Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Braxton County man sentenced for role in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Duncan Currie Canter, of Burnsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Canter, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location” in October 2019. Canter 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.
Upshur County man admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Benton Barcus, of Ellamore, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Barcus, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine.” Barcus admitted to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in March 2019 in Upshur County.Barcus faces not less than ten 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 Brandon Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Randolph County man sentenced for methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Eric Allen Harris, of Beverly, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months incarceration for a drug distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Harris, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in June 2019. Harris admitted to distributing methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in September 2018 in Randolph County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force 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 Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Ohio man admits to role in drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Cory Davonta Smith, Jr., of Barberton, Ohio, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smith, also known as “C.J.,” age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Smith admitted to working with others to distribute 50 grams or more of crystal methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in November 2018 in Gilmer County.
Smith 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting 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.
Harrison County man sentenced for firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Scott Collins, of Stonewood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 84 months incarceration for a firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Collins, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm” in January 2020. Collins admitted to having a .22 caliber rifle, a 9mm pistol, and a .223 caliber rifle in Barbour County in July 2018. All three firearms are stolen.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Randolph County man sentenced for child porn chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jack Carl Rice, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rice, age 62, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography” in February 2020. Rice admitted to having images of child pornography depicting minors under the age of 12 in January 2018 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Former West Virginia University professor sentenced for fraud that enabled him to participate in the People’s Republic of China’s “Thousand Talents Plan”Read the Press Release
CLARKSBURG – Dr. James Patrick Lewis, of Fairview, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three months incarceration for a fraud charge involving West Virginia University, the Department of Justice announced.
Lewis was also fined $9,363 for the cost of the incarceration and ordered to pay $20,189 in restitution to WVU, which is paid in full.
Lewis, age 54, pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with "Federal Program Fraud." From 2006 to August 2019, Lewis was a tenured professor at West Virginia University in the physics department, specializing in molecular reactions used in coal conversion technologies. In July 2017, Lewis entered into a contract of employment with the People’s Republic of China through its "Global Experts 1000 Talents Plan." China’s Thousand Talents Plan is one of the most prominent Chinese Talent recruit plans that are designed to attract, recruit, and cultivate high-level scientific talent in furtherance of China’s scientific development, economic prosperity and national security. These talent programs seek to lure overseas talent and foreign experts to bring their knowledge and experience to China and reward individuals for stealing proprietary information.
According to Lewis’s contract, the Chinese Academy of Sciences agreed to employ Lewis as a professor for at least three years. In return, Lewis agreed to maintain an active research program that yielded publications in high quality, peer-reviewed journals, and to provide research training and experience for Chinese Academy of Sciences students.
As a part of the program, Lewis was promised benefits, including a living subsidy of 1 million Yuan (approximately $143,000), a research subsidy of 4 million Yuan (approximately $573,000), and a salary of 600,000 Yuan (approximately $86,000). To receive the benefits, Lewis would have to work full time in China for three consecutive years, for no less than nine months per year, and would have to begin work no later than Aug. 8, 2018.
In March 2018, Lewis submitted a request to WVU for an alternate/parental work assignment, requesting to be released from his teaching duties for the fall 2018 semester in order to serve as the primary caregiver for a child he and his wife were expecting in June 2018. In fact, however, Lewis knew this request was fraudulent. Rather than caring for his newborn child, Lewis planned to work in China during the fall 2018 semester as a part of his agreement with the "1000 Talents Plan." Based on the false justification Lewis offered, WVU granted his request.
In the fall of 2018, Lewis spent all but three weeks of the semester in China while his newborn child remained in the United States. During this period, Lewis received his full salary from WVU pursuant to his alternate/parental work assignment. Lewis’s scheme allowed him to fraudulently obtain $20,189 from WVU.
Lewis is no longer employed by WVU, having resigned in August 2019. He was ordered to self-report to prison in 30 days.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas and Trial Attorney Evan N. Turgeon with the Department of Justice’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the Internal Revenue Service investigated. WVU cooperated in the investigation of this case.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Fairmont man admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Keener, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Keener, age 47, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Keener admitted to having child pornography in March 2019 in Marion County.Keener faces not less than ten 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 West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Harrison County man admits to having more than 500 grams of methamphetamineRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Herbert Hobbs, of Reynoldsville, West Virginia, has admitted today to a methamphetamine charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hobbs, also known as “Joe,” age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine.” Hobbs admitted to having more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in Harrison County in February 2020.
Hobbs at least 10 years and up to life 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 Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Philadelphia man and two Berkeley County residents accused of firearms traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Philadelphia man and two Berkeley County residents were indicted this week on firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Marcellos Carey Edens, also known as “Camo,” Justin Arthur Davis, and Kristal Rayne Montieth are charged with one count of “Conspiracy” involving the illegal purchase and transfer of firearms from Berkeley County to Pennsylvania in December 2019. According to the indictment, Montieth, 24, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, purchased firearms, making false statements on the ATF form, at the request of Edens, 35, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Davis, 37, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, is accused of transporting the firearms across state lines to Edens in Philadelphia.
Montieth is also facing two count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.”
Edens, Montieth, and Davis each face up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy. Montieth also faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the false statement 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.
The government is also seeking the forfeiture of several firearms and ammunition connected to this case.
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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former West Virginia University professor pleads guilty to wire fraud and tax fraudRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG – Dr. Qingyun Sun, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to 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. 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 faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for wire fraud and faces up to three years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for tax fraud. 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 Internal Revenue Service investigated. WVU cooperated in the investigation of this case.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Berkeley County residents facing drug chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Berkeley County residents were indicted this week on drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Arnel Hategekimana, also known as “Dominique Cash Robinson” and “Homie,” and Kristina Gilmore, also known as “Diamond,” were indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine Base,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl Mixture,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Hategekimana was also indicted on one count of “Possess with Intent to Distribute Forty Grams or More of a Fentanyl and Heroin Mixture,” one count of “Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base,” one count of “Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride,” and one count of “Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.” Hategekimana, 21, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Gilmore, 25, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, are accused of working together to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base in February 2020 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.
Hategekimana and Gilmore each face up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the first three counts. Hategekimana also faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the other three drug counts and no less than five years of incarceration 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.
The government is also seeking the forfeiture of $4,348 in cash, a Glock pistol, and ammunition connected to this case.
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 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
25 charged in six-state drug conspiracy involving heroin, fentanyl, cocaineRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Residents of multiple states were arrested today in connection with four indictments for drug conspiracies that traveled across New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Those charged in a 20-count indictment involving a conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl are:
• Sterling C. Davis, 42, of Camden, New Jersey
• Braheem R. Sallie, 40, of Camden, New Jersey
• Sanford Fayton Venable, 49, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Mary Margaret Renfro, 37, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Kaleah Scott, 39, of Winchester, Virginia
• Kyle Flack, 37, of Camden, New Jersey
• Paul Wayne Anders, Jr., 47, of Ranson, West VirginiaTwelve people are charged in a 44-count indictment involving a conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. They are:
• Aquilino Javier Lorenzo-Rivera, 36, of Blackwood, New Jersey
• Ana B. Lopez, 20, of Camden, New Jersey
• Shaquan Omar Richardson, also known as “Wave,” 24, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
• Braheem Jamal Gilbert, also known as “Slick,” 30, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Duane Curtis Jackson, also known as “Duke,” 28, of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia
• Theodore Richardson, also known as “JR,” 56, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Lisa Richardson, 49, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Ashley Lynn Hess, 31, of Inwood, West Virginia
• Medo Hallack, 31, of Inwood, West Virginia
• Brandon Eugene Corbin, 34, of Inwood, West Virginia
• Dallas Marie Harris, 22, of Inwood, West Virginia
• Ashley Marie Seal, 31, of Bunker Hill, West VirginiaThose facing charges in a 17-count indictment involving a conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base are:
• Sanford Fayton Venable, 49, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Mary Margaret Renfro, 37, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Wilton Paulino, also known as “Felix,” 42, of New York, New York
• Argelianka Garcia, 43, of New York, New York
• Pedro Garcia Rondon, 33, of New York, New York
• Wendy Paulino, 48, of New York, New York
• Terry Lee Shifflett, 46, of Martinsburg, West VirginiaThree are also facing charges in an indictment involving a conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of a mixture and substance containing phencyclidine (PCP). They are:
• Kevin Joseph Young, 54, of Baltimore, Maryland
• Shaquan Omar Richardson, also known as “Wave,”24, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
• Ashley Lynn Hess, 31, of Inwood, West VirginiaThe government is seeking forfeiture of more than $130,000 in cash, multiple firearms, ammunition, multiple cell phones and other various items associated with the alleged crimes.
“These Indictments represent the culmination of lengthy investigations that were vigorously pursued through the pandemic. This Prosecution of drug and violent crimes cases have always been and will continue to be vigorously pursued by the dedicated prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in the Northern District of West Virginia,” said Powell.
"The safety and quality of life of our citizens is a top priority," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "Drug dealers who think they can make a living bringing dangerous drugs into our community need to know it won't be tolerated. The FBI and our trusted state, local and federal partners remain vigilant in pursuing drug investigations that are devastating our communities. This multi-agency, multi-state investigation shows there are no boundaries to getting dangerous criminals off the streets. I commend the work of the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force for their tremendous efforts in the Martinsburg area. They are making a substantial difference in that community and neighboring states."
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 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. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service and the West Virginia Air National Guard assisted with the arrests.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Upshur County man admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas Arthur Cicalese, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cicalese, age 69, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine.” Cicalese admitted to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in March 2019 in Upshur County.Cicalese faces not less than ten 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 Brandon Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Philadelphia man admits to role in cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Lamonte Bryant, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has admitted to his role in a cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bryant, age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Hydrochloride, and Cocaine Base.” Bryant admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere from May 2018 to January 2019.
Bryant is facing up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Assistant U.S Attorney Timothy D. Helman, are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Ranson Police Department investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). 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.
Mineral County man admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Adam Michael, of Burlington, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Michael, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Michael admitted to working with tohers to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from October 2018 to February 2019 in Mineral County and elsewhere.Michael faces not less than ten 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.
Harrison County man sentenced to 25 years for drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Michael Junkins, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 300 months of incarceration for drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
In June 2019, a jury deliberated for less than one hour before finding Junkins, age 51, guilty of two counts of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Offense,” and two counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.”
Junkins had methamphetamine in his possession on three separate occasions. Having been convicted of a felony drug offense, Junkins also illegally had several firearms and ammunition. The crimes occurred in August and September 2017 and November 2018 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon S. Flower and Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Elkins Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ohio man admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Giovanni Geonard Ingersoll, of Akron, Ohio, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ingersoll, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Ingersoll admitted to working with others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine from March 2018 to May 2018 in Mineral County.Ingersoll faces not less than ten 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 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). 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.
Maryland man and West Virginia woman admit to firearms traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two people have admitted to participating in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Brayan Mengou, of Hagerstown, Maryland, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Illegal Transportation or Receipt in State of Residency of Firearms Purchased or Acquired Outside of State of Residency.” Mengou, age 21, worked with others to transport several firearms from Berkeley County to Maryland in October 2019.
Amber Nicole Downing, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearms.” Downing, age 35, admitted to purchasing firearms, stating the firearms were for her personal use, when she wasn’t the true purchaser of the firearms.
Mengou faces up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Downing faces up 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 cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Former VA Hospital Nursing Assistant Admits to Murdering Seven Veterans and Assault with Intent to Commit Murder of an EighthRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announces a plea in the murders of 8 veteransCLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A former nursing assistant pled guilty today in federal court here to murder and assault charges in the deaths of eight veterans at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Clarksburg, West Virginia, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Reta Mays, 46, of Harrison County, West Virginia, pled guilty today to seven counts of second degree murder in the deaths of veterans Robert Edge, Sr., Robert Kozul, Archie Edgell, George Shaw, W.A.H., Felix McDermott, and Raymond Golden. She pled guilty to one count of assault with Intent to commit murder” involving the death of veteran R.R.P.
“In today’s plea agreement, the defendant has admitted to actions that ended the lives of several military veterans who served our country honorably. Our investigation never lost sight of each of these lives and the sacrifices these men made for their country. The investigative work and the time it took to do it was always done with an eye towards honoring these men. Though we can’t bring these men back because of her evil acts, we hope the conclusion of the investigation and guilty plea helps ease the pain of the victims’ families,” said Powell. “I want to thank the incredible work by the FBI, the VA-OIG, the West Virginia State Police, the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force and our prosecution team. I also want to especially thank Attorney General Barr, and the families of the victims who never wavered in their support of this investigation. We look forward to the conclusion of this matter at the sentencing, where we will be seeking the maximum penalty.”
Mays was employed as a nursing assistant at the VAMC, working the night shift during the same period of time veterans in her care died of hypoglycemia while being treated at the hospital. Nursing assistants at the VAMC are not qualified or authorized to administer any medication to patients, including insulin. Mays admitted to administering insulin to several patients with the intent to cause their deaths.
“These cases are tragic and heart breaking,” said Veterans Affairs Inspector General Michael J. Missal. “I thank the VA OIG agents and our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to ensure justice was served and that the victims’ families have some measure of closure. They are in our thoughts and prayers as we work with VA to help prevent anything like this from ever happening again.”
“When you break the trust you’re given as a medical professional and break the law, there are consequences,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. “This was a lengthy and thorough investigation with hundreds of interviews, extensive medical and administrative records to review and forensic testing that needed to be done. These eight Veterans deserved respect and honor. They served our country and we all owe them a debt of gratitude. They didn’t deserve to die at the hands of a nursing assistant who intentionally inflicted pain on them and their families. I commend the work of my agents and our law enforcement partners with the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General.”
Mays faces up to life in prison for each count of second-degree murder. Mays faces up to 20 years in prison for assault with intent to commit murder.” 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 Jarod J. Douglas and Brandon S. Flower are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the FBI investigated. The West Virginia State Police and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, assisted.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
View the announcement here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvGG23_mZQg
Pennsylvania man sentenced to more than six years for drug and money laundering chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Edward Beatty, of Gans, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 78 months of incarceration for illegally distributing drugs and money laundering, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Beatty, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances” and one count of “Money Laundering” in October 2019. Beatty admitted to distributing controlled substances in Monongalia County and elsewhere from 2014 to 2018. He also admitted to taking proceeds from drug sales and depositing that money into an account held by DB. Construction, knowing the money was illegally obtained and knowing the transaction was meant to conceal the source of the proceeds.
A money judgement was also made in the amount of $1,845,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigative Division, the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Squad, the Morgantown Police Department, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and West Virginia State Police BCI 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.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Philadelphia man admits to heroin and fentanyl distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Gaines, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has admitted to opioid distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Gaines, age 45, pled guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.” Gaines admitted to having heroin and fentanyl in June 2017 in Berkeley County.
Gaines faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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.
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, the West Virginia State Police, and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Pendleton County mail carrier admits to attempted election fraudRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas Cooper, a mail carrier in Pendleton County, has admitted to attempted election fraud, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cooper, age 47, of Dry Fork, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of “Attempt to Defraud the Residents of West Virginia of a Fair Election” and one count of “Injury to the Mail.” Cooper held a U.S. Postal Service contract to deliver mail in Pendleton County. In April 2020, the Clerk of Pendleton County received “2020 Primary Election COVID-19 Mail-In Absentee Request" forms from eight voters on which the voter's party-ballot request appeared to have been altered.
The clerk reported the finding to the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office, which began an investigation. The investigation found five ballot requests that had been altered from “Democrat” to “Republican.” On three other requests, the party wasn’t changed, but the request had been altered.
Cooper was responsible for the mail delivery of the three towns from which the tampered requests were mailed: Onego, Riverton, and Franklin, West Virginia. Cooper admitted today to altering some of the requests.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Former Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy sentenced for drug chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Former Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy Timothy Rock, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 58 months and seven days for drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
“The rule of law will be applied no matter what position you hold. The defendant breached the trust bestowed upon him and broke the law. He is now being held accountable for his actions. Our office will continue to prosecute cases involving the breach of public trust and corruption,” said Powell.
After a three-day trial in November 2019, Rock, age 42, was found guilty of four counts of “Distribution of Heroin.” Rock distributed heroin in Harrison County in July, September, and October 2016.
At trial, three former confidential informants testified that Rock gave them heroin on dozens of occasions, most often by letting them keep a portion of heroin purchased in law enforcement monitored drug transactions. Two of the informants directly received uniquely packaged heroin labeled “FLIGHT 18” from Rock on other occasions. Trial evidence established that Rock acquired the FLIGHT 18 heroin from the evidence lockers at the now defunct Street Crimes and Drug Unit of the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.
Other evidence demonstrated that Rock falsified sheriff’s department and court records to conceal his distribution of heroin to informants, and that he violated numerous other standard protocols with respect to managing informants, tracking government funds, securing evidence, and ensuring officer safety.
The judge ordered the sentence to run concurrently with a sentence imposed in Harrison County Circuit Court in a related state prosecution.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Cogar and Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Pennsylvania man admits to bank fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Randall Joseph Smail, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, has admitted to bank fraud, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smail, age 23, pled guilty today to one count of “Bank Fraud.” Smail defrauded Pendleton Community Bank of approximately $552,533. Smail created a fictitious account statement from Kraken Bitcoin Exchange, showing he had $640,000,000 in Bitcoin currency that he produced when applying for a loan from the bank, knowing he did not own any Bitcoin currency. He also produced other fictitious paperwork, showing $10,000,000 in another bank that he transferred from his cryptocurrency account, all of which he knew was false. He used these false documents to defraud the bank.
Smail faces up to 30 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 Danae Demasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Belmont County, Ohio man admits to heroin chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan Parker, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, has admitted to a heroin distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Parker, also known as “Zay,” age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” Parker admitted to selling heroin near St. Michael Parish School in July 2019 in Ohio County.
Parker faces at least one year 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 Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
West Virginia Woman Admits to Willful Retention of Top Secret National Defense Information and International Parental KidnappingRead the Press Release
Elizabeth Jo Shirley, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, has admitted to unlawfully retaining a document containing national defense information and committing international parental kidnapping, the Department of Justice announced.
Shirley, 47, pled guilty to one count of “Willful Retention of National Defense Information” and one count of “International Parental Kidnapping.” Shirley admitted to unlawfully retaining a National Security Agency (NSA) document containing information classified at the TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (TS/SCI) level relating to the national defense that outlines intelligence information regarding a foreign government’s military and political issues. Shirley also admitted to removing her child, of whom she was the non-custodial parent, to Mexico with the intent to obstruct the lawful exercise of the custodial father’s parental rights.
“When Shirley took classified information from her work with the Intelligence Community and later fled to Mexico, she violated the confidence placed in her by the American people,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “She doubled down on this betrayal when she sought to offer classified information to the Russian government. We are grateful for our law enforcement partners’ timely work to locate and arrest the defendant in Mexico. Given Shirley’s troubling conduct after fleeing the United States, the damage to national security could have been far greater had law enforcement not acted swiftly. Shirley will now be held accountable for betraying the trust of the American people.”
“High level security clearance requires a commensurate level of trust. Shirley breached that trust and attempted to put our country at risk. National security is one of our highest priorities and always will be. Shirley will now face the consequences of her actions,” said U.S. Attorney William J. Powell.
"Federal government employees and contractors with high level security clearances pledge to protect classified information from foreign adversaries. It's an essential responsibility in guarding our country’s national security," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "Ms. Shirley had a duty to safeguard classified information. Instead, she chose to break the law and trust placed in her and made plans to pass national defense information to Russian officials, which could have put our citizens at risk. The FBI does not take these violations lightly and will work to hold wrongdoers accountable to keep our country safe."
Shirley served on active duty with the United States Air Force, and in August 1994, the Air Force granted Shirley her first TS/SCI security clearance. After leaving active duty, Shirley served in the United States Air Force Reserves and later in the United States Navy Reserves. While serving in the Air Force, she worked on assignments with the NSA. From May 2001 to August 2012, Shirley held various positions with the United States Navy’s Office of Naval Intelligence, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force, and at least five different cleared defense contractors. In connection with these positions, Shirley held TOP SECRET/SCI security clearances at various times.
In July 2019, Shirley took her six-year-old daughter to Mexico with the intent to make contact with representatives of the Government of Russia to request resettlement in a country that would not extradite her to the United States. Shirley took with her to Mexico national defense information, which she had unlawfully retained. While in Mexico, Shirley prepared a written message to Russian Government officials, referencing “an urgent need” to have “items shipped from the USA related to [her] life’s work before they are seized and destroyed.”
On Aug. 13, 2019, the United States Marshals Service and Mexican law enforcement located Shirley and her daughter at a hotel in Mexico City. Mexican immigration authorities arrested Shirley pursuant to lack of legal immigration status.
The FBI subsequently executed search warrants on numerous of Shirley’s electronic devices, including devices she took to Mexico in July 2019 and devices the FBI seized from her Martinsburg storage unit in August 2019. Pursuant to the search of the storage unit, the FBI located the NSA document underlying the Willful Retention of National Defense Information offense. In addition, pursuant to searches of the electronic devices, the FBI found an Office of Naval Intelligence PowerPoint presentation containing information classified at the SECRET level and messages Shirley had drafted to Russian Government officials while in Mexico, the latter of which the Central Intelligence Agency has determined to include information classified at the SECRET level.
Shirley faces up to ten years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the national security charge and up to three years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000 for the kidnapping 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. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher and Trial Attorney Evan N. Turgeon with the Department of Justice’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and WVSP investigated. The Webster County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office cooperated in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Berkeley County woman admits to willful retention of top secret national defense documents and international parental kidnappingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Elizabeth Jo Shirley, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, has admitted to unlawfully retaining a document containing national defense information and committing international parental kidnapping, Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers and U.S. Attorney William J. Powell for the Northern District of West Virginia announced.
Shirley, 46, pled guilty to one count of “Willful Retention of National Defense Information” and one count of “International Parental Kidnapping.” Shirley admitted to unlawfully retaining a National Security Agency (NSA) document containing information classified at the TOP SECRET/SECRET COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (“TS/SCI”) level relating to the national defense that outlines intelligence information regarding a foreign government’s military and political issues. Shirley also admitted to removing her child, of whom she was the non-custodial parent, to Mexico with the intent to obstruct the lawful exercise of the custodial father’s parental rights.
“When Shirley took classified information from her work with the Intelligence Community and later fled to Mexico, she violated the confidence placed in her by the American people,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “She doubled down on this betrayal when she sought to offer classified information to the Russian government. We are grateful for our law enforcement partners’ timely work to locate and arrest the defendant in Mexico. Given Shirley’s troubling conduct after fleeing the United States, the damage to national security could have been far greater had law enforcement not acted swiftly. Shirley will now be held accountable for betraying the trust of the American people.”
“High level security clearance requires a commensurate level of trust. Shirley breached that trust and attempted to put our country at risk. National security is one of our highest priorities and always will be. Shirley will now face the consequences of her actions,” said William J. Powell.
"Federal government employees and contractors with high level security clearances pledge to protect classified information from foreign adversaries. It's an essential responsibility in guarding our country’s national security," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman. "Ms. Shirley had a duty to safeguard classified information. Instead, she chose to break the law and trust placed in her and made plans to pass national defense information to Russian officials, which could have put our citizens at risk. The FBI does not take these violations lightly and will work to hold wrongdoers accountable to keep our country safe."
Shirley served on active duty with the United States Air Force, and in August 1994, the Air Force granted Shirley her first TS/SCI security clearance. After leaving active duty, Shirley served in the United States Air Force Reserves and later in the United States Navy Reserves. While serving in the Air Force, she worked on assignments with the NSA. From May 2001 to August 2012, Shirley held various positions with the United States Navy’s Office of Naval Intelligence, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force, and at least five different cleared defense contractors. In connection with these positions, Shirley held TOP SECRET/SCI security clearances at various times.
In July 2019, Shirley took her six-year-old daughter to Mexico with the intent to make contact with representatives of the Government of Russia to request resettlement in a country that would not extradite her to the United States. Shirley took with her to Mexico national defense information, which she had unlawfully retained. While in Mexico, Shirley prepared a written message to Russian Government officials, referencing “an urgent need” to have “items shipped from the USA related to [her] life’s work before they are seized and destroyed.”
On Aug. 13, 2019, the United States Marshals Service and Mexican law enforcement located Shirley and her daughter at a hotel in Mexico City. Mexican authorities arrested Shirley pursuant to an arrest warrant the West Virginia State Police (WVSP) had obtained on a charge of concealment of a minor from a custodian.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) subsequently executed search warrants on numerous of Shirley’s electronic devices, including devices she took to Mexico in July 2019 and devices the FBI seized from her Martinsburg storage unit in August 2019. Pursuant to the search of the storage unit, the FBI located the NSA document underlying the Willful Retention of National Defense Information offense. In addition, pursuant to searches of the electronic devices, the FBI found an Office of Naval Intelligence PowerPoint presentation containing information classified at the SECRET level and messages Shirley had drafted to Russian Government officials while in Mexico, the latter of which the Central Intelligence Agency has determined to include information classified at the SECRET level.
Shirley faces up to ten years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the national security charge and up to three years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000 for the kidnapping 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. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher and Trial Attorney Evan N. Turgeon with the Department of Justice’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and WVSP investigated. The Webster County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office cooperated in the investigation and prosecution of the case.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Maryland man sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gary Thorton, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced today to 33 months incarceration for heroin distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Thorton, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base” in February 2020. Thorton admitted to working with another to distribute heroin and cocaine from April to July 2015 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Martinsburg man sentenced for failure to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andrew Reed Cumbie, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for a failure to register charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cumbie, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Register” in February 2020. Cumbie, having been convicted of a sex offense in the Circuit Court of Melheur County, Oregon, admitted to traveling interstate commerce and not registering and updating his registration as a sex offender. The crime occurred in Berkeley County from November 16 to December 11, 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Marion County man sentenced for firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Oneil Wayne South, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
After a two-day trial in March 2020, the jury found South, age 45, guilty of one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm as Drug User.” South is prohibited from having a firearm because of drug use, and has a 9mm pistol in March 2019 in Marion County.
South pled guilty to one count of “Reckless Flight from a Law Enforcement Officer” in February 2020. South admitted to fleeing from law enforcement after being asked to stop when on the property of the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division in Harrison County in March 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Cogar and Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the FBI, and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.Fayette County man sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Keith Edward Ross, of Oak Hill, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for heroin distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ross, age 45, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” in February 2020. Ross admitted to working with another to distribute heroin in March 2019 in Harrison County.Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Wetzel County woman sentenced for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Amber L. Brown, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 108 months incarceration for drug distribution in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Brown, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” in September 2019. Brown admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Wetzel County and elsewhere from July 2018 to June 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ohio man sentenced for cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Mustafa Ali Vaughn, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, was sentenced today to 63 months incarceration for drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Vaughn, also known as “Moose” and “Fargo,” age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location” in December 2019. Vaughn admitted to selling cocaine near Luau Manor in Ohio County in May 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.
Ohio County woman sentenced for methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –Tiffany Markle, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months incarceration for a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Markle, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in July 2019. Markle admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Marshall and Ohio Counties from July 2018 to February 2019. The government is also seeking the forfeiture of the Markles’ residence at 36 Fernwood Avenue in Wheeling.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Wetzel County man sentenced for distributing heroinRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Caleb McCune, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 33 months incarceration for selling heroin, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McCune, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin in Proximity to a Protected Location” in February 2020. McCune admitted to working with another to sell heroin near Bruce Park in Wetzel County in April 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ohio County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Shawndale Davis, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Davis, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in January 2020. Davis, having been convicted of two prior felonies and prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a .45 caliber revolver in October 2019 in Ohio 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 and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Marshall County man sentenced for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael J. Blake, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Blake, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in March 2020. Blake admitted to having methamphetamine in October 2019 in Marshall County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Department of Justice Announces $42 Million to Combat Illegal Manufacture and Distribution of Methamphetamine and OpioidsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – The Department of Justice‘s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced nearly $42 million in funding to support state-level law enforcement agencies in combating the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and prescription opioids.
The West Virginia State Police was awarded $1,000,000 in COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP) funding. The WVSP will utilize this funding for equipment, training, overtime, and travel expenses related to drug interdiction efforts across the state.
“While opioids continue to be of great concern in the Northern District of West Virginia, we see an even larger surge of methamphetamine distribution. This funding will help law enforcement get this dangerous drug off the streets and out of the hands of our neighbors,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Powell.
“The scourge of opioid and methamphetamine use continues to take a devastating toll on our nation’s communities,” said COPS Office Director Phil Keith. “By providing these resources to law enforcement to help combat the further spread, the COPS Office is demonstrating our commitment to this Administration’s priority of reducing drug use and protecting our citizens from this public health and safety crisis.”
Drug overdose deaths and opioid-involved deaths continue to increase in the United States. Deaths from drug overdose are up among both men and women, all races, and adults of nearly all ages, with more than three out of five drug overdose deaths involving an opioid. More than 130 people die every day in the United States after overdosing on opioids, while methamphetamine continues to be one of the most commonly misused stimulant drugs in the world and is the drug that most contributes to violent crime.
The COPS Office is awarding more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF). AHTF provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team (e.g., task force) structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.
Through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP), the COPS Office is also awarding $12 million to 12 state law enforcement agencies. These state agencies have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking.
The AHTF and CAMP funding has a tremendous impact on state investigative and seizure work. During the five month period between October 2019 and February 2020, current AHTF grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms. Similarly, for CAMP, grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms.
The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/ahtf-award
The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here: https://cops.usdoj.gov/camp-award
The COPS Office is a federal agency 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 approximately 135,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products including publications, training and technical assistance. For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
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