Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Harrison County man charged with meth and heroin distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Maylen Crayton, II, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Crayton, age 29, is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine,” two counts of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Crayton is accused of having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in April 2019 in Harrison County. He is also accused of having methamphetamine and heroin in June and July 2019 in Harrison County.
Crayton faces at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for the 50 grams or more count, and faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the other counts. faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Jefferson County postal employee charged with stealing mailRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nelson Clark, Jr., of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on an embezzlement charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Clark, age 33, is charged with one count of “Embezzlement of Mail by Postal Employee.” Clark, was a postal employee in Jefferson County. He is accused of taking multiple items from parcels in the mail being processed by his postal station in March 2019 in Jefferson County.
Clark faces up to five years 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 Jeffrey A. Finucane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Cleveland man charged with meth and cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Clarence Maceo Carter, Jr., of Cleveland, Ohio, was indicted today on drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Carter, also known as “Moe,” age 33, is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Carter is accused of having methamphetamine and cocaine case, also known as “crack,” in Ohio County in February 2020.
Carter faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Cleveland man charged with cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Anthony Toler, of Cleveland, Ohio, was indicted today on a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Toler, age 34, is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Toler is accused of having cocaine case, also known as “crack,” in Ohio County in February 2020.
Toler 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Berkeley County man charged with failure to appearRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Walter Lee Evans, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, was indicted today on a court violation charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Evans, age 49, is charged with one count of “Failure to Appear after Pre-trial Release.” In February 2020, Evans pled guilty to a heroin distribution charge. Evans was on pre-trial release in connection with that case. Evans was scheduled to appear for a hearing before Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh on March 2, 2020, but failed to appear as required.
Evans faces up to 10 years 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 U.S. Marshal Service investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
More about the original case and plea can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/berkeley-county-man-admits-drug-possession
Maryland man sentenced for bank robberyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven L. Silverman, of Thurmont, Maryland, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Silverman, age 50, pled guilty to one count of “Bank Robbery” in November 2019. Silverman admitted to robbing the City National Bank of Berkeley Springs of $1,730 on June 4, 2019.
Silverman was also ordered to pay $1,730 to the bank in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office and the Berkeley Springs Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Jefferson County woman sentenced for her role in a heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl distribution operation in Berkeley and Jefferson CountiesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Amy Little, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation for her role in a heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Little, also known as “Amy Jackson,” age 45, pled guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication facility” in May 2019. Little admitted to using a phone to arrange a purchase of heroin in September 2018 in Berkeley County.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 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.
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Jefferson County man sentenced for heroin and fentanyl distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Enrico Fionn Hernandez, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation for having heroin and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hernandez, also known as “Rico,” age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl” in November 2019. Hernandez admitted to having heroin and fentanyl to distribute tin June 2017 in Jefferson County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime 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.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M, Groh presided.
Berkeley County woman sentenced to more than 12 years for role in cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandy Netz, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 151 months incarceration for her role in a cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Netz, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride” in September 2019. Netz admitted to working with someone to distribute cocaine in Berkeley County in January 2019.
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 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.
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for heroin and fentanyl distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Trey Cardale Campbell, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 180 months incarceration for drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
After a December 2019 trial, the jury found Campbell, age 27, guilty of one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Furanyl Fentanyl, Heroin, and Fentanyl.” Campbell distributed heroin, furanyl fentanyl and fentanyl in May 2017 in Berkeley County.The jury found Campbell not guilty of one count of “Distribution of Heroin.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County couple sentenced for fraudRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jimmie and Thanikwa Thompson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, were sentenced today for to wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jimmie, age 27, was sentenced to 37 months incarceration. Thanikwa, age 25, was sentenced to 37 months incarceration. Each pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud” in December 2019. The Thompsons secured a renter’s insurance policy from Allstate Insurance Company for $85,000 in February 2018. Later that month, the Thompsons purchased a space heater from a retailer and positioned it against an inflatable air mattress in their apartment on Winchester Avenue in Martinsburg. The couple then left the apartment with their dog to allow the space heater time to catch the apartment on fire. They then filed a fraudulent claim with Allstate to recover $50,000 of losses from the fire, and to secure a hotel room for several months of temporary housing.
The Thompsons were ordered to pay $54,891.28 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Fire Marshal and Allstate Insurance Company investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Morgantown man sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ronald Bowers, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bowers, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin in Proximity to a Protected Location” in August 2019. Bowers admitted to selling heroin near West Virginia University in July 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
FCI Gilmer inmate admits to drug possessionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen Robinson, incarcerated at Federal Correction Institution Gilmer, has admitted to trying to get a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Robinson, age 49, pled guilty today to a one-count information, charging him with “Attempt to Obtain a Prohibited Object (Narcotic).” Robinson admitted to trying to get suboxone while incarcerated in October 2018 in Gilmer County.
Robinson was sentenced to 12 months incarceration, to be served after his current sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.Virginia man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn Kendall Murray, of Gainesville, Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Murray, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Murray admitted to having cocaine hydrochloride in November 2018 in Jefferson County.
Murray 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 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 Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Ohio County woman admits to drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Terri Lea Blankenship, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Blankenship, age 54, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.” Blankenship admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine base or “crack,” heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl in Ohio County and elsewhere from September 2018 to June 2019.
Blankenship faces 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 Shawn M. Adkins 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.
Marshall County man admits to drug traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael J. Blake, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Blake, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Blake admitted to having methamphetamine in October 2019 in Marshall County.
Blake 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 and the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Former West Virginia University professor pleads guilty to 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, has admitted to a fraud charge involving West Virginia University, the Department of Justice announced.
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.
“Lewis defrauded a public university into giving him leave, so that he could satisfy his competing obligations to a Chinese institution, which he hid from the school,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “I applaud the increased focus of the academic community to detect conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment. Only with more transparency will we stem the tide of covert ties to Chinese institutions and programs, ties meant by the Chinese government to result in the transfer of intellectual property from the United States. ”
“This case represents an attempt to serve China to the detriment of West Virginia University and the United States. Academia is a prime target for these activities and we will remain committed to prosecuting such fraud wherever it is found. I want to thank the FBI, the IRS and our prosecution team for a job well done,” said U.S Attorney Bill Powell, Northern District of West Virginia.
“The FBI knows the Chinese government intentionally targets the advanced technologies and technical expertise developed in the U.S. to give themselves a competitive advantage in the world marketplace,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. “Participation in a talent plan like the one Dr. Lewis was part of it is not illegal. But FBI investigations have revealed participants are often incentivized to transfer proprietary information or research conducted in the U.S. to China. This remains a significant threat and a high priority threat for the FBI. We are dedicated to making sure foreign governments know U.S. trade secrets cannot and will not be bought.”
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.
As a part of the plea agreement, Lewis has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $20,189 in full to WVU. Lewis is no longer employed by WVU, having resigned in August 2019.
Lewis faces up to 10 years 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 Jarod J. Douglas 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 the Internal Revenue Service investigated. WVU cooperated in the investigation of this case.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Former West Virginia University Professor Pleads Guilty to Fraud That Enabled Him to Participate in the People’s Republic of China’s “Thousand Talents Plan”Read the Press Release
Dr. James Patrick Lewis, of Fairview, West Virginia, has admitted to a fraud charge involving West Virginia University, the Department of Justice announced.
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.
“Lewis defrauded a public university into giving him leave, so that he could satisfy his competing obligations to a Chinese institution, which he hid from the school,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “I applaud the increased focus of the academic community to detect conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment. Only with more transparency will we stem the tide of covert ties to Chinese institutions and programs, ties meant by the Chinese government to result in the transfer of intellectual property from the United States."
“This case represents an attempt to serve China to the detriment of West Virginia University and the United States. Academia is a prime target for these activities and we will remain committed to prosecuting such fraud wherever it is found. I want to thank the FBI, the IRS and our prosecution team for a job well done,” said U.S Attorney Bill Powell, Northern District of West Virginia.
“The FBI knows the Chinese government intentionally targets the advanced technologies and technical expertise developed in the U.S. to give itself a competitive advantage in the world marketplace,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. “Participation in a talent plan like the one Dr. Lewis was part of is not illegal. But FBI investigations have revealed participants are often incentivized to transfer proprietary information or research conducted in the U.S. to China. This remains a significant threat and a high priority threat for the FBI. We are dedicated to making sure foreign governments know U.S. trade secrets cannot and will not be bought.”
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.
As a part of the plea agreement, Lewis has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $20,189 in full to WVU. Lewis is no longer employed by WVU, having resigned in August 2019.
Lewis faces up to 10 years 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 Jarod J. Douglas 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 the Internal Revenue Service investigated. WVU cooperated in the investigation of this case.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Cleveland man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony L. Jackson, of Cleveland, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jackson, also known as “Rob,” age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.” Jackson admitted to having heroin and fentanyl in August 2017 in Hancock County.
Jackson 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Former Marion County physician admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eugenio Menez, a former physician of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Menez, age 69, pled guilty to a one-count information this week 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.
“This doctor’s actions are beyond reprehensible. His medical degree put him in a position of power and he abused it in a disgusting manner. His degree will not protect him at sentencing,” said Powell.
Menez has surrendered his medical license, as well as his DEA registration, which permitted him to write prescriptions.
Menez 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Marion County man guilty of firearm chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – After a two-day trial, Oneil Wayne South, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was found guilty today by a federal jury of a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
After deliberating for two hours, 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.
South faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. South faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys 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.Florida man admits to unlawfully downloading tax return transcripts from IRSRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ludrick Joseph, of Miami, Florida, has admitted to downloading taxpayer transcripts by unlawfully accessing Internal Revenue Service computers, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Joseph, age 38, pled guilty this week to a one-count information charging him with “Accessing a Computer and Obtaining Information.” Joseph admitted to fraudulently accessing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) eAuthentication online taxpayer system, which has servers located in Berkeley County, in April 2015. In order to pass IRS security protocols, Joseph unlawfully obtained the Electronic Filing Pin (EFP) for a taxpayer which allowed him access into the eAuthentication system. Once in the IRS eAuthentication system, Joseph fraudulently gained access to eight different tax return transcripts of an individual taxpayer. The tax return transcripts contained the taxpayer’s date of birth, social security number, and gross income, among other sensitive information.
Joseph faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Cybercrime Investigations Division investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Berkeley County woman admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jazzlyn Rae Molloy, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Molloy, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.” Molly admitted to having more than 500 grams of cocaine in April 2018 in Berkeley County in September 2018.
Molloy faces at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Martinsburg Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Berkeley County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David Nathan Huntsberry, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Huntsberry, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl and Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Huntsberry admitted to selling heroin and fentanyl near Bedington Elementary School in Berkeley County in September 2018.
Huntsberry 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.
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, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Monongalia County man indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian Cutright, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cutright, age 40, is charged with one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm” and one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm.” Cutright, prohibited from having a firearm because he is a user of controlled substances, is accused of having a .25 caliber pistol, a .45 caliber pistol, two .22 caliber rifles, a .40 S&W rifle, and two 12-guage shotguns in July 2018 in Monongalia County.
Cutright faces up to 10 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Mon Metro 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.
Monongalia County man indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Reynaldo Millan, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Millan, age 29, is charged with one count of “Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under Felony Indictment” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Millan, prohibited from having a firearm because of a felony indictment in Monongalia County and being a user of controlled substances, is accused of having a .223/5.56mm rile and a .38 caliber revolver in December 2018 in Monongalia County.
Millan faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the possession under felony indictment charge, and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful 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 Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Monongalia County man indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Lance McClendon, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McClendon, age 45, is charged one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” McClendon is accused of maintaining a home in Monongalia County for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine and cocaine. He is also accused of having methamphetamine in September 2019 in Monongalia County.
McClendon faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000 for the maintaining a drug house charge and faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the meth 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia Probation Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Monongalia County man indicted on drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Clay Westbrook, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Westbrook, age 38, is charged with two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Westbrook is accused of distributing methamphetamine and cocaine base in November and December 2019 in Monongalia County. Westbrook, prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, is also accused of having a .380 caliber pistol in December 2019 in Monongalia County.
Westbrook faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the drug counts, and faces up to 10 years 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marion County man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jonathan David Cochran, of Barrackville, West Virginia, was indicted today on a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cochran, age 25, is charged with one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Cochran, prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction, is accused of having a .380 caliber pistol in December 2019 in Marion County.
Cochran faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia Probation and Parole Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Harrison County man indicted on drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Frank Horner, III, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Horner, age 27, is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Horner is accused of having methamphetamine in October 2019 in Harrison County. Horner, prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction, is also accused of having a .22LR caliber semi-automatic pistol in October 2019 in Harrison County.
Horner faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the drug count, and faces up to 10 years 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Probation Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Federal prisoner charged with manslaughter in death of inmateRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen C. Crawford, a former inmate at U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton, was indicted today on charges of manslaughter and assault regarding the death of another inmate, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Crawford, age 41, was indicted today on one count of “Voluntary Manslaughter,” one count of “Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm,” and one count of “Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.” Crawford is accused of stabbing another inmate “A.C.” resulting in his death. The crime allegedly took place in March 2015 at USP Hazelton in Preston County.
Crawford faces up to 15 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the manslaughter charge and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the other two charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is 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.
Monongalia County men sentenced for firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – DeRon Parrish and Andre Parrish, both of Morgantown, West Virginia, were sentenced today for firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
DeRon, age 31, was sentenced to 46 months incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm as Convicted Felon” in October 2019. DeRon, a convicted felon, admitted to having three shotguns in November 2018 in Monongalia County.
Andre, age 28, was sentenced to 12 months and one day incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm as Drug User” in October 2019. Andre, who is prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having three 12-guage shotguns and a pistol in Monongalia County in November 2018.
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 Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Jefferson County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Wayne Samuel Ellis Clyburn, Of Ranson, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Clyburn, age 51, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” He admitted to using a phone to further a drug deal in December 2018 in Jefferson County.
Clyburn faces up to four years 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 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 Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Morgan County man admits to crossing state lines to have sex with a minorRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Elmer Leroy Kerns, of Paw Paw, West Virginia, has admitted to a sex charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Kerns, age 44, pled guilty to one count of “Interstate Travel for Sex with a Minor.” Kerns admitted to traveling across state lines to engage in sexual activity with a person under the age of 18. The crime took place in July 2019 in the Northern District of West Virginia and elsewhere.
Kerns faces up to 30 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.Jefferson County man admits to cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Cedric Eugene Galloway, of Charles Town, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Galloway, age 50, pled guilty to one count of “Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Galloway admitted to distributing cocaine base, or “crack,” in May 2019 in Jefferson County.
Galloway 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Ranson Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.Berkeley County man admits to wire fraud involving Hearts2Heros organizationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher T. Engle, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, has admitted to wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Engle, age 30, was the co-owner of Hearts2Heros, a for-profit entity that allegedly was meant to support the military by creating and sending care packages to deployed service members. Hearts2Heros employees solicited contributions and misrepresented that the organization was a charity.
Engle pled guilty today to a one-count information, charging him with “Wire Fraud.” Engle admitted that he defrauded donors in the Northern District of West Virginia, taking their donations for Hearts2Heros and using it for personal use. The fraud included thousands of donors from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. The total loss is $286,959.95.
“Using our brave military personnel who are deployed overseas as a prop for a fraud scheme is deplorable conduct. Such conduct also is detrimental to the work of many wonderful community organizations who genuinely support our military. Thanks to the work of the FBI and our prosecution team, the defendant’s greed will now be appropriately dealt with by the court at sentencing,” said Powell.
Engle faces up to 20 years 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 FBI investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Pennsylvania man admits to firearms violationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles Lynn, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lynn, age 41, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm.” Flynn, a convicted felon, admitted to possessing a 12 gauge shotgun, a .308 caliber rifle, and a 7mm caliber rifle, all believed to be stolen, in October 2018 in Monongalia County.Lynn faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated.
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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Marion County man admits to fleeing from law enforcementRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Oneil Wayne South, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to fleeing from law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
South, age 45, pled guilty to one count of “Reckless Flight from a Law Enforcement Officer.” 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.
South faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the FBI, and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Wheeling man sentenced for role in cocaine and heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Andre Hager, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 51 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hager, also known as “Andyman,” pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base and Heroin” in June 2019. Hager, age 48, admitted to distributing cocaine and heroin, in Ohio County from April 2018 to September 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was led by the Ohio County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department. Those assisting in the arrests are the United States Marshal Service; Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department; and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Columbus man sentenced for role in cocaine and heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kyuten J. Smith, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 110 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smith, also known as “Mitch,” pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base” in July 2019. Kyuten, age 29, admitted to distributing cocaine base in Ohio County in September 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was led by the Ohio County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department. Those assisting in the arrests are the United States Marshal Service; Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department; and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Wheeling woman sentenced for role in cocaine and heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tiffany Sells, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration for her role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sells, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location” in July 2019. Sells admitted to selling cocaine near Jensen Playground on Wheeling Island in July 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was led by the Ohio County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department. Those assisting in the arrests are the United States Marshal Service; Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department; and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
South Carolina man indicted on meth chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Todd Michael Hensley, of Anderson, South Carolina, was indicted this week on a methamphetamine distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hensley, age 47, is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Hensley is accused of distributing methamphetamine in January 2020 in Marshall County.
The indictment also calls for the forfeiture of 15 firearms, including three AK47s, nearly 300 rounds of ammunition, $9,000 in cash, and an IPhone XR.
Hensley 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Martinsburg man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dehaven Darnell Craig, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Craig, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Craig, prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a .380 caliber pistol in April 2018 in Jefferson County.
This case is the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep. This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally.
Craig faces up to 10 years 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 K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jamie Allen Butcher, of Shinnston, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 65 months incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Butcher, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession of a Stolen Firearm” in October 2019. Butcher admitted to having a stolen .45 caliber pistol in June 2018 in Lewis County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Weston Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Grant County man indicted on drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Lawrence Allen Keplinger, of Lahmansville, West Virginia, was indicted this week on methamphetamine distribution and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Keplinger, age 38, is charged with four counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” involving more than five grams of “crystal meth” or” ice,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” involving more than 50 grams of “crystal meth” or “ice,” one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” and one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm.” Keplinger is accused of distributing methamphetamine from July 2017 to March 2019 in Grant County. Keplinger, a person prohibited from having a firearm, is also accused of having a .17 caliber rifle, a .375 caliber bolt-action rifle, and an unregistered .22 caliber long rifle in March 2019 in Grant County.
Keplinger faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the distribution counts, faces at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for “crystal meth” distribution charge, and faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for the possession with intent distribution charge. Keplinger also faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful possession charge and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000 for the unregistered firearm charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Columbus man sentenced for role in cocaine and heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Martenez Strong-Edmondson, Jr., of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation that spanned two states, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Strong-Edmondson, also known as “Bo,” age 21, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base and Cocaine within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location” in October 2019. He admitted to distributing cocaine and cocaine base near Pulaski Playground in September 2018 in Ohio County.
The investigation was led by the Ohio County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department. Those assisting in the arrests are the United States Marshal Service; Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department; and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Wetzel County man sentenced for firearms violationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Martin Anderson, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for a firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Anderson, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in October 2019. Anderson, a person prohibited from having firearms, is accused of possessing a .223 caliber rifle and two .22 caliber rifles in Wetzel County in June 2018.
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 Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ohio man sentenced for cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tajuan Smith, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, was sentenced today to 16 months incarceration for distributing cocaine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smith, also known as “Poe,” age 20, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in June 2019. Smith admitted to selling cocaine near Jensen Playground in Wheeling in June 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Martinsburg man admits to failure to register as a sex offender chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andrew Reed Cumbie, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a failure to register charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cumbie, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Register.” 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 is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.Hancock County man admits to his role in a drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Antonio Dewayne Brown, of Weirton, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Brown, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Brown admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in August 2018 in Hancock County.Brown 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. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.