Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Upshur County woman sentenced for her role in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Melissa Ann Masuga, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 days incarceration for her participation in a meth distribution operation, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.
Masuga, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in October 2018. Masuga admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine in Upshur County and elsewhere from March 2016 to September 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 Drug Enforcement Administration; The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, composed of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Elkins Police Department, U.S. Forest Service, and Tucker County Sheriff’s Office; the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office; the 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). 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. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ohio man sentenced for his role in cocaine and heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Diego L. Hansard, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, was sentenced today to 121 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation that spanned two states, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hansard, also known as “Rico,” age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Maintaining a Drug-involved Premises” in November 2019. Hansard admitted to maintaining a place at 4335 Jacob Street, Wheeling, West Virginia, to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin from April 2018 to September 2018 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen L. Vogrin and Danae DeMasi-Lemon 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.
Upshur County woman admits to drug and counterfeit chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA –Johnna Dee Courtney, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine and counterfeit charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Courtney, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession of Counterfeit Obligations.” Courtney admitted to distributing more than fifty grams of “crystal” methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in May 2019 in Upshur County. She also admitted to having 95 counterfeit $100 bills in her possession.
Courtney faces at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the drug count, and faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the counterfeit 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 Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force and the United States Secret Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
U.S. Attorney Appoints New Senior Leadership TeamRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell has announced some changes to his Senior Leadership Team. While some senior staff will continue to support Mr. Powell in their roles, some personnel changes have taken place in the management of the Wheeling, Martinsburg, Clarksburg, and Elkins offices.
The Senior Leadership Team are First Assistant U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard, Administrative Officer Fawn E. Thomas, Civil Division Chief Sharon L. Potter, Criminal Division Chief Stephen L. Vogrin, Clarksburg Branch Office Supervisor Andrew R. Cogar, and Martinsburg Branch Office Supervisor Erin Reisenweber.
“I am excited about our new leadership team. Though all organizations lose experience when key personnel retire, the newly appointed members of the management team have all spent months preparing themselves for the jobs they have now assumed. I know that our district is in very capable hands, and I am proud to work with each and every one of them,” said Powell.
Sharon L. Potter has returned to the Northern District of West Virginia office as the Civil Division Chief. Ms. Potter is a former U.S. Attorney and Assistant U.S. Attorney for the district, handling financial fraud/tax investigations, health care fraud and violent and drug crimes. Previously, she was a partner at Spilman, Thomas, & Battle, PLLC.
Newly appointed Criminal Division Chief Stephen L. Vogrin has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the past eight years in the district. In the past year and half, he served as the Criminal Division Supervisor for the Wheeling office. Mr. Vogrin has decades of prosecutorial experience, serving as a former Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Ohio County prior to his time in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar has been appointed as the new Branch Office Supervisor for the Clarksburg office. Since joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2007, Mr. Cogar has prosecuted white collar crimes, drug and violent crimes, firearm offenses, and public corruption. He also co-founded and co-chairs the West Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force, and recently served as Senior Litigation Counsel in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Mr. Cogar previously served as a trial attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Erin K. Reisenweber will serve as the Branch Office Supervisor for the Martinsburg office. Ms. Reisenweber has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the district for the past 13 years. She previously served as the Deputy in Charge of the U.S. District Clerk’s Office in Martinsburg, as well as a law clerk for the Hon. W. Craig Broadwater in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia.
Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard will continue in his role as First Assistant United States Attorney. Mr. Bernard previously served as the Chief of the Criminal Division. Mr. Bernard joined the office in 2002. Mr. Bernard has also served as the District Office Security Manager. Before becoming an Assistant United States Attorney, Mr. Bernard served as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the Wheeling, West Virginia Resident Agency. Prior to the FBI, he was a litigator with Coolidge, Wall, Womsley & Lombard in Dayton, Ohio.
Fawn E. Thomas will continue in her role as Administrative Officer, serving as the Chief of the Administrative Division and as the primary advisor to the United States Attorney for planning and managing all office resources. Ms. Thomas has been with the office since 1983. Prior to her appointment as Administrative Officer, she served as the Public Affairs Specialist and the Human Resource Specialist. Ms. Thomas was previously an EEO Investigator for the Executive Office for United States Attorneys and an Evaluation and Review Staff Evaluator. Ms. Thomas also served on the Administrative Officers’ Working Group.
Two sentenced for roles in oxycodone distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two people were sentenced today for their roles in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Michael Wesley, also known as “Black” and “Big Flea,” was sentenced today to 151 months incarceration. Wesley, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone” in October 2019. Wesley admitted to selling oxycodone in January 2017 in Monongalia County.
Tiffany Edwards, of Westover, West Virginia, was sentenced to 12 months and one day incarceration. Edwards, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Money Laundering Conspiracy” in October 2019. Edwards admitted to handling financial transactions that involved money made from the distribution of oxycodone from the summer of 2013 to June 2017 in Monongalia County and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigation. The Task Force consists of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, Morgantown Police Department, the Star City Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia University Police Department, the Granville Police Department, and the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Randolph County woman sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Melinda Sharon Higgins, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Higgins, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Hydromorphone” in January 2019. Higgins admitted to distributing hydromorphone in Randolph County in April 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force 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. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Randolph County woman admits to meth distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Janice May White, of Kerens, West Virginia, has admitted to selling methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
White, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting.” White admitted to selling methamphetamine in April 2019 in Randolph County.
White 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Ohio man sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyler Estep, of Galloway, Ohio, was sentenced today to three years probation for drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Estep, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” in February 2019. Estep admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base in Wetzel County, West Virginia, as well as Ohio and Georgia from July 2015 to April 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office; the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office; the Sistersville Police Department; the Paden City Police Department; and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated. The Columbus, Ohio, Police Department Gang Crimes Unit assisted in the case.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Morgantown Pharmacist sentenced to 10 years for drug chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Scott D. Tingler, a Morgantown, West Virginia pharmacist, was sentenced today to 121 months incarceration for illegally distributing oxycodone, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Tingler, age 41, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice” and one count of “False Tax Return” in May 2019. Tingler admitted to conspiring with others to distribute more than 7,400 grams of oxycodone in Monongalia County and elsewhere from August 2014 to August 2018. Tingler also admitted to filing a false tax return in April 2015, grossly understating his taxable income.
“Too many lives have already been lost in this great state to opioids. We must hold those who are sworn to help the sick and injured accountable when they choose to break their oath and the law. I’ve said it before, but a white coat will not protect you from prosecution if you are illegally peddling pills or other drugs,” said Powell.
Tingler was ordered to pay $507,942.42 in restitution to the IRS and former employees. A money judgment was also made in the amount of $1,845,000.
As a part of the plea agreement, Tingler agreed to relinquish his pharmacy license and not seek to reinstate the same, and agreed to not seek employment in any position that would require or permit him to handle or dispense controlled substances during any period of incarceration or supervised release.
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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
All of the defendants accused in an oxycodone distribution operation have admitted to their roles.Read the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – All 34 individuals have admitted to their roles in an oxycodone disitribution operation spanning two states and four North Central West Virginia counties that resulted in a 129-count federal indictment.
Those individuals who have pled to drug charges include the hyperlinked names below. Twenty-nine of those have also been sentenced to a combined 73 years incarceration. Click on their names to view the latest press release about their individual cases.
- Terry Thomas
- Michael Wesley
- Sean Bernard Williams
- Christopher Lloyd
- Darmatrice Love
- Robert Brown, Jr.
- Andrew Thomas
- Sean Miller Phillips, Jr.
- Devante Maddox
- Konshawntas Boyd
- Brianna Blackman
- Tiffany Edwards
- Codey Bonnette
- Leon Jamar Maddox
- Amanda Gifford
- Floyd Pancoast
- Jason Pancoast
- Christopher Moriarty
- Carlee Cuppet
- Brittany Brown
- Ariel Blosser
- Amanda Maddox
- Brandy Miller
- Anna May Martin
- Kimberley Mozie
- Jason Perry
- Holly Jo Exline
- Makyna Kancso
- Marjorie Sue Webster
- Thomas Keener, II
- Jayla Shade
- Jesse Tichenor
- Bobbie Jo Phillips
- Kenyata Boudreaux
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is handling the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigation. The Task Force consists of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, Morgantown Police Department, the Star City Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia University Police Department, the Granville Police Department, and the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The US Marshals Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the Monongalia County Processing and Transport Personnel, the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force MHIT Group, the Mountain State Drug Task Force, the Three Rivers Drug Task Force-Fairmont, and the Fairmont Police Department assisted in the arrest operation in June 2017. In addition, West Virginia State Police and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office allowed the use of their spaces to coordinate those efforts.
Ohio man admits to cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Keith Frazier, of Columbus, Ohio, has admitted to drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Frazier, also known as “KK,” age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Frazier admitted to selling cocaine near Luau Manor in Ohio County in March 2019.
Frazier faces at least one and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.
Monongalia County woman sentenced for oxycodone distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kimberley Mozie, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years’ probation, with the first four months on home detention, for an oxycodone distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Mozie, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone” in October 2019. Mozie admitted to distributing oxycodone in March 2017 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Drug 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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Monongalia County man sentenced for sex offender registry violationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Earnest Parrie Dille, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for failing to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dille, age 63, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration” in August 2019. Dille, a person required to register as a sex offender, admitted to traveling from Idaho to West Virginia without updating his sex offender registration from January 2018 to April 2019.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshal Service investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Marion County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James G. Moore, Jr., of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months for a firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Moore, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in August 2019. Moore, who is prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having 9mm pistol in February 2018 in Marion 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. Attorneys Traci M. Cook and Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
It’s Time for a Permanent Ban on Fentanyl AnaloguesRead the Press Release
In 2017, almost 50,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses. To put that number into perspective, the amount of American lives lost due to opioid overdoses is nearly three times the population of the city of Martinsburg. It is apparent that West Virginia has been particularly hard hit by opioids. In fact, West Virginia has the most opioid overdose fatalities per capita in the country. Many of these overdose deaths are due to illicitly-produced fentanyl and its analogues. One such death was at the center of a trial that just finished in Clarksburg Federal Court. The jury found the defendant guilty of providing the deadly fentanyl to the young West Virginia woman, age 20. Her body was found dismembered in a Georgia landfill, once again demonstrating the depths of depravity those who deal these poisons will go.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid available lawfully only by a prescription. It has legitimate medical uses – primarily to manage severe pain and in palliative care – and is classified as a Schedule II drug by the Controlled Substances Act. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), abuse and/or recreational use of pharmaceutically-prescribed fentanyl occurs on a small scale. It is illicit fentanyl and its analogues that are responsible for most overdose deaths.
Illicit fentanyl is manufactured in labs in China and Mexico and smuggled into the United States. It is 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. So powerful, in fact, that only a couple milligrams – the size of a few grains of salt – can kill the average person.
Because fentanyl is made in labs using chemicals, its structure is easily manipulated. Drug cartels that manufacture and traffic this poison understand American laws and know how to exploit them. They know that by changing a single molecule in the chemical structure of fentanyl, they have essentially created a new drug. One that, unlike fentanyl, is not permanently illegal in the United States.
These drugs, known as “fentanyl analogues,” do as fentanyl does: creating more addicts and killing more Americans. These analogues can be up to 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl and its analogues are increasingly being pressed into pill form, causing extreme danger to users who might not know the true nature of the substance.
In West Virginia, fentanyl and its analogues were involved in 531 resident overdose deaths in 2018 – accounting for 41% of all fatal overdoses. Two of the hardest hit counties – Berkeley and Monongalia – are in the Northern District of West Virginia.
To address the crisis of opioid overdose deaths, law enforcement must have all the necessary tools at their disposal. One such tool is the DEA’s 2018 order, which classifies all illicit fentanyl-related drugs as Schedule I drugs. Unfortunately, that order was temporary and will expire in less than two weeks.
On January 17, 2020, the Senate passed the Temporary Reauthorization and Study of the Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act. This bipartisan legislation, with the support of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, approved a 15-month extension of DEA’s temporary scheduling order. This is certainly a step in the right direction, and the House should follow suit and pass the Senate’s bill.
However, a longer term legislative solution is needed. A permanent ban on all fentanyl analogues would send a strong message to the cartels and sophisticated drug operations that peddle illicit fentanyl that the United States is serious about addressing this crisis. It would also protect the public by permanently placing these drugs where they rightly belong - in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, which is reserved for the most dangerous of drugs. There should be nothing partisan about making these deadly drugs permanently illegal. The issue of life and death transcends party lines.
On Feb. 6, 2020, the DEA’s temporary order expires. If Congress fails to pass legislation it will have a dramatic impact not just on the prosecutors and law enforcement officers who spend their lives investigating and prosecuting drug dealers, but also on communities already hard hit by the opioid epidemic, many communities which are right here in the Northern District of West Virginia.
There is little doubt that drug traffickers are eagerly awaiting the temporary order’s expiration to start flooding our communities with these dangerous drugs. The passage of this legislation is quite literally a matter of life and death.
Despite recent reductions in opioid-related overdose deaths in West Virginia, prosecuting drug dealers – particularly those who peddle heroin and fentanyl and profit from the misery of addiction and death– remains a top priority for my office. But our federal resources are not infinite; we need all the help we can get. Passing this legislation would provide invaluable support to the entire law enforcement community as we continue to combat the opioid crisis.
-U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, Northern District of West Virginia
Detroit woman sentenced for her role in oxycodone distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Konshawntas Boyd, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for her role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Boyd, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises” in October 2019. Boyd, a nurse practitioner, admitted that she had an apartment located in Barrington North Apartments in Morgantown, West Virginia, for the purpose of distributing oxycodone from September 2016 to March 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigation. The Task Force consists of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, Morgantown Police Department, the Star City Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia University Police Department, the Granville Police Department, and the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Detroit man sentenced to 10 years for his involvement in an oxycodone distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terry Thomas, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 121 months incarceration for multiple charges involving an oxycodone distribution operation that spanned two states and four North Central West Virginia counties, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Thomas, also known as “Top,” age 47, pled guilty to one count of “ Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone,” one count of “Money Laundering Conspiracy,” 19 counts of “Distribution of Oxycodone,” 11 counts of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone,” and one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” in October 2019. Thomas, the ringleader of the operation, worked with his co-conspirators to distribute more than 500,000 oxycodone pills in Monongalia County and elsewhere for four years, from the summer of 2013 to June 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigation. The Task Force consists of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, Morgantown Police Department, the Star City Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia University Police Department, the Granville Police Department, and the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Of the 34 indicted in this case, all have entered guilty pleas. Twenty-nine defendants have been sentenced to a combined 580 months incarceration. To learn more about the other defendants in this case, go to https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/thirty-three-have-admitted-their-roles-oxycodone-distribution-operation.
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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Detroit man sentenced for oxycodone distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Devante Maddox, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to three years probation for his role in an oxycodone distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Maddox, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone” in October 2019. Maddox admitted to selling oxycodone in January 2017 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Drug 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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Detroit man sentenced for money laundering and drug traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Raymond Edison, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 72 months incarceration money laundering and drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Edison, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Money Laundering Conspiracy” last week. Edison admitted to working with others to move money made from the distribution of heroin from one person to another to aid in the illegal operation from the Spring of 2017 to May 2018 in Monongalia County and elsewhere.
In a separate but connected case, Edison pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone within 1,000 feet of Protected Location” in March 2019. Edison admitted to selling oxycodone near Suncrest Middle School in Monongalia County in October 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations investigated the money laundering case. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated the drug distribution case.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Wetzel County woman admits to heroin distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jane Grace Dawson, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dawson, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.” Dawson admitted to working with others to distribute heroin in Wetzel County and elsewhere from March 2019 to August 2019.
Dawson 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 West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Grant County man admits to firearms violationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Jonathan Turner, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Turner, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms.” Turner, a person prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having three pistols and a rifle in March 2018 in Hampshire County.
Turner 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.
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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Pendleton County man sentenced to 20 years for drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jamie William Sites, of Circleville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 240 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sites, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possess a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime” in May 2019. Sites admitted to distributing methamphetamine in November 2017 in Pocahontas County and having a .22 caliber pistol during a drug crime in September 2018 in Pendleton County.
Sites’ criminal history spans 25 years, with this being his third felony drug offense.
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 Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the Grant County Sheriff’s Office; and the Moorefield Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Mineral County man admits to role in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Levi Doman, of Keyser, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Doman, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Doman admitted to distributing methamphetamine in August 2017 in Mineral County.
Doman 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Martinsburg man admits to role in cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Shavar Payton, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Payton, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Payton admitted to distributing 28 grams or more of cocaine base in Berkeley County in January 2019.
Payton 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 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 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). 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.
Martinsburg man admits to firearms violationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darnell M. Garnett, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Garnett, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Garnett, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction, admitted to having a 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number and a 5.56x45 caliber rifle in October 2018 in Berkeley County.
Garnett 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Elkins business owner sentenced for tax fraudRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Rocky A. Tingler, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months incarceration for tax fraud, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Tingler, age 54, owner of McWilliams Building & Construction in Elkins, pled guilty to one count of “False Statement on Personal Tax Return” and one count of “Failure to Pay Over Employment Taxes” in July 2019. Tingler admitted to understating the gross receipts or sales on his 2015 individual tax return by more than $988,000. He also admitted to collecting $790 in federal income tax from his employees at the construction business when the amount should have been $25,706 during the third quarter of 2014.
As a part of the plea agreement, Tingler stipulated to between $250,000-$550,000 in criminal tax loss. Tingler agreed to repay his tax liability to the IRS.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Morgan County man indicted on child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gunner Scott Young, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, was indicted today on a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Young, age 28, is charged with one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Young is accused of having pornographic images involving minors under the age of 12 in June 2019 in Morgan County.
Young 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 Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mexican man indicted on immigration chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eric Valdivia Del Valle, a citizen of Mexico, was indicted today on an illegal reentry charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Del Valle, age 33, is charged with one count of “Reentry of removed Aliens.” Del Valle has been removed from the U.S. four times for illegal entry and is accused of being in Berkeley County in November 2019.
Del Valle faces up to two 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 Department of Homeland Security Immigrations and Customs Enforcement investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jefferson County man and Virginia man indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Wayne Samuel Ellis Clyburn, Of Ranson, West Virginia, and Shawn Kendall Murray, of Gainesville, Virginia, were indicted today on drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Clyburn, age 51, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Cocaine Hydrochloride, and Marijuana,” one count of “Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride,” one count of “Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana,” and two counts of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.”
Murray, age 37, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Cocaine Hydrochloride, and Marijuana,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride,” one count of “Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” and one count of “Travel Act – Promotion.”
Both men are accused of being involved in a drug distribution operation from March 2018 to January 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.
Clyburn faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the conspiracy and cocaine charges. He faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the marijuana charge. Clyburn faces up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $30,000 for each of the communication charges. Murray faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the conspiracy, cocaine, and heroin charges. Murray faces up to five years incarceration for the travel act 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 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Eastern Panhandle man indicted on sex offender chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dustin A. Parsons, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, was indicted today on a sex offender registry violation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Parsons, age 33, is charged with one count of “Failure to Register.” Parsons is required to register as a sex offender after a sex offense conviction. Parson is accused of traveling from one state to another without registering and updating his sex offender registration from July to September 2019 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.
Parsons 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 Jeffrey A. Finucane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshal Service investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wetzel County man sentenced for firearms violationsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Harrison, of Pine Grove, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 34 months incarceration for a firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Harrison, age 49, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number” in November 2019. Harrison, who is not permitted to have a firearm because of a prior convictions, admitted to having a .45 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number and ammunition in June 2019 in Wetzel County.
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 Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Virginia man admits to role in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bryan Keith Presgraves, II, of Luray, Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Presgraves, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Sale or Transfer to a Prohibited Person.” Presgraves admitted to knowingly selling a bolt-action rifle to a person prohibited from having a firearm in March 2018 in Mineral County.
Presgraves 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Steubenville man sentenced for drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Leon Sullivan, of Steubenville, Ohio, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for a cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sullivan, age 56, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride, Cocaine Base, Heroin, and Fentanyl” in August 2019. Sullivan admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in Hancock County and elsewhere from February 2018 to August 2019.Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). 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. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Randolph County woman admits to meth distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Katherine Ann Waybright, of Montrose, West Virginia, has admitted to selling methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Waybright, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Waybright admitted to working with others to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine from April 2018 to April 2019 in Randolph County and elsewhere.
Waybright faces at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the conspiracy count and up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the distribution count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Ohio man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Tribett, of Bellaire, Ohio, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Tribett, age 47, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in November 2019. Tribett, having been previously convicted of a felony, had a .9mm pistol in January 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 Stephen L. Vogrin 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.
Maryland man admits to firearms and drug violationsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Somers, of Clinton, Maryland, has admitted to drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Somers, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm as Drug User” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana.” Somers admitted having marijuana in July 2019 in Monongalia County, and admitted to illegally having a 5.7x28mm caliber pistol in June 2018 in Lewis County.
Somers faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms count and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000 for the drug 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 Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Marshall County man sentenced to more than 12 years for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua R. Sipe, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 147 months incarceration for distributing cocaine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sipe, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine” in October 2019. Sipe admitted to having cocaine in March 2019 in Marshall County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Georgia man found guilty of drug distribution resulting in deathRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – After a nine-day trial, a federal jury found Terrick Robinson, of Cartersville, Georgia, guilty of drug distribution resulting in death and a myriad of other charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
After three hours of deliberation, the jury found Robinson, age 35, guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Use of a Firearm During and in relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime – Aiding and Abetting,” one count of “Use and Carry a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime,” and one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Death.”During the trial, the jury heard testimony that Robinson distributed trafficked and distributed more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, as well as cocaine hydrochloride and fentanyl, in Marion County and elsewhere from May 2018 to September 2018. He would travel from Georgia to West Virginia, trafficking the drugs from different motel and hotel rooms and other locations. Robinson and his conspirators carried at least three firearms during the drug trafficking crimes.
At one of the motels in Lewis County on August 9, 2018, Robinson distributed fentanyl to Courtney Dubois of Fairmont, West Virginia. That drug, according to her autopsy, was an independent sufficient cause of Courtney Dubois’ death. The jury heard testimony and saw evidence that Robinson took the body of the victim to Georgia, where he dismembered the body and disposed of it at the Bartow County Landfill.
“This was a horrific crime, involving drugs, guns and death. Though the verdict will not bring back Ms. Dubois, we hope her family gets some closure by the result of this trial and prior guilty pleas in this investigation. The verdict is the result of many hours of excellent work by the prosecution and law enforcement teams. I also want to thank the Georgia authorities who assisted in bringing this defendant to justice,” said Powell.
Robinson faces the following:
Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances – at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000
Distribution of Methamphetamine - at least 10 and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000
Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting - at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000
Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride – Aiding and Abetting – up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000
Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl – Aiding and Abetting – at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000
Use of a Firearm During and in relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime – Aiding and Abetting – at least five years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000
Use and Carry a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime – at least five years and up to life incarceration and up to a $250,000 fine
Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury or Death – at least 20 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000Under 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.
Two of the co-conspirators in this case have pled guilty. William Gregory Chappell, age 33, of Cartersville, Georgia, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances” and one count of “Use and Carry a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime” in February 2019. Joel Jimenez, age 37, also of Cartersville, Georgia, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances” in October 2019. Both men were a part of the drug distribution operation from Georgia to West Virginia.
Another defendant in this case, Seddrick Damond Banks, age 27, of Cartersville, Georgia, is set to go to trial on March 23, 2020. He is accused of being a part of the drug distribution operation, as well as being an accessory after the fact in Dubois’s death.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Traci M. Cook and Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Three Rivers Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the West Virginia State Police; The Bartow County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office; the FBI in Rome, Georgia; and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Steubenville man admits to his role in a drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Bernard Barnett, of Steubenville, Ohio, has admitted to his role in a crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Barnett, age 44, also known as “Gator,” pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Barnett admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in January 2019 in Brooke County.Barnett 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.
Ohio County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Shawndale Davis, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Davis, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” 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.
Davis 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.
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 is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Monongalia County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremy Matthew Cralton, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cralton, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms by Person Convicted of Domestic Violence Crime.” Cralton, having previously convicted of a domestic violence charge and prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to an AR-15 rifle in March 2019 in Monongalia County.Cralton 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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Harrison County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Scott Collins, of Stonewood, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Collins, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm.” 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.
Collins 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Jefferson County man admits to drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Derrick Hough, of Charles Town, West Virginia, has admitted to drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hough, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Cocaine Hydrochloride and Cocaine Base.” Hough admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, cocaine hydrochloride, and cocaine base from February 2019 to June 2019 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.Hough 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 Jeffrey A. Finucane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Crime down across Northern District of West VirginiaRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Crime across the Northern District of West Virginia, particularly violent crime, is falling. Nationwide, violent crime has decreased 3% from 2017 to 2018, according to the FBI. This is largest yearly decrease since 2013.
In the Northern District of West Virginia the decreases have been even greater. Decreases in violent crime exceeded 30% in Bridgeport, Martinsburg and Wheeling, but crime rates were lower across the district. The number of federal criminal defendants prosecuted in the district have increased by 50% since 2016.
“While federal prosecutions are at record levels, the focus upon violent crime by Attorney General Barr and the incredible work by local, state and federal law enforcement across the district have directly impacted the results. West Virginians are safer due to their great work. We anticipate this positive trend to continue,” said United States Attorney Bill Powell.All statistics were collected by the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, through local, county and state law enforcement.
Randolph County woman admits to drug distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Robin Lee Short, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Short, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Short admitted to selling methamphetamine in October 2017 in Randolph County.Short 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 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.
Jefferson County woman sentenced for role in drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Molly L. Huber, of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced today to time served and three years supervised release for selling cocaine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Huber, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride” in September 2019. Huber admitted to selling cocaine in July 2018 in Jefferson 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). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Florida man sentenced for accessing IRS system and obtaining taxpayer informationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Clinton Jean-Pierre, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced today to 70 months incarceration for identity theft through use of a computer, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jean-Pierre, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Accessing a Computer and Obtaining Information” and one count of “Aggravated Identity Theft.” Jean-Pierre admitted to fraudulently accessing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) eAuthentication online taxpayer system, which has servers located in Berkeley County, in December 2017. In order to pass IRS security protocols, Jean-Pierre admitted that he fraudulently “ported” an unknowing person’s cellular telephone number to his own phone in order to obtain the security code necessary to create an unauthorized taxpayer account. Once in the IRS eAuthentication system, Jean-Pierre admitted he gained access to a taxpayer’s tax return information which included the taxpayer’s personal identifying information.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Cybercrime Investigations Division investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Brooke County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – James Joseph Michaels, of Wellsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Michaels, age 52, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Michaels, prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior conviction, admitted to having a .22 caliber revolver in March 2019 in Brooke County.Michaels 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.
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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Berkeley County woman sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shannon L. Keiffer, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation for a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Keiffer, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in April 2019. Keiffer admitted to selling heroin in July 2018 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for role in cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shavon Craig, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Craig, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base” in September 2019. Craig admitted to distributing cocaine base in Berkeley County in December 2018.
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). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.