Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Ohio man admits to his role in cocaine and heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Diego L. Hansard, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, has admitted to 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.” Hansard admitted to maintain 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.
Hansard 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 Stephen L. Vogrin and Danae DeMasi-Lemon are prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Jefferson County man sentenced for cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joroy Nigel Twyman, of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for distributing cocaine base, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Twyman, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base” in August 2019. Twyman admitted to distributing cocaine base in April 2017 in Jefferson County.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Hardy County man sentenced to nine years for fentanyl and methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dennis James Miller, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 108 months incarceration for his involvement in a fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Miller, age 50, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl” in August 2019. Miller admitted to distributing more than 64 grams of fentanyl and more than 69 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine from January to June 2019 in Grant County and elsewhere.
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 Timothy D. Helman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, West Virginia State Police, and the Charles Town Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Grant County man sentenced for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jared Judy, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 48 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Judy, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in August 2019. Judy admitted to distributing more than 69 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine in May 2019 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 Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, West Virginia State Police, and the Charles Town Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Columbus man admits to role in drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Anthony Hill, Jr., of Columbus, Ohio, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hill, also known as “Big Mike,” age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Hill admitted to distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal” and “ice,” in November 2018 in Gilmer County.
Hill faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald Wayne Wilson, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to two years’ probation for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Wilson, age 62, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in August 2019. Wilson, having been previously convicted of a felony, had a .357 caliber revolver in September 2018 in Berkeley 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 Kimberley D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Former Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy found guilty of drug chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Former Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy Timothy Rock, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was convicted this week of drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
After a three-day trial, Rock, age 41, was found guilty of four counts of “Distribution of Heroin.” Rock distributed heroin in Harrison County in July, September, and October 2016.
“Everyone is subject to the rule of law. This particular defendant and former deputy crossed the line, and the jury rendered a verdict. The verdict in this difficult, but important case was due to the hard work and dedication of the prosecution team. The ultimate punishment is now up to the court,” said Powell.
At trial, three former confidential informants testified that Rock gave them heroin on dozens of occasions, most often by letting them keep a portion of heroin purchased in law enforcement monitored drug transactions. Two of the informants directly received uniquely packaged heroin labeled “FLIGHT 18” from Rock on other occasions. Trial evidence established that Rock acquired the FLIGHT 18 heroin from the evidence lockers at the now defunct Street Crimes and Drug Unit of the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.
Other evidence demonstrated that Rock falsified sheriff’s department and court records to conceal his distribution of heroin to informants, and that he violated numerous other standard protocols with respect to managing informants, tracking government funds, securing evidence, and ensuring officer safety.
Rock 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. Attorneys Andrew R. Cogar and Zelda E. Wesley are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Randolph County man sentenced for methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Scott Jackson Hamrick, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hamrick, also known as “Basic,” age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in April 2019. Hamrick admitted to conspiring with another to distribute methamphetamine in Randolph County in the spring of 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, the Greater Harrison Drug &Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the West Virginia State Police, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Buckhannon Police Department, and the Weston Police Department investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). 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.
Ohio man admits to firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Tribett, of Bellaire, Ohio, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Tribett, age 47, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Tribett, having been previously convicted of a felony, is accused of having a .9mm pistol in January 2019 in Ohio County.
Tribett 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 Stephen L. Vogrin 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.
Ohio man admits to firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Demarcus D. Hockett, of Columbus, Ohio, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hockett, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Hockett, having been previously convicted of a crime, is accused of having a .380 caliber pistol in June 2019 in Ohio County.
Hockett 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 Stephen L. Vogrin 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 sentenced for his role in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jesse Tichenor, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today three years of probation for his involvement in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Tichenor, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility” in August 2019. Tichenor admitted to using a phone to help distribute “crack” cocaine in March 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, led the investigation.
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.
Lewis County man sentenced to nearly 10 years for drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Clarence Russell Foster, III, of Jane Lew, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 112 months incarceration for distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Foster, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in May 2019. Foster admitted to distributing methamphetamine in May 2018 in Lewis County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshal Service and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Barbour County woman sentenced for role in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Destiny Hope Robinson, of Philippi, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 80 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Robinson, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in July 2019. Robinson admitted to distributing more than five grams of methamphetamine in Randolph County from December 2017 to July 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Attorney General Announces Launch of Project Guardian – A Nationwide Strategic Plan to Reduce Gun ViolenceRead the Press Release
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Project Guardian, a new initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country. Specifically, Project Guardian focuses on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.
Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department’s highest priorities. In order to develop a new and robust effort to promote and ensure public safety, the Department reviewed and adapted some of the successes of past strategies to curb gun violence. Project Guardian draws on the Department’s earlier achievements, such as the “Triggerlock” program, and it serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In addition, the initiative emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.
“Gun crime remains a pervasive problem in too many communities across America. Today, the Department of Justice is redoubling its commitment to tackling this issue through the launch of Project Guardian,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Building on the success of past programs like Triggerlock, Project Guardian will strengthen our efforts to reduce gun violence by allowing the federal government and our state and local partners to better target offenders who use guns in crimes and those who try to buy guns illegally.”
“Guns are commonly possessed by those who intend to commit drug and other crimes. They are one of the “tools of the trade.” Those who obtain guns in an illegal manner or are otherwise prohibited from having them due to past convictions, domestic abuse, or addictions, among other reasons, will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” said Bill Powell, U.S. Attorney, Northern District of West Virginia.
“ATF has a long history of strong partnerships in the law enforcement community,” said Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Make no mistake, the women and men of ATF remain steadfast to our core mission of getting crime guns off of our streets. ATF and U.S. Attorneys nationwide will leverage these partnerships even further through enhanced community outreach initiatives and coordination with local, state, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to cut the pipeline of crime guns from those violent individuals who seek to terrorize our communities. Project Guardian will enhance ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence, to include identifying, investigating and prosecuting those involved in the straw purchases of firearms, lying on federal firearms transaction forms, and those subject to the mental health prohibition of possessing firearms.”
Project Guardian’s implementation is based on five principles:
1) Coordinated Prosecution. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will coordinate with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to consider potential federal prosecution for new cases involving a defendant who: a) was arrested in possession of a firearm; b) is believed to have used a firearm in committing a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime prosecutable in federal court; or c) is suspected of actively committing violent crime(s) in the community on behalf of a criminal organization.2) Enforcing the Background Check System. United States Attorneys, in consultation with the Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in their district, will create new, or review existing, guidelines for intake and prosecution of federal cases involving false statements (including lie-and-try, lie-and-buy, and straw purchasers) made during the acquisition or attempted acquisition of firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees.
Particular emphasis is placed on individuals convicted of violent felonies or misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, individuals subject to protective orders, and individuals who are fugitives where the underlying offense is a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; individuals suspected of involvement in criminal organizations or of providing firearms to criminal organizations; and individuals involved in repeat denials.
3) Improved Information Sharing. On a regular basis, and as often as practicable given current technical limitations, ATF will provide to state law enforcement fusion centers a report listing individuals for whom the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has issued denials, including the basis for the denial, so that state and local law enforcement can take appropriate steps under their laws.
4) Coordinated Response to Mental Health Denials. Each United States Attorney will ensure that whenever there is federal case information regarding individuals who are prohibited from possessing a firearm under the mental health prohibition, such information continues to be entered timely and accurately into the United States Attorneys’ Offices’ case-management system for prompt submission to NICS. ATF should engage in additional outreach to state and local law enforcement on how to use this denial information to better assure public safety.
Additionally, United States Attorneys will consult with relevant district stakeholders to assess feasibility of adopting disruption of early engagement programs to address mental-health-prohibited individuals who attempt to acquire a firearm. United States Attorneys should consider, when appropriate, recommending court-ordered mental health treatment for any sentences issued to individuals prohibited based on mental health.
5) Crime Gun Intelligence Coordination. Federal, state, local, and tribal prosecutors and law enforcement will work together to ensure effective use of the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs), and all related resources, to maximize the use of modern intelligence tools and technology. These tools can greatly enhance the speed and effectiveness in identifying trigger-pullers and finding their guns, but the success depends in large part on state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners sharing ballistic evidence and firearm recovery data with the ATF.
Federal law enforcement represents only about 15% of all law enforcement resources nationwide. Therefore, partnerships with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the communities they serve are critical to addressing gun crime. The Department recognizes that sharing information with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners at every level will enhance public safety, and provide a greater depth of resources available to address gun crime on a national level.
For more information on Project Guardian, see the Attorney General’s memorandum at: https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.
Wetzel County man admits to firearms violationsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Harrison, of Pine Grove, West Virginia, has admitted to firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Harrison, age 49, pled guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number.” 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.
Harrison faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for unlawful possession and faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the obliterated serial number. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Ohio man sentenced for crossing state lines to have illegal sexual contactRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Vincent Scott, of Hudson, Ohio, was sentenced today to 50 months incarceration for a sex charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Scott, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct” in June 2019. Scott admitted to traveling from Ohio to Harrison County, West Virginia, to engage in illegal sexual conduct in February 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae Demasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Grant County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy Elliot Wheeler, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Wheeler, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” Wheeler admitted to having a 9mm pistol during a drug trafficking crime in March 2019 in Grant County.
Wheeler faces at least five years and up to life 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 and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Gilmer County man admits to role in drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Waitman Larry Frederick, of Glenville, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Frederick, also known as “Cornbread,” age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine ,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises ,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.”
Frederick admitted to working with others to distribute large quantities of crystal methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” from July 2018 to November 2018 in Gilmer County and elsewhere. Frederick also admitted to operating a residence located at 18 East Main Street, Apartment C in Glenville for the purpose of distributing the drug. He also was illegally in possession of 10 different firearms.
Frederick faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the conspiracy count, faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration for the aiding and abetting count, faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000 for the drug premises count, and faces at least five 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Detroit man sentenced for multiple drug chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sean Bernard Williams, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 51 months incarceration for his role in a major drug distribution operation that spanned two states, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Williams, also known as “Spook,” age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone,” 22 counts of “Distribution of Oxycodone,” five counts of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone,” and one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” in September 2019. Williams admitted to distributing the drugs from 2013 to 2017 in Monongalia County and elsewhere.
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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Inmate at FCI Hazelton indicted for assaultRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian Keith Rose, an inmate at FCI Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on an assault charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rose, age 34, was indicted on one count of “Assault of a Correctional Officer Involving Physical Contact.” Rose is accused of assaulting a federal correctional officer at FCI Hazelton in October 2018.
Rose faces up to eight 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons Special Investigation Services investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Illegal Aliens indicted on reentry chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Two illegal aliens were indicted by a federal grand jury today for an immigration violations, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Eduardo Rafael Rivas-Acosta, a citizen of El Salvador, is charged with one count of “Reentry of Removed Aliens.” Rivas-Acosta, age 40, having been removed from the U.S. once before, is accused of being in Jefferson County illegally in October 2019.
Adrian Homero Arrendondo-Castillo, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of “Reentry of Removed Aliens.” Arrendondo-Castillo, age 40, having been removed from the U.S. once before, is accused of being in Berkeley County illegally in October 2019.
Rivas-Acosta and Arrendondo-Castillo each face 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 Timothy D. Helman is prosecuting the cases 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.
Illegal Alien admits to reentry chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jose Catarino Feregrino-Resendez, a citizen of Mexico, has admitted to an immigration violation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Feregrino-Resendez, age 49, pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Feregrino-Resendez admitted to reentering the country illegally after be removed once before. The crime occurred in April 2019 in Harrison County.
Feregrino-Resendez 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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security Immigrations and Customs Enforcement and the FBI investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Harrison County man indicted for failing to update his sex offender registrationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gordon Eugene Mays, Jr., of Reynoldsville, West Virginia, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on a sex offender charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Mays, age 55, was indicted on one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.” Mays, a person required to register as a sex offender, is accused of failing to update his registration in September 2018.
Mays 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 Brandon S. Flower 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.
U.S. Attorney warns of vaping dangersRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –U.S. Attorney Bill Powell is sharing a warning regarding the dangers of vaping products amongst high school and middle school students following several life-threatening incidents last week.
Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) issued a community awareness bulletin today regarding heroin-laced vape pens in the Morgantown, West Virginia area. On October 31, 2019, two separate incidents were reported involving two high-school students from Morgantown High School who overdosed as a result of heroin-laced vape pens labeled “TKO.” Additional overdoses were reported from University High School in Morgantown from the same type of vaping pen.
“There are no limits to those who intend to do harm. Heroin and other harmful substances in vape and e-cigarettes are just the latest delivery method. Please heed this warning. It is a matter of life and death,” said Powell.
Law enforcement in Morgantown are warning of additional heroin-laced vape pends and other electronic cigarettes that might be an imminent threat to the public.
If someone has possession of one of the TKO vape products, or have concerns about a vape product they purchased, please contact your local law enforcement.
Heroin-laced vaping product that caused several overdoses in the Morgantown, West Virginia area on Octboer 31, 2019.
Monongalia County physician sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG – Chad Poage, a Morgantown, West Virginia, physician, was sentenced today to five years’ probation and ordered to complete 500 hours of community service for obtaining controlled substances by fraudulently writing prescriptions using colleagues’ Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) numbers and presenting stolen driver’s licenses to pick up fraudulently prescribed controlled substances from Morgantown area pharmacies for his personal use, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Bill Powell of the Northern District of West Virginia.
Poage, D.O., age 35, pleaded guilty to one count of “Acquiring or Obtaining Possession of a Controlled Substance by Misrepresentation, Fraud, Forgery, Deception or Subterfuge” in May 2019.Poage was an orthopedic surgeon who worked in a practice with locations in Morgantown and Fairmont, West Virginia. As part of his guilty plea, he admitted that, from November 2015 to March 2018, he wrote 30 fraudulent prescriptions for a total of approximately 1,330 50-milligram tablets of Tramadol, 420 5-milligram tablets of Diazepam, and 50 30-milligram tablets of acetaminophen-codeine no. 3, all for his own use. Poage further admitted that on each of the 30 prescriptions, he either wrote colleagues’ DEA registration numbers without their authorization or wrote the prescription out to a patient knowing that he would pick up the prescribed medication for his own use. Poage admitted that on multiple occasions, he presented stolen driver’s licenses when picking up fraudulent prescriptions from pharmacies.
“Physicians who breach the trust given them often find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Professionals are not immune from the power of addiction. This case provides a sad but powerful commentary on the depth of our opioid crisis. We thank our partners in the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Department of Justice, along with our law enforcement partners for the important work being done in this district,” said Powell.
The DEA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and West Virginia State Police investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force, under supervision by the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia. Trial Attorney Patrick Mott of the Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner of the Northern District of West Virginia prosecuted the case.
The ARPO Strike Force is made up of prosecutors and data analysts with the Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the region and special agents with the FBI, HHS-OIG and DEA. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force has charged 60 defendants in 11 districts. The Health Care Fraud Unit, in general, maintains 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, and has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Mineral County man sentenced for role in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan E. Carpenter, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 234 months incarceration for his involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Carpenter, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in April 2019. Carpenter admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2017 to June 2018 in Mineral, Hardy, and Hampshire Counties and elsewhere.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted 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.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Maryland man sentenced to 10 years for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Paul Glen Hamilton, Jr., of Bowie, Maryland and Melbourne, Florida, was sentenced today to 120 months incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hamilton, age 24, pled guilty to one-count indictment, charging him with of “Possession of Child Pornography” in July 2019. Hamilton admitted to having child pornography that was transported by computer in September 2018 in Berkeley County.
Hamilton met a 13-year-old West Virginia girl on the app “Live Me” in December 2017. He began grooming her, enticing her to send him inappropriate pictures and videos over several months. Hamilton then met the young girl in Bowie, Maryland, where he allegedly committed additional offenses. Hamilton also allegedly committed additional crimes against the child in Suffolk County, Virginia. Those alleged crimes are currently under investigation in those jurisdictions. The U.S. Attorney’s office is cooperating with law enforcement.
“The defendant committed heinous crimes against a child. His actions were reprehensible in every corner of a civilized world. The court’s maximum sentence, including a lifetime of supervised release after his prison term, is totally justified. Our children are our most precious resource and we must do everything we can to protect them,” said Powell.
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 Kimberley D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Martinsburg man sentenced for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Levar Glenwood Crawford, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 51 months incarceration for distributing cocaine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Crawford, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base” in July 2019. Crawford admitted to working with another to distribute cocaine base in November 2018 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher 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.
Martinsburg man sentenced for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tywonne Crawford, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 48 months incarceration for distributing cocaine and heroin, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Crawford, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base” in July 2019. Crawford admitted to conspiring with others to distribute heroin and cocaine base from October to November 2018 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher 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.
Grant County residents sentenced for fentanyl and methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Melanie Lyn Outen, Ted Alexander Voss, and Michael Dean Smith, all of Petersburg, West Virginia, were sentenced today for their roles in a fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Outen, age 47, was sentenced today to 125 months incarceration. She pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl” in July 2019. Outen admitted to distributing more than 64 grams of fentanyl and more than 69 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine from January to June 2019 in Grant County and elsewhere.
Voss, age 30, was sentenced today to 130 months incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl” in July 2019. Voss, age 29, admitted to distributing more than 64 grams of fentanyl and more than 69 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine from January to June 2019 in Grant County and elsewhere.
Smith, age 50, was sentenced today to 60 months incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in July 2019. Smith admitted to distributing more than 69 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine in May 2019 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 Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, West Virginia State Police, and the Charles Town Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County woman sentenced for role in cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Courtney Guess, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for her role in a cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Guess, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in July 2019. Guess admitted to selling heroin in Berkeley County in May 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.
Berkeley County woman sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mary Virginia Cook, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years’ probation for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cook, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting a False Statement During Purchase of Firearms” in July 2019. Cook admitted to making false statements when purchasing a .40 caliber pistol and a 9mm pistol in Berkeley County in February 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 Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Wayne Harrison, II, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to four months’ probation for distributing heroin, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Harrison, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in July 2019. Harrison admitted to selling heroin in Berkeley County in July 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Randolph County man admits to meth distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Logan Lipscomb, of Kerens, West Virginia, has admitted to selling methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lipscomb, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Lipscomb admitted to selling methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” for $650 in April 2019 in Randolph County.
Lipscomb 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.
Harrison County man admits to firearms violationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Given, Jr., of Lost Creek, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Given, age 47, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Machinegun.” Given admitted to having a machine gun in February 2019 in Harrison County.
Given 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 Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarksburg Police Department, and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Wetzel County man admits to firearms violationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Martin Anderson, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Anderson, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” 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.
Anderson 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Jefferson County woman admits to role in drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sandra Aramburo, of Ranson, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Aramburo, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Aramburo admitted to using a phone to arrange and collect money for the sale of cocaine hydrochloride in November 2018 in Jefferson County.
Aramburo 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.
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, 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.
Wetzel County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Zack Jerico, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, has admitted to selling drugs near a school, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jerico, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location.” Jerico admitted to selling methamphetamine near New Martinsville Elementary School in Wetzel County in May 2018.
Jerico faces 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 Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Harrison County man sentenced to 10 years for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Rex Allen Rowan, II, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months incarceration for distributing methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rowan, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in May 2019. Rowan admitted to distributing more than 50 grams of crystal methamphetamine in September 2018 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives and the Clarksburg Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Wetzel County woman admits to selling meth near an elementary schoolRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kaley Edgell, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, has admitted to , U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Edgell, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location.” Edgell admitted to selling methamphetamine near New Martinsville Elementary School in May 2018.
Edgell faces 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 Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
U.S. Attorneys, FBI, and AARP team up to help educate seniorsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, FBI SAC Robert Jones, and U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart take calls during AARP event.The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of West Virginia and the Southern District of West Virginia and the FBI are teaming up to educate the aging population the mountain state and their families about the dangers of elder fraud.
Today, U.S. Attorneys Bill Powell and Mike Stuart partnered with FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones and the AARP to conduct outreach and raise awareness to educate senior citizens about the latest scams so they do not fall victim. More than 200 seniors in West Virginia had the opportunity to participate in an interactive telephone town hall to learn about the latest financial scams.
“West Virginia’s senior citizens represent a significant but often vulnerable population. They are regular targets of fraudsters and scammers who often cause catastrophic and irreversible financial losses. Attorney General Barr and all United States Attorneys are aggressively pursuing those who prey on our seniors,” said Powell.
“Our seniors are being exploited through grandparent scams, fake prizes, romance scams, fraudulent IRS refunds and deliberate extortion,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “You can rest assured that we are working with our federal, state and local partners to combat all types of elder fraud and to hold the fraudsters accountable. I will do everything within my power to protect West Virginia’s elderly.”
Scammers are targeting senior citizens at an alarming rate. Across the country victims lost $2.71 billion to fraud in 2018 according to statistics collected by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. West Virginia victims over the age of 60 lost more than $4 million to scams in 2018, nearly quadrupling from losses in 2017.
"Our seniors did not grow up in a world with technology," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. "For many, navigating through these advances may be difficult. That's when the predators come in and prey on their vulnerabilities. All of us at the FBI will do everything we can to make sure our seniors are supported and protected from being victims of fraud."
The Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative aims to combat elder financial exploitation by expanding efforts to investigate and prosecute financial scams that target seniors; educate older adults on how to identify scams and avoid getting ripped off by scammers; and promote greater coordination with law enforcement partners.
In March of this year, Attorney General William P. Barr and multiple law enforcement partners including the FBI, announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. The Department took action in every federal district across the country, through the filing of criminal or civil cases. The cases brought during this sweep involved more than 260 defendants from around the globe who victimized more than two million Americans, most of them elderly. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of millions of more dollars than last year, putting the total alleged losses at this year’s sweep at over three fourths of one billion dollars.
For more information about the Elder Justice Initiative, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
U.S. Attorney encourages safe drug disposalRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - U.S. Attorney Bill Powell is encouraging residents across the Northern District of West Virginia to safely dispose of unused and unwanted medications and vaping products at the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Drug Take Back Day this weekend.
Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event, in its ninth year, offers a safe way to rid homes of unwanted and unused medications, preventing them from falling into the wrong hands.
Starting with this October’s campaign, collection sites will now accept vaping devices and cartridges – in addition to tablets, capsules, patches, and other medications in solid forms – at any of its drop off locations. DEA is doing all it can to help dispose safely of vaping devices and liquids to get these products off our streets and out of the hands of children.In April the DEA’s Drug Take Back Day collected nearly 940,000 pounds – or 469 tons – of prescription drugs, more than twice the weight of the Statue of Liberty.
In 2018, nearly 1,000 West Virginians died because of a drug overdose, with 82% of those deaths involving an opioid.
The find the nearest collection site, go to www.deatakeback.com.
Monongalia County woman sentenced for role in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Haley Hunt, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for her involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hunt, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in February 2019. Hunt admitted to using a phone to help distribute a controlled substance in April 2018 in Monongalia County.Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. 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 United States Marshal Service assisted.
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.
Doddridge County man sentenced for role in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Wright, of West Union, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 78 months incarceration for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Wright, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Wright admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine in Harrison County and elsewhere from the fall of 2017 to September 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
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.
Illegal alien admits to reentry chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jesus Sinaca-Ambrose, a citizen of Mexico, has admitted to a reentry charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sinaca-Ambrose, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Sinaca-Ambrose admitted to being in Berkeley County in July 2019 after being removed twice for being in the country illegally.
Sinaca-Ambrose 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 and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Gilmer County woman and Braxton County man admit to roles in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kisha Starr Riggs, of Glenville, West Virginia, and Duncan Currie Canter, of Burnsville, West Virginia, have admitted to their involvement in methamphetamine distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Riggs, age 31, and Canter, age 25m each pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location.” Riggs and Canter admitted to selling methamphetamine near Glenville State College in September 2018 in Gilmer County.Riggs and Canter each face at least one year and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Mountain Lakes Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Barbour County woman sentenced for methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Chelsey Farley, of Philippi, West Virginia, was sentenced to 21 months incarceration for a methamphetamine distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Farley, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in August 2018. Farley admitted to possessing crystal methamphetamine, also known as “Ice,” in November 2016 in Barbour County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Morgantown man sentenced for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Ontko, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day for a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ontko, age 67, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography” in April 2019. Ontko admitted to having child pornography from February to April 2018 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Wetzel County woman admits to selling meth near high schoolRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jaclyn Starkey, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, has admitted to selling methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Starkey, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location.” Starkey admitted to selling methamphetamine near Magnolia High School in Wetzel County in April 2019.
Starkey faces 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 Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Tyler County man sentenced for firearms violationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael John Maisey, of Sistersville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Maisey, age 49, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in May 2019. Maisey, being prohibited from possessing a firearm, admitted to having a 9mm caliber pistol in July 2018 in Tyler County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.