Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Fairmont man admits to enticing minorsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Quionte Jordan Crawford, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to using his smart phone to convince minors to send explicit pictures and videos, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Crawford, also known as “Kayla Stevens,” age 27, pled guilty to five counts of “Enticement of a Minor.” Crawford admitted to using his smart phone to persuade five different teenage boys to send sexual explicit pictures and videos to him. The crimes took place from November 2017 to December 2018 in Marion County.
Crawford is facing at least 10 years and up to life incarceration for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting 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/.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Deputy Attorney General recognizes district employeesRead the Press Release
L-R: EOUSA Director James Crowell, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, NDWV Administrative Officer Fawn Thomas, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell L-R: EOUSA Director James Crowell, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, NDWV Reentry Coordinator Ashley Lough, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell L-R: EOUSA Director James Crowell, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, NDWV Litigation Support Specialist Tracie Weaver, U.S. Attorney Bill PowellWASHINGTON – Administrative Officer Fawn Thomas, Reentry Coordinator Ashley Lough, and Litigation Support Specialist Tracie Weaver of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of West Virginia were three of 172 members of the Department of Justice recognized by Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen, and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director James Crowell, IV at the 35th Director’s Awards Ceremony today in Washington D.C.
The Northern District of West Virginia was one of 31 districts represented at the ceremony which was held in the Great Hall at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building.
In his prepared remarks, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen addressed the recipients and guests, saying, “Today’s honorees have earned the esteem of their colleagues. But most importantly, you have earned the gratitude of your fellow citizens — whose communities you have made safer, whose lives you have improved, and whose trust you have rewarded.”
In his remarks, EOUSA Director James Crowell told the recipients, “The Department of Justice is in truth a deployed force. Your work isn’t easy, but it is vital to the functioning and enduring nature of our democracy. As federal prosecutors, we are held to a higher standard, a standard that requires us to ensure that we uphold the rule of law and the fundamental rules of fairness in every trial, every settlement, every plea, and every legal argument in which we are involved.”
Fawn Thomas, Administrative Officer, is being honored for Superior Performance in Administration. Fawn has worked for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for 31 years, serving in several positions prior to becoming the Administrative Officer in 2012. Fawn has been described as a “force of nature”. Her dedication to the District and its staff is unmatched. She travels thousands of miles every year across the District trying to assure all ongoing needs are being met, and does so with a warm and generous spirit. Her work ethic is well-known to all who know her and she exemplifies the District’s motto of “One District, One Mission.” Fawn’ endless hours of dedication greatly justifies the recognition she has now received.
For Superior Performance in Prevention and Reentry Activities, the Executive Office has recognized Reentry Coordinator Ashley Lough. Ashley has been the District’s Reentry Coordinator since 2017, and also serves at the Executive Assistant to the U.S. Attorney. Ashley has worked tirelessly to implement the district’s reentry simulation in all of the District’s federal correctional facilities, as well as several within the West Virginia’s Division of Corrections’ prisons. She has put the District on a national stage as the standard in reentry efforts with this simulation. She also assists with job fairs within our federal prisons, as well as trained those in other Districts across the country on reentry efforts. Her dedication to reentry and the success of those exiting prison is unmatched. Ashley has worked with the District for four years, and with the federal government for 12 years.
Tracie Weaver, Litigation Support Specialist, is being honored for Superior Performance in Litigative Support Role. Tracie was the first Litigation Support Specialist in the District, and has worked tirelessly to master the tools necessary for exemplary work in her position. Tracie has assisted in helped to establish four fully-trained Litigation Support Specialists now in the District. She offers vital assistance and knowledge to the other specialists, to the Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the District, serving as an important part of the criminal prosecution team, and to others on a national level. Tracie has worked for the District for more than 20 years.
“It is my great privilege to work daily with each of these extraordinary women. It is unheard of that a district our size has three award recipients. Our districts’ honorees are great representatives of the dedication our staff has to our mission. Our district couldn’t be prouder,” said United States Attorney Bill Powell, Northern District of West Virginia.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.
Ohio man admits to cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tajuan Smith., of Canal Winchester, Ohio, has admitted to distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smith, also known as “Poe,” age 20, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Smith admitted to selling cocaine near Jensen Playground in Wheeling in June 2018.
Smith 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 Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Harrison County man guilty of drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – After a two-day trial, Robert Michael Junkins, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was found guilty of drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
A jury deliberated for less than one hour before finding Junkins, age 50, of two counts of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Offense,” and two counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.”
Junkins had methamphetamine in his possession on three separate occasions. Having been convicted of a felony drug offense, Junkins also illegally had several firearms and ammunition. The crimes occurred in August and September 2017 and November 2018 in Harrison County.
Junkins faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each the possession of methamphetamine counts, not less than five years and up to 40 years incarceration and fine of up to $250,000 for the firearm possession during a drug offense count, and up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the unlawful firearms possession counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon S. Flower and Stephen D. Warner are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Elkins Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Wheeling man admits to cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Gregory A. Voltz, Jr., of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Voltz, age 35, pled guilty to three counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Voltz admitted to selling cocaine near Jensen Playground in Wheeling in February 2018.
Voltz faces at least one and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Delaware man admits to heroin distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terrance B. Fletcher, of Dover, Delaware, has admitted to distributing heroin, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Fletcher, also known as “Flex,” age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Fletcher admitted to distributing heroin in Berkeley County in February 2015.
Fletcher 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 Timothy D. Helman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Wheeling woman sentenced for distributing methamphetamineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –Lauren Hedges, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for distributing methamphetamine near a school, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hedges, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in March 2019. Hedges admitted to distributing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of Wheeling Central Catholic High School in November 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Pennsylvania man admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Darren L. Fryson, of Verona, Pennsylvania, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Fryson, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Fryson admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Ohio County and elsewhere from March 2018 to April 2019.
Fryson faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Morgantown man sentenced for role in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Hamisi Mwawari, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 10 months incarceration for his involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Mwawari, age 45, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in February 2019. Mwawari admitted to using a phone to assist in distributing controlled substances in May 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.
Michigan man sentenced for role in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Travon Evans, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 70 months incarceration for his involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Evans, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting a False Statement in the Acquisition of a Firearm” in March 2019. Evans admitted to distributing heroin in June 2018 in Monongalia County. He also admitted to making a false statement in the attempted purchase of a 5.56 mm caliber pistol in May 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.
Marshall County man admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth R. Beckner, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Beckner, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.” Beckner admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Marshall County and elsewhere from July 2018 to January 2019.
Beckner faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for role in methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Solomon Cottrill, of Salem, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cottrill, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Cottrill admitted to selling methamphetamine in November 2017 in Harrison County.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 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.
Harrison County man sentenced for role in methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Donald Hickman, Jr., of Reynoldsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hickman, age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in March 2017. Hickman admitted to selling methamphetamine in January 2018 in Harrison County.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 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.
Two Pennsylvania physicians acquitted of drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – After an eight-day trial, Dr. Krishan Kumar Aggarwal, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, and Dr. Cherian John, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, were found not guilty of drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
“The jury returned not guilty verdicts against Dr. Aggarwal and Dr. John. Notwithstanding the verdict, we remain steadfast in our intention to prosecute matters which we believe, based upon the evidence, support prosecution. Jury trials are an adversarial process and do not provide guaranteed results. Though we disagree with the jury in this case, the jury has spoken and that is part of the process, which we have the utmost respect for. Our team worked very hard and this verdict will not deter our efforts on the opioid front,” said Powell.
A federal jury deliberated for nearly eight hours before finding Aggarwal, age 75, and John, age 66, not guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice,” and were also indicted on separate counts of “Aiding and Abetting Health Care Fraud,” and “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice.” Aggarwal and John were accused of contracting with Redirections Treatment Advocates, LLC, in Weirton, West Virginia, and writing illegitimate prescriptions for suboxone, some of which were paid for by Medicaid and Medicare.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Wagner and Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Inspector General at the U.S Department of Health and Human Services investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Ohio and West Virginia residents indicted for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eleven people were indicted by a federal grand sitting in Clarksburg on May 7, 2019 on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The indictment alleges a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, sometimes near Glenville State College, in Gilmer County and elsewhere from the July 2018 to November 2018. Those charged are:
- Cory Davonta Smith, Jr., age 26, of Barberton, Ohio
- Michael Anthony Hill, Jr., age 24, of Columbus, Ohio
- Waitman Larry Frederick, age 41, of Glenville, West Virginia
- Tressie Lenee Payne, age 23, of Normantown, West Virginia
- Jeremiah Lee Carr, age 31, of Glenville, West Virginia
- Brandi Dawn Singleton, age 41, of Burnsville, West Virginia
- Chet Atkins Massey, age 50, of Sand Fork, West Virginia
- Jerry Lee Boyers, age 41, of Glenville, West Virginia
- Joseph Lee Frederick, age 35, of Duck, West Virginia
- Kisha Starr Riggs, age 31, of Glenville, West Virginia
- Duncan Currie Canter, age 24, of Burnsville, West Virginia
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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ohio County man admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Chad Markle, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Markle, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Markle admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Marshall and Ohio Counties from July 2018 to February 2019. The government is also seeking the forfeiture of the Markles’ residence at 36 Fernwood Avenue in Wheeling.
Markle faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Monongalia County woman sentenced to 30 years for child pornographyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tara Ponceroff, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 years incarceration for child pornography, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ponceroff, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Production of Child Pornography” in February 2019. Ponceroff admitted to producing and distributing child pornography involving a minor in December 2017 in Monongalia County.
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 David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Monongalia County men indicted for firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – DeRon Parrish and Andre Parrish, both of Morgantown, West Virginia, were arraigned today after being indicted by a federal grand sitting in Clarksburg on May 7, 2019 on firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
DeRon, age 31, and Andre, age 24, were each indicted on one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” DeRon was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm as Convicted Felon.” Andre was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm as Drug User.” DeRon and Andre, both prohibited from having a firearm, are accused of having three 12-guage shotguns, suspected to be stolen, in Monongalia County in November 2018.
DeRon and Andre each face up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mineral County man indicted for child pornographyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Danny David Wilt, of Keyser, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Martinsburg, West Virginia on May 21, 2019 for child pornography, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Wilt, age 44, is charged with one count of “Distribution of Child Pornography” one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Wilt is accused of distributing child pornography through his computer and possessing child pornography depicting a minor under the age of 12. The crimes took place in July and August 2017 in Mineral County.
Wilt faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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 is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Maryland State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Michigan and Monongalia County residents indicted for cocaine and heroin distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Six people were indicted by a federal grand sitting in Clarksburg on May 7, 2019 on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The indictment alleges a conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine, sometimes near West Virginia University, in Monongalia County from the fall of 2017 to May 2019. Those charged are:
- Anthony Foy, also known as “Duke,” age 41, of Detroit, Michigan
- Jerel Seahorn, also known as “L,” age 33, of Detroit, Michigan
- Ronald Bowser, age 37, of Morgantown, West Virginia
- Gerald Kyler, also known as “Dave,” age 37, of Eastpointe, Michigan
- Teisha Primm, age 30, of Morgantown, West Virginia
- Andrew Parker, age 29, of Mannington, West Virginia
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marshall County man indicted for failing to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Zachary Douglas Brown, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand sitting in Clarksburg on May 7, 2019 on a failure to register charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Brown, age 33, was indicted on one count of “Failure to Register.” Brown is accused of traveling across state lines and failing to register as a sex offender, as required. The crime took place between January and March 2019.
Brown 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 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 Danae Demasi-Lemon 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.
Brooke County nurse sentenced for illegal drug distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Sharon E. Jackson, of Wellsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced on May 30, 2019 to two years probation for distributing drugs illegally, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jackson, age 46, a registered nurse, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice” in December 2017. Jackson admitted to conspiring with others to illegally distribute suboxone, subutex, and buprenorphine, controlled substances used to treat opioid addiction. Jackson admitted to committing the crime while operating at an opioid addiction treatment center, Advance Healthcare, Inc., in Weirton, West Virginia from 2007 until 2017.
Jackson was also ordered to pay $100,000 in a money judgment.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Wagner and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Wetzel County man indicted for firearms violationsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Martin Anderson, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, had his initial appearance in federal court today after being indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Wheeling this week for firearms violations, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Anderson, age 30, is charged with two counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number.” Anderson, a person prohibited from having firearms, is accused of possessing a .9 mm caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number, a .223 caliber rifle, and two .22 caliber rifles in Wetzel County in October 2017 and June 2018.
Anderson faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Marshall County man indicted for firearms violationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – William M. Johnson, Jr., of McMechen, West Virginia, had his initial appearance in federal court today after being indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Wheeling this week for a firearms violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Johnson, age 30, is charged with one count of “False Statement to Acquire Firearm.” Johnson is accused of making a false statement when purchasing a firearm. Johnson is accused of claiming the weapon was for his use, when, in fact, he purchased the .40 caliber pistol for a convicted felon. The crime took place in August 2018 in Ohio County.
Johnson 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 Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Columbus man sentenced for cocaine distribution chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason R. Smoot, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 89 months incarceration for selling cocaine near a playground, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smoot, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in November 2018. Smoot admitted to selling cocaine near the Jensen Playground in Wheeling in June 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.Florida man admits to role in methamphetamine distribution operations in Harrison, Marion, and Monongalia CountiesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Juwan Floyd, of Tallahassee, Florida, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Floyd, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Floyd admitted to working with another to distribute methamphetamine in November 2017 in Harrison County.Floyd faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Ohio man admits to crossing state lines to have illegal sexual contactRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Vincent Scott, of Hudson, Ohio, has admitted to a sex charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Scott, age 31, pled guilty last week to one count of “Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct.” Scott admitted to traveling from Ohio to Harrison County, West Virginia, to engage in illegal sexual conduct in February 2019.
Scott faces up to 30 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae Demasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Mineral County woman admits to role in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gypsy Rene Winkler, of Keyser, West Virginia, has admitted to her involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Winkler, age 26, pled guilty last week to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Winkler admitted to distributing methamphetamine fin March 2018 in Hampshire County.
Winkler 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.
Marshall County man indicted for drugs and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dustin L. White, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury today for a drugs and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
White, age 31, is charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine and Methamphetamine,” one count of “False Statement to Acquire Firearm,” three counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms in Futherance of Drug Trafficking.” White is accused of distributing cocaine and methamphetamine from July 2018 to March 2019 in Marshall County and elsewhere. White, a person prohibited from having firearms, is also accused of possessing a two pistols, a revolver, and a shotgun in Marshall County in February and March 2019.
White faces five years to life incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearm during drug trafficking charge, up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy charge and the methamphetamine charge, and up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the cocaine and other firearms counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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 Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marshall County man indicted for drugs and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua R. Sipe, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury today for a drugs and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sipe, age 30, is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Sipe is accused of distributing cocaine and methamphetamine in March 2019 in Marshall County. Sipe, a person prohibited from having firearms, is also accused of possessing a .357 revolver in Marshall County in March 2019.
Sipe faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the drug charges and up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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 Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Belmont County man indicted for firearms violationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ricky Runner, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, was indicted by a federal grand jury today for a firearms violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Runner, age 32, is charged with one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Runner, a person prohibited from having firearms, is accused of possessing a .40 caliber pistol in Marshall County in October 2018.
Runner 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 Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Baltimore man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Cordario Artez Crowder, of Baltimore, Maryland, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Crowder, also known as “Tony,” age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm.” Crowder admitted to conspiring with another, asking him to make a false statement to purchase a 9mm pistol for Crowder, who was previously convicted of a felony and prohibited from purchasing or having a firearm. The crime took place in October 2018 in Mineral County.
Crowder faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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 is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Randolph County man admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Eric Allen Harris, of Beverly, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Harris, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Harris admitted to distributing methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in September 2018 in Randolph County.
Harris 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). 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 Michael John Aloi presided.
New York man sentenced for cigarette smugglingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Barrett Fairchild, of East Islip, New York, was sentenced today to three years probation for trafficking cigarettes to avoid paying the cigarette tax, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Fairchild, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Evade Tobacco Taxes” and one count of “Contraband Cigarettes Trafficking Act” in December 2017. Fairchild conspired with others to profit from the unlawful sale of contraband cigarettes. He transported large quantities of cigarettes across state lines for redistribution and sale.
The cigarettes were acquired in Virginia, where the tax rate for cigarettes is one of the lowest in the nation, and sold in other states, including New York, which has one of the nation’s highest tax rates. The cigarettes were possessed and transported in West Virginia.
Fairchild was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Stein prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and the Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Jefferson County man sentenced to 20 years for bank robberyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy Byers, Jr., of Charles Town, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 240 months incarceration for bank robbery, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Byers, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Bank Robbery” in March 2019. Byers admitted to robbing the Bank of Charles Town in Charles Town, West Virginia, on May 19, 2018. Byers got away with $7,048.
Byers was also ordered to pay &8,044 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Charles Town Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Four men sentenced for roles in methamphetamine conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Four men have been sentenced today to a combined 116 months incarceration for their roles in a methamphetamine conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Corey Bircher, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months incarceration. Bircher, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime” in February 2019. Bircher admitted to having a .357 revolver during a methamphetamine distribution crime in February 2018 in Mineral County.
Steve William Gray, of Luray, Virginia, was sentenced to 18 months incarceration. Gray, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” He admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2017 to June 2018 in Mineral, Hardy, and Hampshire Counties.
Tyler Allen Whitacre, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, was sentenced to 15 months incarceration. Whitacre, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Whitacre admitted to selling methamphetamine in January 2018 in Mineral County.
Joseph Nathaniel Hagan, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 46 months incarceration. Hagan, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in March 2019. Hagan admitted to distributing methamphetamine in January 2018 in Hampshire County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the cases 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 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 filing false tax returnRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jay D. Dehaven, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation for filing a false tax return, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dehaven, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Filing False Income Tax Return” in January 2019. Dehaven admitted to understating his income by more than $136,000, resulting in an unpaid tax of more than $50,000. The crime took place in October 2016 in Berkeley County.Dehaven was ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and $99,640 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Baltimore man sentenced for drug distribution and having shank in prisonRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Samuel Hogans, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced today to 151 months incarceration for drug distribution and having a weapon, or shank, in prison, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hogans, also known as Richard Hogans, also known as “Lex,” age 38, was sentenced to 60 months incarceration for having a weapon in prison. He was found guilty by a jury of one count of “Possessing Contraband in Prison” in December 2018. Hogans, an inmate at the Eastern Regional Jail in Berkeley County where he was being held on another federal charge, had a shank in August 2018.
Hogans was also sentenced to 151 months, to be served concurrently with the 60-month sentence, for drug distribution. Hogans pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin” in December 2018. Hogans admitted to distributing heroin in October 2017 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Finucane prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshal Service and the West Virginia Division of Corrections investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Upshur County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Cameron Dixon, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 20 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dixon, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm” in February 2019. Dixon admitted to having a stolen .45 caliber pistol in September 2017 in Harrison County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Philadelphia man sentenced for role in a methamphetamine distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Oscar Aaron Watkins, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 156 months incarceration for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Watkins, also known as Eric Oscar Watkins, age 58, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances” in February 2019. Watkins admitted to participating in a drug distribution operation in October 2018 in Monongalia County.Watkins was also ordered to forfeit $9,820.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Parkersburg man sentenced for drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jesse N. Perez, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 30 months incarceration for a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Perez, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess With the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” in February 2019. Perez admitted to distributing methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base in Wetzel County, as well as the Southern District of West Virginia, Ohio, and Georgia from 2016 to April 2018.
Perez was also ordered to forfeit $2,000 in cash.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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.
Monongalia County woman sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tina Hart of Glenville, West Virginia, was sentenced to two years probation for a drug charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hart, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in February 2019. Hart admitted to using a phone to 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.
Monongalia County man sentenced for role in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Payne, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day incarceration for his involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Payne, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin” in February 2019. Payne admitted to selling heroin in July 2017 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.
Marshall County man sentenced for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Henry, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Henry, age 45, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in January 2019. Henry admitted to selling methamphetamine in April 2018 in Marshall County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, A HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Marion County man sentenced for drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sanford Austin Mays, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 90 months incarceration for drug possession and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Mays, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms” in January 2019. Mays admitted to possessing methamphetamine in Marion County in June 2018. Mays, having been previously convicted of multiple felonies, is also accused of having a .45 caliber pistol in Marion County in June 2018.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the White Hall Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Law enforcement and a community member honored by U.S. Attorney at awards ceremonyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eight law enforcement entities and one community member were recognized today for their outstanding work in the greater Clarksburg/Elkins area.
United States Attorney Bill Powell recognized U.S. Probation Officer Jill Henline, ATF Special Agent Steve Worthy, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Inspector Ryan Amstone, several other law enforcement professionals, and a community member with U.S. Attorney Awards for their contributions to create safer communities.
“I have the great pleasure to work many law enforcement and other community based professionals. We honor these individuals and groups today because they are “difference makers” in our communities. They represent the best of us, and our communities are better because of their extraordinary work,” said Powell.
United States Probation Officer Jill Henline was recognized for her work to ensure that a defendant paid her restitution after committing a crime. Loretta Reckart was convicted and sentenced for defrauding WVU out of a substantial amount of money. She was ordered to pay restitution in excess of $80,000. She was sentenced to probation and Jill Henline is her probation officer. Henline has went above and beyond to ensure that Reckart’s restitution is paid sooner, rather than later. Henline was the recipient of the U.S. Attorney Award for Outstanding Financial Investigation.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent Steve Worthy has been involved in three multi-defendant Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF) cases. Agent Worthy assisted other investigators in OCDETF’s Ice Mountain investigation, which resulted in a 2016 Elkins Division multi-defendant gun and drug trafficking indictment. He took a leading role in OCDETF’s Shattered Glass investigation, which resulted in two 2017 Elkins Division multi-defendant gun and drug trafficking indictments. He was the case agent at the trial of interstate drug trafficker Rocky Idleman, sentenced to life earlier this year. And Agent Worthy took the leading role in 2018’s ICE Dragon investigation which resulted in a 2018 multi-defendant Clarksburg Division gun and drug trafficking indictment. Agent Worthy’ was the recipient of the 2019 Outstanding Investigative Effort Award.
United States Postal Inspection Service Inspector Ryan Amstone has been working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Elder Justice Initiative’s focus on money mules. With Ryan’s assistance, the office has identified people as money mules. Ryan has done six knock-and-talks on these individuals and explained to them that they may be a victim of a scam and to stop sending money. Amstone has been doing excellent work in this area as the Elder Justice Initiative is one of the Department’s priorities. Amstone was awarded the 2019 Outstanding Initiative Support Award for his efforts.
The case against Meylan Montalvo Gomez, et al, with an investigation conducted jointly by the FBI, the USSS, the DHS, the WVSP, and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, discovered what has become known as a gas station skimmer scheme. The victim cardholders were reimbursed by their banks, causing nine banks to be owed over $100,000. Because of the substantial work on this case, the 2019 Outstanding Fraud Investigative Effort Award was given to:
- Detective William “Pete” Tennant, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office
- Sgt. David Simmons, West Virginia State Police
- Task Force Officer Jason Webber, the FBI/Clarksburg Police Department
- Task Force Officer Jeremy Thompson, the United States Secret Service/South Charleston Police Department
- Special Agent Scott Fell, Department of Homeland Security
A victim’s mother was also honored with the 2019 Outstanding Community Service Award for her efforts in an opioid case.
The ceremony was held in U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Patrick M. Flatley’s courtroom and included remarks from U.S. Attorney Bill Powell and the presence of many local, state and federal law enforcement leaders from throughout West Virginia.
Law enforcement and a service organization honored by U.S. Attorney at awards ceremonyRead the Press Release
Sgt. John Haglock and U.S. Attorney Bill PowellWHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Seven law enforcement entities and one community organization were recognized today for their outstanding work in the greater Wheeling area.
United States Attorney Bill Powell recognized the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, Brooke County Prosecutor Joe Barki, Ohio County Sheriff’s Sgt. John Haglock, the YWCA’s Wind Program, and several other law enforcement partners with U.S. Attorney Awards for their contributions to create safer communities.
“I have the great pleasure to work many law enforcement and other community based professionals. We honor these individuals and groups today because they are “difference makers” in our communities. They represent the best of us, and our communities are better because of their extraordinary work,” said Powell.
The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force was recognized for its work in a year-long investigation beginning around February 2017 and continuing through March 2018, involving the distribution of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin primarily in Parkersburg, Sistersville, Paden City and New Martinsville, WV and Columbus, OH. The drugs were originating from a street gang in Columbus, OH. The investigation resulted in the indictments of eight gang members or associates from Columbus, as well as 25 local WV redistributors. This investigation dismantled the entire drug conspiracy operating in four federal districts, to include the Northern District of West Virginia, the Southern District of West Virginia, the Southern District of Ohio, and the Northern District of Georgia. The Marshall County Drug Task Force is comprised of officers from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office the West Virginia State Police, Moundsville Police Department and the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
Brooke County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Barki is a prosecuting attorney who has made a significant contribution to a shared mission. Barki has been on the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton drug & Violent Crime Task Force board for the past 16 years. He has been the president of the Board for the past 7 years. Before being the elected Prosecutor in Brooke County, he was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Ohio, Brooke, & Hancock Counties. During the past 16 years he has tirelessly prosecuted drug crimes in Hancock, Brooke, and Ohio Counties. Joe has also been a great collaborator on many of the drug cases in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia.
The YWCA of Wheeling does remarkable work. From addressing domestic violence to education to recovery and redemption, they offer a valuable and unmatched resource in the Ohio Valley. The WIND Program, or Women Inspired in New Directions, is a place where women from all walks of life can recover in a supportive and safe environment. The WIND Program offers support to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, willing to assist us with community outreach efforts any time of year. From the reentry simulations to the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative, the YWCA is a true partner. The collaboration is beneficial to all involved.
Sgt. John Haglock with the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office is the school resource officer at Madison Elementary School. Madison has many at-risk children, many of whom have been removed from their biological parents because of abuse and neglect, all thanks to the drug epidemic. Sgt. Haglock is a positive force in the school, always offering a caring smile and help with any student. He cares about the kids and their well-being and it shows in his interactions with the children every day. Earlier this year, he went above and beyond with three of the students. In early March, three siblings were being removed from the home, John and his wife Stephanie didn’t hesitate to take in all three children. This couple, who have been married for more than 30 years, and have two grown children, offered to take in all three children as a temporary home, to ensure they could stay at Madison and stay together.
The ceremony was held in U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey’s courtroom and included remarks from U.S. Attorney Bill Powell and the presence of many local, state and federal law enforcement leaders from throughout West Virginia.
Brooke County Prosecutor Joe Barki receiving his award from U.S. Attorney Bill Powell YWCA WIND Program receiving its award from U.S. Attorney Bill Powell (Pictured L-R: Laura Albertini-Weigel of the WIND Program, Lori Jones, Executive Director of the YWCA, and U.S. Attorney Bill Powell)
Law enforcement and other community leaders honored by U.S. Attorney at awards ceremonyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Five law enforcement representatives and one community leader were recognized today for their outstanding work in the greater Martinsburg area.
United States Attorney Bill Powell recognized the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, Martinsburg Police Chief Maury Richards, three Berkeley County Sheriff’s Deputies, and Berkeley County Recovery Resource Center Coordinator Kevin Knowles with U.S. Attorney Awards for their contributions to create safer communities.
“While there are so many individual who do so much for our community, it is a great honor to be able to make these awards to this distinguished group of recipients. They have all gone above and beyond in their particular fields and represent the very best of us. I raised my family and live in this community and I know our community is better because of these honorees,” said Powell.
The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force was recognized for its work in bringing five indictments that included 13 defendants, two of whom were MS-13 gang members, to fruition. Operation Triton, an OCDEFT investigation, seized nearly 13 kilos of cocaine, more than $115,000 in cash, and 11 firearms. These cases were a product of a drug investigation that began in 2016 with over two dozen cocaine buys from Miguel Cruz-Polanco, a citizen of El Salvador, and confirmed member of MS-13.
Cpl. Trampus Boyles and Sgt. Theodore Snyder, both with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, made significant investigative contributions to this case and many other opioid-related cases in the Eastern Panhandle. They are dedicated and unwavering deputies fighting the surge of drugs in Berkeley County and beyond, and recognized individually.
Chief Maury Richards of the Martinsburg Police Department was honored for his dedication to changing the state of the opioid epidemic in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Chief Richards spent 24 years with the Chicago Police Department, but his biggest contribution to law enforcement would come with the formation of the Martinsburg Initiative, a comprehensive and innovative approach to the drug epidemic. The initiative is a partnership between the Martinsburg Police Department and Berkeley County Schools that is focusing on at-risk children with a history of childhood trauma to help build resiliency and provide for a much brighter, drug-free future.
Deputy Tyler Dopson, with the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, was recognized for his heroism and quick actions to save the life of a 4-year-old shooting victim in Martinsburg in March of 2018. Deputy Dopson heard the call come over the radio and knew that he had chest wound seals in his cruiser that could help. He arrived on scene and immediately applied two of the seals to both the front and the back of the child’s wound. Based on the investigation performed by the Martinsburg City Police, it was determined the four-year-old girl was shot in the chest with a 9mm pistol. In the days following the incident, the officers were informed by medics that the young girl may "fully recover" from her injuries, due to the usage of the chest wound seals.
Kevin Knowles, the coordinator for the Berkeley County Recovery Resource Center, is working diligently every day to ensure that Berkeley County, the county in the Northern District of West Virginia with the most overdoses last year, can change its own course. Knowles has worked tirelessly over the past three years to develop partnerships with treatment centers, law enforcement, businesses and community leaders to create and maintain resources for those who are affected by the drug epidemic. Not only is he working to provide solutions for addicts and their families, he is also working to create educational partnerships for prevention in the schools, parents, and community groups.
The ceremony was held in Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh’s courtroom and included remarks from U.S. Attorney Bill Powell and the presence of many local, state and federal law enforcement leaders from throughout West Virginia.
Other ceremonies are planned in Wheeling and Clarksburg to honor more recipients of the U.S. Attorney Awards.
Harrison County man sentenced for role in methamphetamine distribution operations in Harrison, Marion, and Monongalia CountiesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Conley, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 14 months incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Conley, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in January 2019. Conley, being a person prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in April 2018 in Harrison County.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.
Upshur County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Floyd Edward Roby, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Roby, age 41, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Roby, having previously been convicted of a felony, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in January 2019 in Upshur County.
Roby 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.