Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Drug Seizures Top 275 Kilos in 2018Read the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –United States Attorney Bill Powell is applauding law enforcement efforts in 2018, as more than 275 kilos of illicit and dangerous drugs were taken off the streets in communities across the Northern District of West Virginia.
More than 3 kilos of fentanyl alone was seized, enough to kill 83% of the entire state of West Virginia’s population.“The combination of federal, state and local law enforcement and dedicated prosecutors from this office has resulted in extraordinary successes. Our efforts to cripple drug supply chains and prosecute every significant link we can find have been very effective. Our drug seizures have also resulted in removing many firearms from the drug dealing community. Our efforts will only intensify as additional resources are dedicated to this fight,” said Powell.
Everything from cocaine to heroin to methamphetamine were seized in large quantities. The numbers below are approximate, and received from Appalachia HIDTA, Washington-Baltimore HIDTA, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Cocaine: 15.3 kilos
Fentanyl: 3.1 kilos
Heroin: 10.7 kilos
Marijuana (including plants): 161.8 kilos
Methamphetamine: 84.6 kilos
Oxycodone: 1600 pills
Other pharmaceuticals: 49,500 pillsThe seizures were a collaborative effort between HIDTA-funded drug and violent crime task forces, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and local law enforcement.
To learn more about HIDTA and the task forces, go to https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/contact-us/task-forces.
Michigan woman admits to role in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Marsawn Daggins, of Southfield, Michigan, has admitted to her involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Daggins, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Daggins admitted to using a phone to further a drug distribution operation in April 2018 in Monongalia County.Daggins faces up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Harrison County woman admits to role in methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Brittany Miles, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Miles, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Miles admitted to having methamphetamine in February 2018 in Harrison County.Miles 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 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Tucker County man admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald Allen Poling, of Hambleton, West Virginia, has admitted to drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Poling, age 52, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Poling admitted to selling methamphetamine in December 2017 in Tucker County.
Poling faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Randolph County woman indicted on drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Julie Ann Cutright, of Elkins, West Virginia, was arraigned today after being indicted by a federal grand sitting in Elkins on February 20, 2019, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cutright, age 33, was indicted on one count of “Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises.” Cutright is accused of maintaining a home at 113 Riverview Drive in Elkins that was used for distributing methamphetamine, also known as “ice” from October 2017 to November 2017.
Cutright faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000. 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, 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Randolph County residents indicted on methamphetamine and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Patsy Meredith DeMary, of Beverly, West Virginia, and Scott Jackson Hamrick, of Elkins, West Virginia, were indicted by a federal grand sitting in Elkins on February 20, 2019 on drug distribution and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
DeMary, age 41, had her initial appearance in federal court today. DeMary was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possess a Firearm in Futherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.”
Hamrick, also known as “Basic,” age 38, was named in the same indictment, charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possess a Firearm in Futherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.”
DeMary and Hamrick are accused of conspiring with one another to distribute methamphetamine in Randolph County in the Spring of 2017.
DeMary and Hamrick each face at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the conspiracy count, up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the distribution count, and 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.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the cases 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Randolph County man indicted on methamphetamine chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Eric Allen Harris, of Beverly, West Virginia, was arraigned today after being indicted by a federal grand sitting in Elkins on February 20, 2019 on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Harris, age 38, was indicted on two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Harris is accused of distributing methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in April, May, and September 2018 in Randolph County.
Harris faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ohio man admits to drug distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Zachary Price, of Flushing, Ohio, has admitted to drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Price, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Cocaine, MDMA, LSD, Marijuana, Oxycodone, Adderall, Codeine, and Alprazolam.” Price admitted to distributing cocaine, MDMA, LSD, Marijuana, Oxycodone, Adderall, Codeine, and Alprazolam from April 2017 to November 2017 in Ohio County.
Price 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 L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Mineral County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Kenneth Niland, of Keyser, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Niland, age 49, pled guilty to one count of “False Statement to a Federal Agent.” Niland admitted to lying to an ATF agent in November 2018.
Niland 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.
Marshall County man sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Mark Simms, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Simms, age 63, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone” in December 2018. Simms admitted to selling oxycodone in Marshall County in October 2017.
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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Harrison County man indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Alexander Miske, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was arrested today and had his initial appearance in a federal courtroom, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Miske, age 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Clarksburg on March 5, 2019. Miske was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated and Altered Serial Number.” Miske, having been previously convicted of a felony, is accused of having a .357 magnum revolver with an altered serial number in December 2018 in Harrison County.
Miske faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful possession count and faces up to 5 years incarceration and fine of up to $250,000 for the serial number 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 Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clarksburg Police Department investigated. The United States Marshal Service made the arrest.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michal John Aloi presided.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Harrison County residents admit to role in methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Byron Higginbotham and Erica Herron, both of Clarksburg, West Virginia, have admitted to their roles in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Higginbotham, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm.” Higginbotham admitted to having an unregistered .20 caliber sawed-off shotgun in March 2018 in Harrison County.Erica Herron, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Herron admitted to selling methamphetamine in September 2017 in Harrison County.
Higginbotham faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Herron 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 cases 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Detroit man admits to roles in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Juan Holmes, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to his involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Holmes, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Holmes admitted to selling heroin in May 2017 in Monongalia County.Holmes faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Upshur County man admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Langbien, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Langbien, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Langbien admitted to distributing methamphetamine in March 2018 in Harrison County.Langbien 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 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
The Northern District of West Virginia takes part in largest-ever nationwide elder fraud sweepRead the Press Release
WHEELING – Attorney General William P. Barr and U.S. Attorney Bill Powell today announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history, surpassing last year’s nationwide sweep. The cases during this sweep involved more than 260 defendants from around the globe who victimized more than two million Americans, most of them elderly.
“Crimes against the elderly target some of the most vulnerable people in our society,” Attorney General William P. Barr said. “But thanks to the hard work of our agents and prosecutors, as well as our state and local partners, the Department of Justice is protecting our seniors from fraud. The Trump administration has placed a renewed focus on prosecuting those who prey on the elderly, and the results of today’s sweep make that clear. Today we are announcing the largest single law enforcement action against elder fraud in American history. This year’s sweep involves 13 percent more criminal defendants, 28 percent more in losses, and twice the number of fraud victims as last year’s sweep. I want to thank the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, which led this effort, together with the Department’s Criminal Division, the more than 50 U.S. Attorneys’ offices, and the state and local partners who helped to make these results possible. Together, we are bringing justice and peace of mind to America's seniors.”
“Crimes against the elderly are particularly heinous as they often involve taking advantage of already vulnerable people. The crimes are often compounded when the elderly victims are reluctant to report them. We encourage the reporting of these crimes so they can be fully investigated and aggressively prosecuted,” said Powell.
In the Northern District of West Virginia, there were several cases involving elder fraud, including the case of Karen Kinsley, a former bank branch manager, who pled guilty in September 2018 to bank fraud, admitted to taking out loans in customers’ names and reopening customers’ savings and checking accounts without the customers’ consent. She is scheduled to be sentenced in April.
The Department took action in every federal district across the country, through the filing of criminal or civil cases or through consumer education efforts. 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.
The charges are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. The Justice Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act.
A fact-sheet with technical-support fraud case information can be found here.
A fact-sheet with cases on mass mailing fraud can be found here.
A fact-sheet with examples of a few elder fraud cases involving extradition in which the Office of International Affairs played a substantial role can be found here.
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Monongalia County man sentenced for child pornography productionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Ian Michael Toothman, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 292 months incarceration for a child pornography charge yesterday, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Toothman, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Production of Child Pornography” in October 2018. Toothman admitted to producing child pornography in December 2017 in Monongalia County.
This case was 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.
Michigan man admits to role in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daron Buford, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to his involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Buford, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.” Buford admitted to selling heroin in July 2017 in Monongalia County.Buford faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Marion County man sentenced for drug chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Fredrick L. Chapman, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 87 months incarceration for drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Chapman, also known as “Fred L. Chapman” and “Freddie,” age 62, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession With the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession With the Intent to Distribute Opium,” one count of “Possession With the Intent to Distribute Marijuana,” and one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride and Heroin” in November 2018. Chapman committed the crimes in Marion County from October 2017 to May of 2018.
The United States is also seeking forfeiture of $37,829 as proceeds derived directly or indirectly from the alleged crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Three Rivers Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Marion County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Copen, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to 188 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution yesterday, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Copen, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” and three counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity of a Protected Location” in October 2018. Cope admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Marion County in October of 2017, March of 2018, and April of 2018.
The United States is also seeking forfeiture of $37,829 as proceeds derived directly or indirectly from the alleged crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Three Rivers Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for child pornographyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremy Smith, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 51 months incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smith, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography” in October 2018. Smith admitted to possessing images of a child under the age of 12 in March 2018 in Harrison County.
This case was 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 Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Harrison County man admits to role in methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Donald Hickman, Jr., of Reynoldsville, West Virginia, has admitted to 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.” Hickman admitted to selling methamphetamine in January 2018 in Harrison County.Hickman 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 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Grant County man admits to drug distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Nathaniel Hagan, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hagan, age 36, pled guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Hagan admitted to distributing methamphetamine in January 2018 in Hampshire County.Hagan 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, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
A Monongalia County man sentenced for firearms conspiracy chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Anderson, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months incarceration for his role in a firearms conspiracy yesterday, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Anderson, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Violate Federal Firearms Laws” in August 2018. Anderson admitted to working with others to make false statements to purchase firearms from May to June 2017 in Morgantown.
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 investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Two former Department of Defense employees sentenced for embezzlement chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Sergeant First Class Shane Morgan with the West Virginia Army National Guard and Master Sergeant (retired) Russell Morgan were sentenced today for charges related to the embezzlement and unlawful sale of government property, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Shane Morgan, age 35, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, and Russell Morgan, age 61, of Helvetia, West Virginia, were each sentenced to four years probation. Each pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Embezzle Government Property” in September 2018. The two men admitted to stealing at least 80 items of United States government property worth an estimated total of more than $80,000. The men obtained access to this property through their official positions at the United States Property and Fiscal Office warehouse in Buckhannon. The crimes took place from August 2010 to October 2017 in Upshur County.
Shane and Russell Morgan were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $11,614.45.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The West Virginia Army National Guard and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Marion County man sentenced for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Timothy Cobb, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 110 months incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cobb, age 56, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography” in October 2018. Cobb admitted to possessing child pornography in Marion County in September 2014.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Three Michigan men indicted on drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three men from Michigan were indicted by a federal grand today on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The men are accused of distributing heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine, and methamphetamine from the fall of 2018 to January 2019 in Marion County and elsewhere. They are:
- Terrence D. Marsh, of Detroit, Michigan, age 37
- Nicholas J. Mathis, of Warren, Michigan, age 24
- Lamar D. Perdue, of Detroit, Michigan, age 20
Each man was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Possess With the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Controlled Substances,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession With the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession With the Intent to Distribute Heroin within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession With the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession With the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession With the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime.”
Each face not less than 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10 million for each of the conspiracy and aiding and possession of methamphetamine counts. They face up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2 million for each of the heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and cocaine base counts, and face five years to life incarceration and a $250,000 fine 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 Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Three Rivers Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Pleasants County man sentenced for firearms violationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Willard Lee Moss, Jr., of Saint Marys, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months incarceration for a firearms violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Moss, age 38, was found guilty of one count of “Domestic Violence Offender in Possession of a Firearm” after a two-day trial in October 2018. Moss, having previously been convicted of two separate domestic violence offenses in Pleasants County, possessed one handgun, three rifles, and two shotguns in his home 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 David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Pleasants County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Monongalia County residents indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brendan Regan Boddie and Amie Kristine Pritt, both of Morgantown, West Virginia, were indicted by a federal grand today firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Boddie, age 28, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Transfer of Firearm to Prohibited Person” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms by Person Convicted of Domestic Violence Crime.” Boddie, having previously been convicted of domestic violence, is accused of having two pistols, two rifles, and one shotgun between February and April 2018 in Monongalia County.
Pritt, age 34, was indicted on one count of “False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm” and one count of “Unlawful Transfer of Firearm to Prohibited Person.” Pritt is accused of purchasing a 9mm caliber pistol for Boddie, who is prohibited from having a firearm.
Boddie and Pritt 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 investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Inmate indicted on assault chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daivon Duren, an inmate at FCI Hazleton Federal Correctional Institution in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand today on an assault charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Duren, age 32, was indicted on one count of “Assault of a correctional Officer Involving Physical Contact.” Duren is accused of assaulting a corrections officer while on duty in November 2018 in Preston County.
Duren 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 Federal Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Harrison County woman indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stormey Angel Lois-Hite, of Anmoore, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand today on firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lois-Hite, age 25, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Transfer of Firearm to Prohibited Person” and one count of “False Statement to Federal Agent.” Lois-Hite is accused of purchasing a .22 caliber pistol for a convicted felon and lying to federal agents about it. The crimes allegedly took place in January 2018 in Harrison County.
Lois-Hite faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful transfer count and faces up to 5 years incarceration and fine of up to $250,000 for the false statement 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 investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wetzel County man sentenced for his role in a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Wilson Longwell, of Littleton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 78 months incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution operation that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Longwell, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” in July 2018. Longwell admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base from 2016 to April 2018 in Wetzel County and other locations in the southern district of West Virginia, Ohio, and Georgia.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., and Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol; Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office; the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office; the Sistersville Police Department; the Paden City Police Department; and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated. The Columbus, Ohio, Police Department Gang Crimes Unit assisted in the case.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Two Illegal Aliens sentenced for reentry chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Feliciano Pelagio Mariluz-Tafur, a citizen of Peru, and Jose Cubas-Zavala, a citizen of Hondura, admitted to being in the country illegally and were sentenced today, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Mariluz-Tafur pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Mariluz-Tafur admitted to being removed from the United States twice before and being in Harrison County in December 2018. He was sentenced today to time served and one year supervised release.
Cubas-Zavala pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien” and one count of “Fraud and Misuse of Document.” Cubas-Zavala admitted to being removed from the United States twice before and being in Harrison County in December 2018 with false documentation. He was sentenced today to time served and three years supervised release.
Both men have been in federal custody since January 11, 2019.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Mineral County man admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyler Allen Whitacre, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, has admitted to selling methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Whitacre, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Whitacre admitted to selling methamphetamine in January 2018 in Mineral County.
Whitacre 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 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 woman admits to drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –Samantha J. Simmons, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Simmons, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Simmons admitted to selling methamphetamine in June 2018 in Marshall County.
Simmons face 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 Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Lewis County man admits to role in a methamphetamine distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Douglas Charles Knicely, of Jane Lew, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Knicely, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Knicely admitted to participating in a drug distribution operation in October 2018 in Monongalia County.Knicely faces no less than 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 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 Morgantown Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Monongalia County woman admits to role in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Haley Hunt, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to her involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hunt, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Hunt admitted to using a phone to help distribute a controlled substance in April 2018 in Monongalia County.Hunt faces up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting 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.
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CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Haley Hunt, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to her involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hunt, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Hunt admitted to using a phone to help distribute a controlled substance in April 2018 in Monongalia County.Hunt faces up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
he 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.
Harrison County woman admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Teressa Hall, of Bristol, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hall, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Offense.” Hall admitted to having a .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol with her when in possession of methamphetamine in December 2017 in Harrison County.Hall faces a minimum of 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 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 United States Marshal Service assisted in the arrests.
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.
Philadelphia man admits to role in a methamphetamine distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Oscar Aaron Watkins, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has admitted to 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.” Watkins admitted to participating in a drug distribution operation in October 2018 in Monongalia County.Watkins 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 Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Monongalia County man admits to role in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Payne, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Payne, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.” Payne admitted to selling heroin in July 2017 in Monongalia County.Payne faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Monongalia County woman admits to drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Katina Sabatino, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sabatino, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Device.” Sabatino admitted to using a phone to assist with distributing controlled substances in April 2018 in Monongalia County.
Sabatino faces up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Marion County man and Harrison County man admit to roles in methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen Richards, of Fairmont, West Virginia, and Nathan Crites, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, have admitted to their roles in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Richards, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Richards, having previously been convicted of a felony, admitted to having a 9mm pistol and a 30-caliber bolt-action rifle in December 2017 in Harrison County.Crites, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Crites admitted to selling methamphetamine in April 2018 in Harrison County.
Richards faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Crites 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.
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 is prosecuting the cases 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Wetzel County man sentenced for connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Richeson, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution operation that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Richeson, also known as “Squash,” age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in December 2018. Richeson admitted to selling methamphetamine in February 2018 in Wetzel County.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., and Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol; Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office; the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office; the Sistersville Police Department; the Paden City Police Department; and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated. The Columbus, Ohio, Police Department Gang Crimes Unit assisted in the case.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Philadelphia man admits to role in a methamphetamine distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terry Willie Trapp, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has admitted to his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Trapp, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.” Trapp admitted to participating in a drug distribution operation in October 2018 in Monongalia County.Trapp 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 Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Monongalia County men admit to roles in a drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian Kyle, of Maidsville, West Virginia, and Hamisi Mwawari, of Morgantown, West Virginia, have admitted to their involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Kyle, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Kyle admitted to using a phone to further a drug distribution operation in April 2018 in Monongalia County.Mwawari, age 44, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Mwawari admitted to using a phone to assist in distributing controlled substances in May 2018 in Monongalia County.
Kyle and Mwawari each face up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Maryland man sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Phillip Ryan Williams, of McCoole, Maryland, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Williams, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in November 2018. He admitted to selling methamphetamine in Mineral County on June 13, 2018.
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, 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 chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jarod Arthur Blakney, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Blakney, also known as “Papi,” age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” in September 2018. Blakney admitted to selling cocaine base in Berkeley County in June of 2017.
The judge also ordered the forfeiture of $14,689 in cash, a 9mm pistol, two 9mm magazines, and a .22LR handgun with magazine.
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.
Jefferson County man sentenced to 15 years for fentanyl distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Corey Robert Clark Ford, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 180 months incarceration for distributing fentanyl, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ford, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl” in October 2018. Ford admitted to distributing fentanyl in Jefferson County, resulting in the death of another, in December 2016, as well as possessing fentanyl in January 2017.
“The sentence imposed upon Mr. Ford sends a clear message that the distribution of fentanyl, in even a small amount, can have catastrophic consequences. Mr. Ford’s distribution contributed to the death of one of our citizens. He will now spend the next fifteen years of his life in prison. Fentanyl kills. Thanks to the hard work of our prosecution and our law enforcement teams, there is one less fentanyl dealer in our community,” said Powell.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Illegal alien sentenced for reentry chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eduardo Hernandez Sanchez, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today to 87 months incarceration for illegal reentry, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sanchez, also known as Jorge Andrade-Sanchez, age 42 pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of a Removed Alien” in October 2018. Sanchez, having previously been removed twice, and previously convicted of drug distribution in Pennsylvania in 2016, admitted to being in Berkeley County illegally in February 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for illegal gun possessionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Wade Rebish, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 96 months incarceration for having a machine gun, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rebish, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Illegal Possession of Machine Gun” in October 2018. Rebish admitted to having a 5.7X28 mm caliber machine gun in Berkeley County in March 2017.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher 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.
Berkeley County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sean Michael Placko, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months for a firearms conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Placko, age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy” in November 2018. Placko admitted to participating in a conspiracy to purchase and transfer firearms out of state and to a prohibited person. The crime took place from October 2017 to February 2018 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher 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.