Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Randolph County woman admits to drug distributionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Kelsey Rae Sylvester, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to maintaining a drug house, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sylvester, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises.” Sylvester admitted to allowing others to use her home at 461 Wilson Street in Elkins to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. The crime occurred from January to March 2017.Sylvester faces at least five years and 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 Mountain Region 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 Michel John Aloi presided.
Monongalia County woman admits to drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tina Hart, of Glenville, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hart, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Hart admitted to using a phone to distribute a controlled substance in April 2018 in Monongalia County.Hart 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 Michel John Aloi presided.
Marshall County man admits to drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles J. Chambers, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Chambers, age 44, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Chambers admitted to selling methamphetamine in July 2018 in Marshall County.
Chambers 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 Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Buckhannon man and Clarksburg man admit to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Chance Ward, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, and Ramiro Pimentel, Jr., of Clarksburg, West Virginia, have admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ward, age 20, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Ward admitted to distributing methamphetamine in March 2018 in Upshur County.Pimentel, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Pimentel admitted to selling methamphetamine in May 2017 in Harrison County.
Ward and Pimentel each 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 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 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.
Tyler County man sentenced for connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Cathers, of Sistersville, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for his involvement in methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cathers, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in August 2018. Cathers admitted selling methamphetamine in November 2017 in Tyler County.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., and Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the cases 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.
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.
Ohio County man sentenced for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Giesey, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Giesey, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography” in October 2018. Giesey admitted to having child pornography depicting a minor under the age of 12 in June 2017 in Ohio 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Cleveland man sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dorion D. McMullen, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McMullen, also known as “Caesar,” age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” in October 2018. McMullen admitted to selling cocaine in Ohio County in December 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Upshur County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Cameron Dixon, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dixon, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” Dixon admitted to having a stolen .45 caliber pistol in September 2017 in Harrison County.
Dixon 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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Three Marshall County residents and an Ohio man admit to drug distribution chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Four people have admitted to drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
John Crow, of Moundsville, West Virginia, Jamie L. Moore, of Moundsville, West Virginia, and James Wood, of Moundsville, each pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Crow, age 49, Moore, age 47, and Wood, age 45, admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine in 2017 and 2018 in Marshall County.
Cornell D. Wallace, of Canton, Ohio, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Wallace, age 28, admitted to selling methamphetamine in August 2018 in Marshall County.
Crow, Moore, Wood, and Wallace each 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 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.
Parkersburg man admits to drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher S. McCallister of Parkersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McCallister, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess With the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.” McCallister 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.
McCallister 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 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.
Ohio man admits to drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyler Estep, of Galloway, Ohio, has admitted to a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Estep, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.” Estep admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base in Wetzel County, West Virginia, as well as Ohio and Georgia from July 2015 to April 2018.
Estep faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Monongalia County woman admits to role in drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Carissa Moore, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Moore, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Moore admitted to using a phone to distribute and conspire to distribute a controlled substance in April 2018 in Monongalia County.Moore faces up to four years incarceration and 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 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.
Former City of Wheeling employee sentenced for wire fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Teresa D. Hudrlik, of Valley Grove, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months incarceration for committing wire fraud while employed by the City of Wheeling, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hudrlik, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Wire Fraud” in October 2018. Hudrlik was the Human Resources Director for the City of Wheeling from April 2016 to March 2018. During her tenure with the City of Wheeling, she admitted to using a city-issued purchasing card to make personal purchases, without authorization. Hudrlik also admitted to altering receipts and documentation to disguise said purchases, giving herself payroll bonuses without authorization, and causing unauthorized payroll payments in the names of other city employees to be deposited into personal banking accounts Hudrlik controlled. The crimes occurred from June 2016 to March 2018 in Ohio County.
“We must hold our public employees to a high standard, expecting them to operate as hardworking and honest public servants. The vast majority meet or exceed those expectations. Ms. Hudrlik violated the sacred public trust, and was prosecuted and sentenced for that violation, in accordance with the rule of law. We commend the City of Wheeling and its cooperation in this matter,” said Powell.
The judge ordered Hudrlik to pay restitution to the City of Wheeling in the amount of $80,000 and a money judgement in the amount of $50,000. Hudrlik was also ordered to serve three years supervised release following her incarceration.
“The City of Wheeling employees are required to hold the public trust in a very sacred manner and senior members of the City’s management, being administrators, are held to an even higher standard and higher level of expectations of honesty. As public employees, we are required to operate municipal governments in a fair and fiducially prudent manner concerning the public funds. This employee violated all such levels of trust. The City of Wheeling believes that this former employee should be punished for her conduct and trusts that the Court considered an appropriate prison sentence along with restitution to the City of Wheeling,” said Robert Herron, City Manager, the City of Wheeling
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Buckhannon woman admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ann Marie Stankus, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Stankus, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Stankus admitted to working with another to distribute methamphetamine in December 2017 in Upshur County.Stankus 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 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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Nearly $2 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions for U.S. Taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2018Read the Press Release
WHEELING - U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced today that the Northern District of West Virginia collected $1,815,859 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2018. Of this amount, $654,180 was collected in criminal actions and $1,161,679 was collected in civil actions.
As a whole, the Justice Department collected nearly $15 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2018. The $14,839,821,650 in collections in FY 2018 represents is nearly seven times the appropriated $2.13 billion ($2,136,750,000) budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices.
“The men and women of the U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country work diligently, day in and day out, to see that the citizens of our nation receive justice. The money that we are able to recover for victims and this country as a whole is a direct result of their hard work,” Director James A. Crowell, IV, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys.
“In addition to our responsibility to protect the public, we have the additional responsibility to recoup, to the extent possible, money improperly taken from victims of criminal or civil wrongdoing, whether the victim is an individual, business, or taxpayer. We take these responsibilities seriously and will continue to do so in coordination with our law enforcement and agency partners,” said Powell.
In 2018, the Northern District of West Virginia recovered $1,091,348 as part of the settlement in the case against several physicians and a kickback scheme. Four doctors agreed to pay back their respective sums after they were accused of participating in a kickback scheme with Southwest Laboratories, Medscan Laboratory, sales representatives affiliated with Southwest and Medscan and others, thereby causing false claims to be submitted to Medicare in violation of the Federal False Claims Act, the Physician Self-Referral law, and the Anti-Kickback Statute. An additional physician paid $650,000 as a part of the case in Fiscal Year 2019.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Education.
Parkersburg man admits to drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jesse N. Perez, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to 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.” 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 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 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.
Monongalia County woman admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tara Ponceroff, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted today to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ponceroff, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Production of Child Pornography.” Ponceroff admitted to producing and distributing child pornography involving a minor in December 2017 in Monongalia County.
Ponceroff 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.
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 is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Mineral County man and Virginia man admit to roles in methamphetamine conspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Corey Bircher, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, and Steve William Gray, of Luray, Virginia, have admitted to their roles in a methamphetamine conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bircher, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.” Bircher admitted to having a .357 revolver during a methamphetamine distribution crime in February 2018 in Mineral County.
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.
Bircher is facing no less than five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Gray is facing up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,00,000. 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 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Florida man admits to defrauding bank customersRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Roger Ernesto Ballester Caser, of Hialeah, Florida, has admitted to using others’ bank information and personal identification numbers to make purchases, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Caser, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Access Device Fraud – Use of Unauthorized Access Device.” Caser admitted to using Main Street Bank of Wheeling’s customer banking information and PINs to make purchases totaling at least $1,000 in Ohio and Marshall Counties in March 2018.
The government is also seeking a money judgement of at least $13,600.
Caser is facing up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, the Wheeling Police Department, and the Moundsville Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Ohio County resident admits to failing to update his sex offender registrationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Phillip Sweet, of Triadelphia, West Virginia, has admitted to moving to West Virginia without updating his sex offender registration, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sweet, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.” Sweet admitted to moving from Niagra Falls, New York, to Triadelphia, West Virginia in July 2017 and not updating his sex offender registration, as required by law.
Sweet is up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshal Service and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Ohio County residents admit to their roles in cocaine and heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Wheeling residents have admitted to their roles in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation that spanned two states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Michael J. Kennen, age 35, and Amanda R. Kennen, age 35, each pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” They admitted to selling cocaine near Wilson Playground in June 2018 in Ohio County.
Both are facing no less than one year and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The investigation was led by the Ohio County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department. Those assisting in the arrests are the United States Marshal Service; Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department; and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Tucker County residents admit to their roles in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Parsons, West Virginia residents have admitted to their roles in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
John Luther Boyles, age 62, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Boyles admitted to conspiring with others to distribute more than five grams of methamphetamine from December 2017 to March 2018 in Tucker and Randolph Counties and elsewhere.
Donna Alyce Boyles, age 51, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises.” She admitted to maintaining a residence located at 128 Main Street in Parsons, West Virginia, to manufacture, sell or use methamphetamine.
John Boyles faces no less than five years and up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Donna Boyles 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Columbus man sentenced to 9 years for connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Jackson, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 108 months incarceration for his involvement in methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jackson, also known as “Matt-Matt,” age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” in August 2018. Jackson admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine from 2016 to April 2018 in Wetzel County and elsewhere.
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.
Cleveland man sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –Dennis D. Chapman, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for distributing cocaine near an Ohio County playground, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Chapman, also known as “Kobe,” age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in October 2018. He admitted to selling cocaine near Pulaski Playground in Ohio County, West Virginia, in January 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.U.S. Attorney says Wheeling Police Chief’s new role is great newsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –United States Attorney Bill Powell is applauding the news that Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger will now sit on the executive board of the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
“Appalachia HIDTA serves a vital role in our fight against the drug epidemic, providing much-needed funding to our task forces. It’s only fitting to have Chief Schwertfeger sit on this team, with his years of law enforcement expertise and experience. As a member of the executive board myself, I believe the chief is a great addition to an already great group of people fighting the good fight,” said Powell.
The AHIDTA Executive Board provides executive leadership and direction on a multitude of issues pertaining to drug law enforcement throughout the Appalachia HIDTA area of responsibility which includes 90 designated counties in Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee and Virginia.
The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). A component of the Executive Office of the President, ONDCP was created by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. ONDCP advises the President on drug-control issues, coordinates drug-control activities and related funding across the Federal government, and produces the annual National Drug Control Strategy, which outlines Administration efforts to reduce illicit drug use, manufacturing and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences.
Tyler County woman indicted on threat chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Taryn Corinne Henthorn, of Middlebourne, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand today on threat charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Henthorn, age 25, was indicted on three counts of “Threatening to Kill the President of the United States.” Henthorn is accused of threatening on Facebook and elsewhere to kill President Donald Trump in January 2019 in Tyler County.
Henthorn faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Wheeling residents indicted for making and distributing methamphetamineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Randy Lee Donahue, Jr., and Lauren Hedges, both of Wheeling, West Virginia, were indicted by a federal grand today on drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Donahue, age 37, and Hedges, age 26, were both indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises.” Donahue was also indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number.”
Donahue and Hedges are accused of manufacturing, storing and distributing methamphetamine from an apartment located at 97 16th Street in Wheeling, within 1,000 feet of Wheeling Central Catholic High School in November 2018. Donahue, a convicted felon, is also accused of possessing a 9mm pistol and two .22 caliber revolvers with an obliterated serial numbers.
Donahue and Hedges each face up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,00,000 for the conspiracy count, not less than one and up to 40 years incarceration for the protected location count, and up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000 for the premises count. Donahue also faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful possession charge and faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the obliterated serial number charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marshall County man indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth R. Beckner, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand today on drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Beckner, age 30, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” and two counts of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Beckner is accused of distributing methamphetamine from July 2018 to January 2019 in Marshall County.
Beckner 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.
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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Hancock County man indicted on drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Lavel L. Hicks, of Weirton, West Virgnia, was indicted by a federal grand today on drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hicks, age 43, was indicted on two counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base,” four counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Hicks is accused of distributing the drugs in November and December 2017 and December 2018 in Brook and Hancock Counties. Hicks, having previously been convicted or murder in the second degree in Brooke County Circuit Court, is also accused of possessing a 9mm pistol.
Hicks faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each drug count, and he faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton 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.
Morgan County man admits to failing to update his sex offender registrationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Douglas Brett Bishop, of Great Capacon, West Virginia, has admitted to failing to register as a sex offender charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bishop, age 51, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Register.” Bishop admitted to failing to register as a sex offender in Morgan County, West Virginia from May to September 2018. Bishop was convicted of a crime in Union County, South Carolina that required him to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Bishop faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshal Service and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Mineral County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Phillip Arnold Bennett, of Piedmont, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bennett, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Bennett admitted to illegally possessing a .380 caliber pistol in September 2017 in Mineral County.
Bennett faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Mineral County woman admits to drug distribution and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Erica Lucinda Taylor, of Piedmont, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Taylor, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Fentanyl.” Taylor admitted to selling fentanyl in February 2018 in Mineral County.
Taylor faces up to 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 Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Jefferson County man admits to destroying mailboxRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Derek Wayne Blanken, Jr., of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, has admitted to destroying a mailbox, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Blanken, age 20, pled guilty to one count of “Destruction of Letter Boxes or Mail.” Blanken admitted to destroying a mailbox on Upper Clubhouse Drive in Harpers Ferry in October 2018.
Blanken faces up to three years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Finucane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Postal Service investigated.U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Mineral County man indicted for firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Kenneth Niland, of Keyser, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Martinsburg on January 23, 2019 on firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Niland, age 49, is charged with one count of “False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of a Firearm,” one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” and one count of “False Statement to a Federal Agent.” Niland is accused of making a false written statement when purchasing a 9mm pistol from a licensed dealer in New Creek, West Virginia in October 2018. Niland, a person prohibited from having firearms, is accused of possessing the 9mm pistol and lying to an ATF agent about the whereabouts of said firearm in November 2018.
Niland faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms counts. He faces up to five years incarceration and a 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 Kimberley D. Crockett 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.
Harrison County man admits to his role in methamphetamine distribution operations in Harrison, Marion, and Monongalia CountiesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Conley, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to 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.” Conley, being a person prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in April 2018 in Harrison County.Conley 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 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.
West Virginia Physician Convicted of Illegal Opioid Distribution to PatientsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA— Following a six-day trial, Dr. Felix Brizuela, Jr., of Harrison City, Pennsylvania, was found guilty on January 14, 2018 of 15 counts of “Distribution of Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice,” United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
After two days of deliberations, the jury found Brizuela, age 57, guilty of 15 of 21 counts of the illegal distribution of controlled substances. The jury acquitted Brizuela of the anti-kickback counts and six distribution counts in the indictment.
Brizuela was indicted in January 2018 on 21 counts of “Distribution of Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice,” one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice,” and 15 counts of “Illegal Remuneration in Violation of the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute.”
The controlled substances illegally distributed by Brizuela included Oxycodone, Fentanyl and Oxymorphone. They were distributed without legitimate medical purpose and outside the scope of professional practice in Monongalia County, West Virginia between 2013 and 2015.
“Illegal distribution of opioids by physicians has been and continues to be a high priority for prosecution in this district. These cases are not easy, and it is only through the dedicated work of our prosecution and law enforcement teams that this case was able to be successfully prosecuted. Physicians who believe they can hide behind their lab coats or medical licenses, and simultaneously stoke the fires of the opioid epidemic and profit from it are sadly mistaken,” Powell said.
Brizuela faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the distribution counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses, prior criminal conduct, if any, and other factors considered by the court.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah E. Wagner and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, WV Offices of the Insurance Commissioner Fraud Division, WV Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of Ohio Attorney General Health Care Fraud, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, the Hancock-Brook-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, West Virginia State Police, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Weirton Police Department investigated.
These charges are the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep. This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Randolph County man admits to maintaining a drug houseRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Cory Dean Carpenter, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to maintaining a house for drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Carpenter, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises.” Carpenter admitted to living at 98 Washington Street in Elkins, and making the home available for distributing methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine from January 2017 to March 2017.
Carpenter 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 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 Michael John Aloi presided.
Preston County woman sentenced for oxycodone distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Carlee Cuppett, of Kingwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to two years probation for a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cuppett, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone” in September 2017. Cuppett admitted to selling oxycodone in Monongalia County in September 2015.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro 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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Philadelphia man indicted on drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – David Anthony Richardson, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Martinsburg on January 23, 2019 on drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Richardson, age 33, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl,” one count of “Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Richardson is accused of distributing cocaine and fentanyl in Ohio County. Richard, having previously been convicted of two felonies, is also accused of having a .38 special revolver during said drug crimes.
Richardson faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the cocaine charge and faces up to no less than five years and up to 20 years incarceration for the fentanyl charge. He also faces not less than five years incarceration for the firearm during a drug crime charge and up to 10 years incarceration and a $250,000 fine for the possession of a firearm charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maryland man indicted on child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Paul Glen Hamilton, Jr., of Bowie, Maryland and Melbourne, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Martinsburg on January 23, 2019 on a child pornography charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hamilton, age 23, was indicted on one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Hamilton is accused of having child pornography that was transported by computer in September 2018 in Berkeley County.
Hamilton faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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 and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Harrison County man sentenced for firearms violationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jesse Alan Clevenger, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years probation for possessing a firearm after two domestic violence convictions, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Clevenger, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in June 2017. Clevenger admitted to possessing a .30 caliber rifle illegally. Clevenger had previously been convicted on two separate charges of domestic battery in the Harrison County Magistrate Court. The crime occurred on June 28, 2016.
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 prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.Randolph County man admits to role in methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Phillip Grant Boyles, of Kerens, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Boyles, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Boyles admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine from December 2017 to March 2018 in Tucker and Randolph Counties.
Boyles faces not less than five years and no more than 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Marion County man admits to drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sanford Austin Mays, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to 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.” 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.
Mays faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the methamphetamine count and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the White Hall Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Federal inmate admits to threatening the PresidentRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan Allen Danforth, a federal inmate at FCI Hazelton, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration, to be served consecutively to the sentence he’s currently serving, after admitting to threatening the President of the United States, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Danforth, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Threats Against the President.” Danforth admitted to mailing a letter containing threats to murder the President, cause the President pain, and to watch the President die a slow, painful death.
Danforth faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service and Special Investigative Services – USP Hazelton investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Berkeley County man indicted for firearms violationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan Johnson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Martinsburg on January 23, 2019 for a firearms violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Johnson, age 42, is charged with two counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Johnson, a person prohibited from having firearms, is accused of possessing an unregistered .410 caliber short-barreled shotgun, as well as 33 other firearms. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in March 2017 in Berkeley 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 Jeffrey A. Finucane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Berkeley County man indicted for firearms violationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan Johnson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Martinsburg on January 23, 2019 for a firearms violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Johnson, age 42, is charged with two counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Johnson, a person prohibited from having firearms, is accused of possessing an unregistered .410 caliber short-barreled shotgun, as well as 33 other firearms. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in March 2017 in Berkeley 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 Jeffrey A. Finucane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Berkeley County man admits to filing false tax returnRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jay D. Dehaven, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, has admitted to 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.” 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 faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
A Monongalia County man sentenced for firearms conspiracy chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tommy Calhoun, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to 12 months incarceration for his involvement in an illegal firearms operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Calhoun, age 53, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Violate Federal Firearms Laws” in May 2018. Calhoun admitted to being involved in a conspiracy that included making false statements to purchase firearms, trading firearms for controlled substances, and transporting and selling the firearms in New York. The crime occurred in Morgantown, Monongalia County and elsewhere from May 2017 to June 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 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.
Monongalia County woman sentenced for drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jayla Shade, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months incarceration for a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Shade, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in December 2017. Shade admitted to using a phone to distribute and assist in a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. The crime occurred in Monongalia County in February 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigation.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Maryland man indicted on drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Tyree Ryles, of Baltimore, Maryland, was indicted on drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ryles, age 29, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” one count of “Distribution of Controlled Substance,” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Futherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.” Ryles, having previously been convicted of crimes in the Circuit Court of Baltimore City, Maryland, is accused of illegally possessing a 9mm pistol and a .40 caliber pistol, and is also accused of exchanging said firearms for heroin in August 2015 in Jefferson County.
Ryles faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for unlawful possession count, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the furtherance count, and faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the heroin 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 Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.