Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Hampshire County man indicted for Clean Water Act violationsRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy Peer, of Springfield, West Virginia, was indicted this week by a federal grand jury sitting in Wheeling for violating permits and discharging untreated sewage from his sewage treatment plant, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Peer, age 55, was the owner of Mountainaire Village Utility, LLC, a sewage water treatment plant serving the residents of Mountainaire Village near Ridgeley, West Virginia. Peer owned and operated this business from early 2008 to July 2016. From 2014 to 2016, Peer is accused of failing to maintain the treatment plant, resulting in untreated and undertreated sewage being discharged into the North Branch of the Potomac River, violating the Clean Water Act and his permit. Peer is accused of falsely reporting quarterly testing on the wastewater from the plant, and of continuing to charge customers for the treatment of their sewage despite the services not being provided.
Peer is charged with one count of “Knowing Violation of Permit Conditions,” five counts of “Knowing Discharges of Pollutants in Violation of Permit,” one count of “Knowing Discharge of a Pollutant Without a Permit ,” six counts of “False Statements on Discharge Monitoring Reports,” and one count of “Mail Fraud.”
“Violating environmental laws often does long term damage to our environment and risks the health of the people in our communities. Such violations must be prosecuted and those responsible held accountable,” said Powell.
“EPA’s sewage treatment regulations are designed to protect both humans and wildlife,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Lynn of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in West Virginia. “EPA will work with its law enforcement partners to pursue those who falsify data and disregard laws that are critical to protecting clean water and public health.”
Peer faces not more than 3 years; not less than $5,000 (if a fine is imposed) and not more than $50,000 per day of violation; or $250,000; or twice the amount of gain or loss; for the first count. He faces up to two years incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000 for each of the discharge counts, and faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the mail fraud count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri and Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry McDaniel, with the Southern District of West Virginia U.S. Attorney’s Office, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Environmental Protection Agency and the West Virginia Department of Environment Protection investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Baltimore man admits to drug distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Samuel Hogans, of Baltimore, Maryland, has admitted to heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hogans, also known as Richard Hogans, also known as “Lex,” age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.” Hogans admitted to distributing heroin in October 2017 in Berkeley County.
Hogans faces up to 20 years 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.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.12 Ohio and West Virginia residents indicted for cocaine and heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Twelve people from Ohio and West Virginia are named in two indictments alleging a cocaine and heroin distribution operation that spanned both states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The indictments include a total of 37 counts of cocaine and heroin sales in Ohio County, sometimes near playgrounds, and properties used as drug distribution houses. Those named in the indictments are:
• Diego L. Hansard, also known as “Rico,” age 32, of Canal Winchester, Ohio
• Kyuten J. Smith, also known as “Mitch,” age 27, of Columbus, Ohio
• Martenez Strong-Edmonson, Jr., also known as “Bo,” age 20, of Columbus, Ohio
• Andre Hager, also known as “Andyman,” age 46, of Wheeling, West Virginia
• Brandon Suel, also known as “Cuz,” age 30, of Columbus, Ohio
• Joshua Ford, also known as “Fatboy,” age 29, of Columbus, Ohio
• Michael L. Forrest, Jr., also known as “Flip,” age 27, of Columbus, Ohio
• Thomas W. Seals, Jr., also known as “KB,” age 25, of Canal Winchester, Ohio
• Tajuan Smith, also known as “Poe,” age 19, of Canal Winchester, Ohio
• Tiffany Sells, age 37, of Wheeling, West Virginia
• Michael J. Kennen, age 35, of Wheeling, West Virginia
• Amanda R. Kennen, age 35, of Wheeling, West VirginiaThe 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maryland man sentenced to more than 12 years for transporting a minor across state lines for sexRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Earle Ewing, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced to 151 months incarceration for transporting a 12-year-old across state lines for sex, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ewing, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity” in August 2018. Ewing admitted to transporting a 12-year-old girl from Ranson, West Virginia, to Hagerstown, Maryland, to engage in sexual conduct.
Ewing was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $4,596.03. He will be on 40 years of supervised release after his sentence is served.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Martinsburg man sentenced to more than 20 years for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Jonathan Blunt, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced Monday to 250 months incarceration for distributing heroin, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Blunt, age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 100 grams of Heroin” in May 2018. Blunt admitted to distributing heroin in September 2017 in Berkeley County.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Martinsburg man sentenced to more than 12 years for cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Adam Gunn, II, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced Monday to 151 months incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Gunn, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine” in August 2018. Gunn admitted to selling cocaine in Berkeley County in August 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug & Gang Task Force , the West Virginia State Police, the Virginia State Police, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Ranson Police Department. Other agencies that assisted in the investigation are the Winchester City Police Department; and Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office; Pittsylvania County; Virginia Sheriff’s Office; and the Henry County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Marion County man sentenced to 14 years for methamphetamine distribution and a firearms violationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William A. Six, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced Monday to 168 months incarceration for selling crystal methamphetamine and having a firearm near a school, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Six, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone” in October 2018. Six admitted to selling crystal methamphetamine, also known as “Ice,” in Marion County in September 2017. Six also admitted to having a 12-gauge shotgun, and a semi-automatic rifle on the grounds of Washington Irving Middle School in Harrison County in September 2017.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Attorney General’s Office has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Attorney General’s Office announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Three Rivers Drug Task Force, and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Jefferson County man sentenced for heroin and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyler Logan Kranenberg, of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced Monday to 61 months incarceration for heroin distribution and a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Kranenberg, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Crime” and one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in August 2018. Kranenberg admitted to possessing a .25 caliber pistol while distributing heroin in July 2017 in Jefferson County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Attorney General’s Office has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Attorney General’s Office announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. 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.
Jefferson County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Guillermo Jose Rodriguez, of Charles Town, West Virginia, was sentenced Monday to two years probation for a drug charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rodriguez, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride” in August 2018. Rodriguez admitted to possessing and distributing cocaine in Jefferson County in January 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Jefferson County man sentenced for bank robberyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –A Charles Town, West Virginia man was sentenced Monday to 70 months incarceration for robbing a Charles Town bank, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ryan Stepanian, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Bank Robbery” in August 2018. Stepanian admitted to taking $14,890 from the City National Bank of Charles Town, West Virginia, on January 22, 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ranson Police Department, and the Charles Town Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced to more than 8 years for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Lee Myers, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, was sentenced Monday to 97 months incarceration for possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Myers, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography” in August 2018. Myers admitted to having child pornography on his computer in October 2017.
Myers will be on supervised release for 30 years after he completes his supervision.
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 Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn D. Schell, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, was sentenced Monday to 21 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Schell, also known as “Shaun D. Schell,” age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in August 2018. Schell, having previously been convicted of three felonies, admitted to having a .22 caliber rifle in November 2017 in Berkeley County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Attorney General’s Office has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Attorney General’s Office announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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.
Physicians pay more than $1.5 million to government for kickback schemeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Four physicians from three states have settled with the United States Government for their roles in a kickback scheme that included West Virginia physicians, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Four physicians each agreed to a settlement with the United States Government after being 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 (“Stark”), and the Anti-Kickback Statute. They are:
• Dr. Thomas Baker, of Tennessee, who paid $484,481.80
• Dr. Carolyn Kochert, of Indiana, who paid $129,682.84
• Dr. Larry L. Zhou, of Kentucky, who paid $277,758.18
• Dr. Julie Y. Chao, of Indiana, who paid $650,000“We will continue to do our part to recover all proceeds of improper claims paid by the United States. Fraud and abuse will never be tolerated in this district, and we will continue to pursue those who have obtained taxpayer dollars by improper means,” said Powell.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan McGonigal litigated the cases on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Inspector General – Department of Health and Human Services investigated.
Hardy County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua A. Parker, of Baker, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Parker, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Parker, having been convicted of four previous felonies, admitted to possessing a 9mm pistol in Hardy County in April 2017.
Parker 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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Attorney General’s Office has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Attorney General’s Office announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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 Hardy County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Belmont County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Ivan Burt, of Bridgeport, Ohio, was sentenced today to 27 months incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Burt, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base” in June 2018. Burt admitted to selling crack cocaine near Madison Elementary School on September 22, 2016 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Maryland man admits to drug distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Phillip Ryan Williams, of McCoole, Maryland, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Williams, age 24, pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” He admitted to selling methamphetamine in Mineral County on June 13, 2018.
Williams 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.
Wetzel County man sentenced in connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Todd Jones, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to eight months incarceration for his involvement in methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jones, age 55, pled guilty to “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Methamphetamine” in August 2018. Jones admitted to selling methamphetamine in March 2017 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.
Harrison County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Lee Starkey, Jr., of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Starkey, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in July 2018. Starkey, having been previously convicted of a felony, admitted to having a .22-caliber revolver in March 2018 in Harrison County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Attorney General’s Office has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Attorney General’s Office announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia Probation Office investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Berkeley County man indicted for illegal firearms salesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Loren Hoffman, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, appeared today in federal court after being indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Martinsburg on November 21, 2018 for firearms sales violations, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hoffman, age 52, is charged with two counts of “Sale to a Prohibited Person” and two counts of “Making a False Entry in records by Federal Firearms Dealer.” Hoffman is accused of knowingly selling a .45 ACP caliber Hi-Point rifle to a convicted felon and knowingly failing to make an appropriate entry of the sale in his records. The crimes allegedly took place in October 2018 in Berkeley County.
Hoffman faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the sale counts and faces up to one year incarceration and a fine of up to $100,000 for each of the entry counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Attorney General’s Office has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Attorney General announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Columbus man admits to cocaine distribution chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason R. Smoot, of Columbus, Ohio, has admitted to selling cocaine near a playground, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smoot, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Smoot admitted to selling cocaine near the Jensen Playground in Wheeling in June 2017.
Smoot faces up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.Mineral County residents indicted on drug distribution and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Phillip Arnold Bennett and Erica Lucinda Taylor, both of Piedmont, West Virginia, were indicted today by a federal grand jury on drug distribution and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bennett, age 30, is charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Methamphetamine,” one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” three counts of “Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl,” two counts of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Fentanyl,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Bennett is accused of distributing heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in Mineral County and elsewhere from September 2017 to August 2018. He is also accused of illegally possessing a .380 caliber pistol.
Taylor, age 30, is charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Methamphetamine,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl,” two counts of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” two counts of “Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Fentanyl,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.”
Bennett faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each drug count and up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms count. Taylor faces up to up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each drug count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Attorney General’s Office has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Attorney General announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jefferson County man indicted for bank robberyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy Byers, Jr., of Charles Town, West Virginia, was indicted today by a federal grand jury for bank robbery, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Byers, age 48, is charged with one count of “Bank Robbery.” Byers is accused of robbing the Bank of Charles Town in Charles Town, West Virginia, on May 19, 2018. Byers allegedly got away with $7,048.
Byers faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Illegal alien indicted on reentry chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Naun Romero, of Honduras, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on a reentry charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Romero, also known as Santos Coello, age 33, is charged with one count of “Reentry of a Removed Alien.” Romero, having previously been removed from the United States, is accused of being in Randolph County illegally in October 2018.
Romero faces up to two years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Michigan man admits to oxycodone distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Lloyd, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to an oxycodone distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lloyd, also known as “Red,” age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone.” Lloyd admitted to selling oxycodone in November 2015 in Monongalia County.
Lloyd 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 and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Maryland man sentenced for counterfeit chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Barry Eugene Dragovich, of Cumberland, Maryland, was sentenced today to 36 months incarceration for a counterfeit charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dragovich, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations and Securities” in July 2018. Dragovich admitted to passing counterfeit bills in May 2017 in Harrison County.
Dragovich was also ordered to pay $1,920 in restitution for the crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service and the Clarksburg Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Elkins man admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Oscar Willard Thomas, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Thomas, also known as “Will Thomas,” age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Thomas admitted to selling methamphetamine in September 2016 in Randolph County.
Thomas 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 and Violent Crime Drug 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.
Wetzel County man sentenced to more than 15 years for his connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Doug William Matthews, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 188 months incarceration for his involvement in methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Matthews, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location” in August 2018. Matthews admitted selling methamphetamine near Magnolia High School in March 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.
Ohio County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Quavonte Pugh, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Pugh, also known as “Q,” age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in August 2018. Pugh admitted to selling cocaine base near Jenson Playground in January 2018 in Ohio County
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.Wetzel County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Harrison, of Pine Grove, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Harrison, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition” in August 2018. Harrison, having previously been convicted of a felony, is accused of having a .22 caliber revolver, and rounds of ammunition for the firearm in October 2017 in Wetzel County.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Office of the Attorney General has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the Attorney General’s Office announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Wetzel County man sentenced for connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Alex King, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months incarceration for his involvement in methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
King, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” in August 2018. King 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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Seven indicted on drug distribution chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Seven people from New York and West Virginia were indicted this month by a federal grand jury sitting in Clarksburg on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The 14-count indictment alleges those named conspired with one another to distribute “crack” cocaine and cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” in Monongalia County and elsewhere from the Spring of 2018 until November 2018. Those named in the indictment are:
• Lemar Sheldon Conliffe, also known as “AB,” age 42, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Levon Williams, also known as “Slim,” age 36, of Bronx, New York
• Kenneth Buzzo, age 57, of Granville, West Virginia
• Sandra Riggleman age 58, of Granville, West Virginia
• Bonnie Jo Korzun, age 38, of Granville, West Virginia
• Tyler Hammack, age 20, of Westover, West Virginia
• Clifford “Mike” Nethken, age 45, of Morgantown, West VirginiaAssistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro 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.
Ohio County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –Caveizz Cunningham, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years probation for heroin and cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cunningham, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base” in August 2018. Cunningham admitted to conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine base in January 2018 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.Harrison County man sentenced for selling methamphetamineRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremiah R. Dodrill, of Spelter, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dodrill, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in July 2018. Dodrill admitted to selling methamphetamine in February of 2017 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for his role in a heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Hunter Queen, of Nutter Fort, West Virginia, was sentenced to 21 months incarceration for his role in a heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Queen, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin in Proximity to a Protected Location” in July 2018. Queen admitted to distributing heroin from January to May 2016 in various locations in Harrison County, including near Simpson Elementary School.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Wood County man sentenced to more than 10 years for his connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy Lohri, of Williamstown, West Virginia, was sentenced to 121 months incarceration for his involvement in methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lohri, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” in July 2018. Lohri admitted to his involvement in a conspiracy that consisted of trafficking crystal methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” heroin, and cocaine brought to West Virginia from Columbus, Ohio, and obtained from as far away as Atlanta, 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.
Wheeling man sentenced for wire fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Eugene Robert LeClear, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for wire fraud, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
LeClear, age 47, pled guilty to one count of “Wire Fraud” in July 2018. LeClear admitted to defrauding others out of more than $100,000 from August 2016 to December 2017 in Ohio County.
LeClear was also ordered to pay $130,405 in restitution to the victims.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.Harrison County man sentenced for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Lewis Woodyard, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five months probation for his participation in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Woodyard, age 27, was sentenced to five years probation. Woodyard pled guilty to one count of “False Statement to Acquire a Firearm” in January 2018. He admitted to making a false statement when purchasing two pistols in Harrison County in March 2017.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Office of the Attorney General has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, the office announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted 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. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Wetzel County man sentenced for his connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – John M. Talkington, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 63 months incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution operation that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Talkington, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” in July 2018. Talkington admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base from 2016 to April 2018 in Wetzel County, parts of 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.
Tyler County man sentenced to more than 10 years for selling methamphetamineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles C. Williamson, of Sistersville, West Virginia, was sentenced to 121 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Williamson, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Methamphetamine” in July 2018. Williamson admitted to selling methamphetamine in November of 2017 in Tyler County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Morgan County man indicted for failure to update his sex offender registrationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Great Capacon, West Virginia man was indicted today on a failure to register as a sex offender charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Douglas Brett Bishop, age 51, is charged with one count of “Failure to Register.” Bishop is accused of 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mineral County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Michael Martin, of Keyser, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Martin, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Sale or Transfer to a Prohibited Person.” Martin admitted to selling a 12-gauge shotgun to Nathan E. Carpenter, who was known to have been convicted of a crime, in April 2018 in Mineral County.
Martin faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Marion County man indicted on firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Fairmont, West Virginia man was indicted today on a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Brian K. Griffey, age 48, is charged with one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.” Griffey, having been previously convicted of multiple felonies, is accused of having a 12-gauge shotgun and shotgun shells in Harrison County in June 2018.
Griffey faces a mandatory minimum of 15 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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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 Nutter Fort Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marion County man indicted on drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Fairmont, West Virginia man was indicted today on drug possession and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sanford Austin Mays, age 39, is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms.” Mays is accused of 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), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Illegal alien admits to misuse of a social security numberRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A citizen of Mexico has pled guilty to a fraud charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Irineo Aroldo Matias-Gomez, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Misuse of a Social Security Number.” Matias-Gomez admitted to using a social security number that isn’t his to open a bank account in Berkeley County in October 2017.
Matias-Gomez 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Pittsburgh man sentenced for selling heroinRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher A. Cobbs, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 12 months incarceration for selling heroin, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cobbs, also known as “Bro-Bro,” age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in June 2018. Cobbs admitted to selling heroin in July 2015 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.Local physician placed under supervision and will pay restitutionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dr. Roland F. Chalifoux, Jr., a physician associated with a pain management clinic in McMechen, West Virginia, will pay more than $28,000 in restitution as a part of an agreement, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
The United States filed a pre-trial diversion agreement as a part of a motion to dismiss charges against Chalifoux. Chalifoux, age 59, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $28,606.75, be under supervision by the United States Probation Office, and abide by all conditions set forth in the agreement for 12 months. If at any time, any violations are made, the United States can rescind the agreement and pursue said charges.
Chalifoux has agreed to pay the following:
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - $2,320.62
• WV Medicaid Fraud Control Unit - $9,860.95
• The Health Plan of the Upper Ohio Valley - $11,339.71
• Blue Cross Blue Shield - $5,085.47The Motion to Dismiss and the Pre-Trial Diversion Agreement were filed earlier this week.
U.S. Attorney announces Election Day Program informationRead the Press Release
WHEELING - United States Attorney Bill Powell announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Stephen D. Warner will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 6, 2018, general election. AUSA Warner has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of West Virginia, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process,” said Powell.
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 6, 2018, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Powell stated that AUSA/DEO Warner will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at by calling (304) 636-1739.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (412) 432-4000.Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Powell said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
Statement on the death of James “Whitey” BulgerRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – The United States Attorney’s Office and the FBI are investigating the death of James Bulger as a homicide. To protect the integrity of the investigation, no further details will be released at this time.
Detroit man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Dontez Rayshawn Hudson, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to heroin distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hudson, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Hudson admitted to distributing heroin in Randolph County in May 2017.
Hudson 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Cleveland men admit to drug distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dorion D. McMullen, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Dennis D. Chapman, also of Cleveland, have admitted to drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McMullen, also known as “Caesar,” age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” McMullen admitted to selling cocaine in Ohio County in December 2017.
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.” He admitted to selling cocaine near Pulaski Playground in Ohio County, West Virginia, in January 2018.
McMullen faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Chapman faces up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,0000. 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 Steven L. Vogrin is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.