Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Justice Department is awarding almost $320 million, including nearly $7 million in West Virginia, to combat opioid crisisRead the Press Release
WHEELING – On the first day of National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell is applauding the Justice Department’s announcement of more than $6 million in grant funding to West Virginia to combat the opioid crisis.
The Department of Justice announced it is awarding almost $320 million to combat the opioid crisis in America. The unprecedented funding will directly help those most impacted by the deadliest drug crisis in American history, including crime victims, children, families, and first responders.
"President Trump has made ending the opioid crisis a priority for this administration, and under his leadership, the Department of Justice has taken historic action," said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. "Today we are announcing our next steps: investing $320 million into all three parts of the President’s comprehensive plan to end the epidemic: prevention, treatment, and enforcement. We are attacking this crisis from every angle—and we will not let up until we bring it to an end."
“We know that we can’t arrest our way out of this epidemic. It is crucial that every facet of the community be an active part of the fight. The various grants awarded will assist with treatment, prevention, enforcement, and research, all important tools in addressing the crisis” said Powell.
In 2017, more than 72,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses, an increase from the 64,000 overdose deaths in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the 72,000, 1,011 lives were lost in West Virginia in 2017. The majority of these deaths can be attributed to opioids, including illicit fentanyl and its analogues. October marks two important anti-drug events: Red Ribbon Week and National Prescription Drug Takeback Day. Red Ribbon Week takes place every year between October 23-31 and encourages students, parents, schools, and communities to promote drug-free lifestyles. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 27 aims to provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent overdose deaths and drug addictions before they start. DOJ expanded on DEA's Drug Takeback Days and collected more than 2.7 million pounds of expired or unused prescription drugs since April 2017.
The Attorney General has been resolute in the fight against the drug crisis in America. The Department assigned more than 300 federal prosecutors to U.S. Attorneys’ offices and hired more than 400 DEA task force officers, announced the formation of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge, a new program to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas, and created a new data analytics program called the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit to assist 12 prosecutors sent to drug “hot spot districts.” In addition, the Department charged more than 3,000 defendants with trafficking in heroin, fentanyl, or prescription drugs in FY 2017, announced the first-ever indictments of Chinese nationals for fentanyl trafficking, and scheduled variants of fentanyl to prevent illicit drug labs from circumventing the law. In addition, DOJ executed the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action charging more than 600 defendants and proposed rules consistent with President Trump's "Safe Prescribing Plan," requiring a reduction of ten percent in 2019 in manufacturing quotas. The Department dismantled AlphaBay, the largest criminal marketplace on the Internet and has already generated prosecutions in the fight against online drug trafficking through the Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement Team (J-CODE).
The approximately $320 million awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) will be distributed in order to maximize effectiveness over the country. A breakdown of the grant funding can be found here.• Innovative Prosecution Solutions for Combating Violent Crime and Opioid Abuse ($2.8 Million). Help prosecutors develop strategies to address violent crime caused by illegal opioid distribution and abuse.
• Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program ($162 Million). Help jurisdictions plan and implement programs aimed at reducing opioid abuse and mitigating its impact on crime victims, including training and technical assistance.
o West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services - $1,300,000
o West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources - $920,308
• Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program ($5.9 Million). Address the treatment needs of people using opioids under the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program.
• Helping Children and Youth Impacted by Opioids ($46.6 Million). Help children and youth impacted by the opioid crisis, including training and technical assistance.
o Child Protect of Mercer County, Inc. - $750,000
o Legal Aid of West Virginia - $549,726
o Marshall University Research Corporation - $750,000
o Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center, Inc. - $313,078
• Drug Courts ($81.2 Million). Assist adult, juvenile, and family drug courts and veterans treatment courts, including training and technical assistance
• Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program ($17 Million). Address the dramatic increase in deaths and the backlogs of seized drugs as a result of the opioid crisis.
• Opioid-Related Research for Criminal Justice Purposes ($4.1 Million). Development of new tools to enforce the law, ensure public safety, prevent and control crime, and ensure fair and impartial administration of justice.
o West Virginia University Research Corporation - $1,354,365OJP provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has six bureaus and offices: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking. More information about OJP and its components can be found at: www.ojp.gov.
Former City of Wheeling employee admits to wire fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Teresa D. Hudrlik, of Valley Grove, West Virginia, has admitted to 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.” 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 count on our public employees to operate as hardworking and honest public servants. The vast majority meet or exceed those expectations. Those who violate the sacred public trust must be discovered and prosecuted in accordance with the rule of law. This defendant will now be punished for her conduct. The City of Wheeling is to be commended for their cooperation in this matter,” said Powell.
The government is seeking a money judgement in the amount of $50,000. As a part of the plea agreement, Hudrlik has agreed to pay restitution to the City of Wheeling in the amount of $80,000.
“The City of Wheeling fully cooperated with the State Auditor, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to identify the matters raised in the Information and to hold this person accountable for orchestrating a very complex scheme. The discrepancies and concerns were found at one of the earliest possible junctures in the process of a routine audit. This was an administrator in a position of trust and the mechanics of the actions involved with these matters was quite sophisticated and not easily detectable. The immediate actions the City has taken to review policies and institute procedural safeguards regarding fiscal controls underscores the City’s commitment to protect taxpayer dollars and seek to assure the public that such activity was isolated to this particular employee. The City is aggressively pursuing full restitution of any fraudulent activity with regard to this matter. The City refers any additional questions to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for The Northern District of West Virginia,” said Robert Herron, City Manager, the City of Wheeling
Hudrlik 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 Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Taylor County woman admits to bank fraudRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Karen Kinsley, of Grafton, West Virginia, has admitted to taking out loans and opening accounts in bank customers’ names without their knowledge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Kinsley, age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Bank Fraud.” Kinsley admitted to originating several loans in bank customers’ names without their consent or knowledge, reopening closed checking and saving accounts without the customers’ knowledge, and used some of the loan proceeds for personal use and some for payments on other fraudulent loans. Kinsley committed the crime while she was a branch manager of the Clear Mountain Bank inside the Kroger store in Sabraton, Monongalia County from June 2014 to September 2017.
The government is seeking a money judgement in the amount of $170,219.19.
Kinsley faces up to 30 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 Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Hampshire County man admits to failing to report for sentencingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Albert Slonaker, of Augusta, West Virginia, admitted today to failing to report to serve his federal sentence, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Slonaker, age 49, was sentenced in January 2018 to 46 months incarceration for a firearms charge. He was to self-report to begin serving the sentence on February 21, 2018, but failed to surrender.
Slonaker pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms” in September 2017. Slonaker, having previously been convicted in the Circuit Court of Frederick County, Virginia, admitted to having a .22 caliber revolver, a .357 magnum revolver, two .22 caliber rifles, a .30-06 caliber rifle, and a Rossi firearm frame/receiver. The crime occurred in January 2017 in Hampshire County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Probation Office and the United States Marshal Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
White House Drug Policy Office names Mineral County as one of seven areas to receive federal support for combating drug traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA — United States Attorney Bill Powell is proud to announce that Mineral County is now designated as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, providing much-needed funding and support to the county for the fight against drug trafficking.
“Mineral County is just one of the counties in our district that is seeing increased drug trafficking and its effects on its residents. This HIDTA designation will provide law enforcement more funding and resources so we can more effectively and efficiently address drug trafficking in Mineral County through our task force operations,” said Powell.
Mineral County is the ninth county in the Northern District of West Virginia to receive the HIDTA designation. Brooke, Hancock, Harrison, Marshall, Monongalia, and Ohio Counties are HIDTA-designated counties within Appalachia HIDTA. Berkeley and Jefferson Counties are HIDTA-designated counties within the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA.
James Carroll, Deputy Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, announced the designation of 10 new areas across Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and West Virginia as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTAs) this week.
This designation enables the 10 areas to receive Federal resources to further the coordination and development of drug control efforts among Federal, State, local, and tribal law enforcement officers, and allows local agencies to benefit from ongoing HIDTA initiatives that are working to reduce drug trafficking across the United States.
The newly-designated areas are:
• Allegheny, Beaver, and Washington Counties in Pennsylvania as part of the Ohio HIDTA
• Atlantic County in New Jersey as part of the Liberty Mid-Atlantic HIDTA
• Butler County in Ohio as part of the Ohio HIDTA
• Charleston County in South Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina as part of the Atlanta/Carolinas HIDTA
• Mineral County in West Virginia as part of the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA
• Montgomery and Powell Counties in Kentucky as part of the Appalachia HIDTA
“Drug traffickers are fueling the opioid crisis and poisoning our communities, so we have to be relentless in bringing them to justice,” Carroll said. “This new funding will allow law enforcement to disrupt trafficking operations in key areas so we can save lives, strengthen our communities, and safeguard our country.”
The HIDTA program was created in 1988 and serves as a catalyst for coordination among Federal, State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug trafficking regions. Law enforcement organizations working within HIDTAs assess drug-trafficking problems and design specific initiatives to decrease the production, transportation, and distribution of drugs. There are 29 HIDTAs located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.
For more information on the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, go to WhiteHouse.gov/ONDCP.
Tyler County residents sentenced for roles in a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Miranda Stewart and Michael Shawn Hartline, both of Sistersville, West Virginia, were sentenced today for their roles in a methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution operation that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Stewart, age 23, was sentenced today to 70 months incarceration. She pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” in July 2018. Stewart 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.
Hartline, age 34, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in July 2018. Hartline admitted to distributing crystal methamphetamine in Tyler County in November 2017.
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 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.
Three admit guilt in cocaine distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A confirmed MS-13 gang member and two Martinsburg men have admitted to their involvement with a multi-state drug trafficking operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Miguel Angel Cruz-Polanco, a confirmed MS-13 gang member and a citizen of El Salvador, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine” and one count of “Reentry of a Removed Alien.” Cruz-Polanco, age 34, admitted to selling cocaine in Berkeley County in October 2016, as well as reentering the county illegally.
Kenneth Biermann-Ruz, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine.” Biermann-Ruz admitted to selling cocaine in Berkeley County in October 2016.
Adam Bensaid, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, age 20, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine.” Bensaid admitted to selling cocaine in Berkeley County in January 2017.
Cruz-Polanco, Biermann-Ruz, and Bensaid each face up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the drug charge. Cruz-Polanco faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the reentry 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. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Virginia assisted. The investigation is 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 assisting 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
17 charged in drug distribution operation in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eleven were arrested today after a federal grand jury returned an indictment against 17 individuals from Michigan and West Virginia on charges involving heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution, as well as firearms, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
“Today’s arrests are yet another example of the determined and consistent efforts of our drug task forces. I applaud the DEA, ATF, and the Mon Metro Drug Task Force on the hard work on this case, not only arresting those dealing from our state, but targeting out-of-state distributors who continue to plague our communities. We will never stop prosecuting those who sell poison on our streets,” said Powell.Seventeen individuals were named in a 72-count indictment, alleging a conspiracy to distribute heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine in Monongalia County and elsewhere from the summer of 2017 to September 2018. Those indicted are:
• Maurice Swift, age 38, of Highland Park, Michigan
• Travon Evans, age 26, of Detroit, Michigan
• Raymond Edison, age 30, of Detroit, Michigan
• Daron Buford, age 27, of Detroit, Michigan
• Darius Dunbar, age 24, of Southfield, Michigan
• Juan Holmes, age 27, of Port St. Lucie, Florida
• Geronda Wilson, age 42, of Detroit, Michigan
• Marsawn Daggins, age 34, of Southfield, Michigan
• Brian Ray Kyle, age 39, of Maidsville, West Virginia
• Carissa Moore, age 27, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Christopher Howard, age 32, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Haley Hunt, age 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Daniel Payne, age 31, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Tina Hart, age 40, of Granville, West Virginia
• Hamisi Mwawari, age 44, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Katina Sabatino, age 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Preston Jeffrey Smith, age 24, of Morgantown, West VirginiaOf the 17 defendants, 11 were detained. Those wanted are:
Daron Buford
Juan Holmes
Daniel Payne
Hamisi Mwawari
Marsawn Daggins
Preston Smith“Drug dealers with guns are violent criminals who pose an increased threat to the safety of our communities,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Stuart Lowrey of the Louisville Field Division. “ATF, along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners will aggressively investigate, arrest and pursue prosecution of these offenders.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Monongalia County man admits to child pornography productionRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Ian Michael Toothman, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Toothman, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Production of Child Pornography.” Toothman admitted to producing child pornography in December 2017 in Monongalia County.
Toothman 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.
Justice Department honors Ohio County Sheriff’s Deputy in Second Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in PolicingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – United States Attorney Bill Powell joined Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Justice Department leadership this week in announcing the recipients of the Second Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing, recognizing the exceptional work of 25 law enforcement officers and deputies from 12 jurisdictions across the country.
“The Trump Administration supports law enforcement at all levels—and we always will,” said Attorney General Sessions. “The awards honor the incredible work that is being done across this country every day. This Department of Justice takes pride in announcing today’s winners of the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing.”
“I was enormously proud to be there when Corporal White received the Attorney General’s Award. He was so deserving, but incredibly humble. Corporal White is a fantastic representative of our law enforcement community. So many members of law enforcement do incredible things every day for our communities without fanfare. It was great to see such a deserving person honored’” said Powell.
Ohio County Sheriff’s Corporal Richard White, III, was one of the honorees. He was recognized for his bravery and quick action in rescuing a 13-year-old girl and an adult female from swift flood waters along Wheeling Creek near Greenwood Cemetery on June 24, 2017. Corporal White put his life at risk to save others, preventing a tragedy.
The Justice Department has been committed to supporting law enforcement and continues to back the “women and men in blue,” as directed by President Trump’s February 2017 Executive Order. The Department has recently awarded grants to assist law enforcement and first responders who supported mass shootings in Las Vegas, Nevada, Parkland, Florida, and Santa Fe, Texas. In addition, the Department has helped police departments across America to hire hundreds more police officers through the COPS grant program.
The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and tribal sworn rank-and-file police officers and deputies for exceptional efforts in policing. The awarded officers and deputies have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations or innovations in community policing. The Department received 207 nominations for 469 individuals ranging from state police departments, to local police, to campus public safety agencies. This award highlights the work that officers and deputies do to prevent, intervene in, and respond to crime and public safety issues.
Hampshire County woman admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA –Ashley N. Rohrbaugh, of Purgitsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a heroin distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rohrbaugh, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.” Rohrbaugh admitted to conspiring with another to distribute heroin in Hardy County from January to April 2017.
Rohrbaugh 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 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 Michael John Aloi presided.
33 charged in methamphetamine distribution operations in Harrison, Marion, and Monongalia CountiesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Thirteen were arrested this week after a federal grand jury returned indictments against 33 individuals from Florida, Mississippi, Maryland, and West Virginia on charges involving methamphetamine distribution and firearms, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
“This is yet another example of the team effort to combat dangerous drugs coming into our state from other states to be distributed by our residents to poison our communities. We will not tolerate any drug traffickers in our communities, nor will we tolerate them setting up shop near playgrounds, schools, and our children. The message is getting louder and louder that if you choose to sell drugs in our district, you will be prosecuted to fullest extent of the law,” said Powell.Nineteen individuals were named in a 40-count indictment, alleging a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Harrison County and elsewhere from the fall of 2017 to September 2018. Those indicted are:
• Kedric Pearson, age 34, of Waynesboro, Mississippi
• Paul Casto, age 55, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
• Stormy Hawkins, age 25, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
• William Koch, age 33, of Anmore, West Virginia
• Jacob Wright, age 36, of West Union, West Virginia
• Donald Hickman, Jr., age 43, of Reynoldsville, West Virginia
• Cody Boley, age 24, of Wallace, West Virginia
• Byron Higginbotham, age 36, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
• Jodi Denkenberger, age 28, of Mount Claire, West Virginia
• Erica Herron, age 37, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
• David Weaver, age 33, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
• Taylor Espinoza, age 21, of Bridgeport, West Virginia
• Stephen Richards, age 40, of Fairmont, West Virginia
• Solomon Cottrill, age 32, of Salem, West Virginia
• Nathan Crites, age 34, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
• Russell Clark, age 64, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
• Faith Martin, age 20, of Shinnston, West Virginia
• Jesse Pack, age 23, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
• Justin Jackson, age 40, of Baltimore, MarylandIn a separate case, a federal grand jury indicted 14 individuals on methamphetamine charges. The men and women are accused of conspiring with one another to distribute methamphetamine in Harrison County and elsewhere from October 2017 to September 2018. Those charged in the 27-count indictment are:
• Juwan Floyd, age 26, of Tallahassee, Florida
• Kareem Sampson, age 29, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Ramiro Pimentel Jr., age 31, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
• Kelly Wright, age 36, of West Union, West Virginia
• Teressa Hall, age 33, of Bristol, West Virginia
• Nicholle Knotts, age 24, of Philippi, West Virginia
• Chance Ward, age 19, of Buckhannon, West Virginia
• Ashley Wagner, age 27, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
• Brittany Miles, age 28, of Clarksburg, West Virginia
• Brandon Mays, age 30, of Fairmont, West Virginia
• Joshua Langbien, age 28, of Buckhannon, West Virginia
• Ann Marie Stankus, age 24, of Buckhannon, West Virginia
• Rodney Rowan, age 23, of Buckhannon, West Virginia
• Chris Conley, age 35, of Clarksburg, West VirginiaThe government is also seeking forfeiture of four vehicles, a house on Winding Way in Clarksburg, and more than $33,000 seized as a part of the investigation. Law enforcement has also seized 15 firearms.
Of the 33 defendants, 25 were detained. Those wanted are:
Donald Hickman
Faith Martin
William Koch
Erica Herron
Ashley Wagner
Russel Clark
Jesse Pack
Nichole Knotts
Kendric Pearson
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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Upshur County man sentenced for role in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Larry Harper, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 135 months incarceration for conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Harper, also known as “Skip,” age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in February 2018. Harper admitted to conspiring with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The crime occurred in Upshur County and elsewhere from March 2016 to September 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, the Greater Harrison Drug &Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the West Virginia State Police, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Buckhannon Police Department, and the Weston Police Department investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ohio County man sentenced for cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin J. Pugh, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for a cocaine charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Pugh, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in June 2018. Pugh admitted to selling cocaine near Bloch Playground in October 2017 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, are investigating. The United States Marshals Service made the arrest.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.Wheeling man sentenced for drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tysaun A. Pugh, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months incarceration for drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Pugh, also known as “Chubbs,” age 20, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in July 2018. Pugh admitted to selling heroin near Jensen Playground in January 2018 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting 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.Ohio physician sentenced to nearly five years for fraudulently distributing controlled substancesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dr. Tod Hagins, of Wintersville, Ohio, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for writing fraudulent prescriptions to be sold on the streets from his Weirton, West Virginia practice, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
“This case should send a clear message to all those who practice medicine that neither their medical license nor their white lab coat will protect them from enormous consequences of illegal drug distribution and medical fraud. This doctor violated both our laws and his solemn oath as a physician. He will now pay for those violations.” said Powell.
Hagins, age 52, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice,” one count of “Healthcare Fraud,” and one count of “Money Laundering” in April 2018.
Hagins operated a general medical practice, as well as the Weirton Suboxone Clinic, on Washington Street in Weirton, West Virginia. Hagins admitted to prescribing oxycodone to several individuals without a legitimate medical purpose to be sold on the streets for a share in the profits. Hagins also admitted to writing the prescriptions for oxycodone in a manner that would allow the individual filling said prescriptions to be paid for by West Virginia Medicaid. As a part of the conspiracy, Hagins deposited $4,000 into a business equity line of credit to be used in the scheme, with the intention of concealing the criminal activity.
Hagans was also ordered to pay $130,160 in a money judgement, and pay $809.62 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner Fraud Division; the West Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; the Office of Ohio Attorney General Health Care Fraud Unit; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Jefferson County, Ohio Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.
New York man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephan Cotterrell, of New York, New York, was sentenced today to 84 months incarceration for using a firearm during a crime of violence, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cotterrell, age 21, pled guilty to one count of “Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence” in April 2018. He admitted to brandishing a .22 caliber revolver during a robbery in January 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia.
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 Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Martinsburg man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jarod Arthur Blakney, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Blakney, also known as “Papi,” age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Blakney admitted to selling cocaine base in Berkeley County in June of 2017.
Blakney 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 Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Dent, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months incarceration for illegally possessing a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dent, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in May 2018. Dent, who had previously been convicted of crimes in New Jersey, admitted to having a 9mm caliber pistol in May 2017 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. 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 Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Celebrates First RespondersRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Families from across the Ohio Valley will have the chance to see their favorite emergency response, military and construction vehicles up close this weekend, thanks to the United States Attorney’s Office, Cabela’s, first responders, and other businesses in our community.
United States Attorney Bill Powell proud to announce the third “Meet and Greet the Safety Fleet” event at the Highlands in Triadelphia. This event offers a chance for children and their families to meet their local law enforcement and first responders and “touch a truck.” Participants can sit in their favorite vehicles, take pictures, and explore.
“We see this event as an important way to connect families and those that keep them safe in their communities. Children will have the opportunity to have personal and positive interaction with law enforcement, first responders, and more,” said Powell.
The event is open and free to the public. It will be held Saturday, September 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cabela’s in Triadelphia. There will be character appearances and a special appearance of AirEvac’s medical helicopter (weather permitting).
Philadelphia man admits to drug chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Lamont Lott, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has admitted to a drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lott, also known as “Ant,” age 49, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Lott admitted to distributing cocaine base and methamphetamine in July 2017 and August 2018 in Berkeley County.
Morgan faces up to not less than five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the cocaine count, and faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the methamphetamine 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 Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Virginia man sentenced for selling cocaineRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marto Orantes, of Winchester, Virginia, was sentenced today to time served for cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Orantes, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine” in June 2018. Orantes admitted to selling cocaine in April 2016 in Hampshire County.
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 Mineral County Sheriff's Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, the Keyser City Police Department, and the Ranson Police Department.
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.
Two Department of Defense employees admit to embezzlement chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Sergeant First Class Shane Morgan with the West Virginia Army National Guard and Master Sergeant (retired) Russell Morgan have admitted to charges related to the embezzlement and unlawful sale of government property, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Shane Morgan, age 35, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, and Russell Morgan, age 61, of Helvetia, West Virginia, each pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Embezzle Government Property.” The two men admitted to stealing at least 80 items of United States government property worth an estimated total of more than $80,000. The men obtained access to this property through their official positions at the United States Property and Fiscal Office warehouse in Buckhannon. The crimes took place from August 2010 to October 2017 in Upshur County.
Both men each face 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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia Army National Guard and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Morgan County woman sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Megan Renee Bohrer, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for a stolen firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bohrer, age 25, pled guilty one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession of a Stolen Firearm” in May 2018. Bohrer admitted to possessing a stolen .38 caliber revolver in September 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. 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 prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Martinsburg man sentenced for illegal ammunition chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gary Owen Jones, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for illegal possession of ammunition, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jones, age 47, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Ammunition” in May 2018. Jones, who was previously convicted of a felony in the Circuit Court of Berkeley County, possessed more than 1,100 rounds of ammunition in February of 2018 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. 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 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.
Harrison County man sentenced for methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Jacob Renard White, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
White, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Methamphetamine” in July 2018. White admitted to distributing 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.
Hampshire County man sentenced for sex offender registry violationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Dale Helton, of High View, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for a sex offender registration violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Helton, age 50, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Register” in May 2018. Helton, who had previously been convicted of a sex offense in South Carolina, admitted to traveling across state lines without updating his sex offender registration, as required by law, in November and December 2017 in Hampshire 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
El Salvador man sentenced for drug trafficking chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jose Santiago Cruz-Delcid, of El Salvador, was sentenced today to 10 months incarceration for cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cruz-Delcid, also known as “Trucko” or “Truckito,”, who had been living in Bunker Hill, West Virginia, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine” in May 2018. Cruz-Delcid admitted to selling cocaine for $2,200 August 2017 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. 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 investigated.
The investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
El Salvador citizen sentenced for cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jose Wil Castro, of El Salvador, was sentenced today to 10 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Castro, a/k/a “William”, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine” in May 2018. Castro admitted to selling cocaine in May 2016 in Hampshire County.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Eastern Panhandle residents sentenced for drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg man and a Kearneysville woman were sentenced today for drug distribution and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lante Jerrel Cook, age 29, was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base” in May 2018. Cook admitted to possessing crack cocaine in October 2017 in Berkeley County.
Tiffany Rosalind Cole, age 29, was sentenced to 18 months incarceration. She pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Possession of Stolen Firearm” in May 2018. Cole admitted to having a stolen .9mm caliber pistol in October 2017 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County woman sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sarah Jaielyn Carter, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months incarceration for her role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Carter, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” in February 2018. Carter worked with others to distribute heroin in Berkeley County in November 2016.
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 and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Berkeley County woman sentenced for cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jessica Marie Shifflett, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to four years of probation for distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Shifflett, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base” in May 2018. Shifflett admitted to conspiring with others to distribute crack cocaine in Berkeley County from April 2015 to February 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Colorado man admits to drug chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Johnny L. Morgan, of Walsenburg, Colorado, has admitted to a drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Morgan, age 66, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol, and Methamphetamine ,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Distribution of Tetrahydrocannabinol,” and one count of “Distribution of Marijuana.” Morgan admitted to distributing marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, and methamphetamine in June and July 2017 in Braxton County.
Morgan faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Cleveland man admits to drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Walter Rogers, of Cleveland, Ohio, has admitted to cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rogers, age 27, pled guilty to three counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Rogers admitted to selling cocaine in Marshall County in August 2017 and April 2018.
Rogers faces up to 30 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for each distribution count and faces up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $8,000,000 for the possession 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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.
Maryland man admits to transporting a minor across state lines for sexRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Earle Ewing, of Hagerstown, Maryland, has admitted to 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.” Ewing admitted to transporting a 12-year-old girl from Ranson, West Virginia, to Hagerstown, Maryland, to engage in sexual conduct.
Ewing faces up to 30 years 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Jefferson County man admits to bank robberyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –A Charles Town, West Virginia man has admitted to robbing a Charles Town bank, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ryan Stepanian, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Bank Robbery.” Stepanian admitted to taking $14,890 from the City National Bank of Charles Town, West Virginia, on January 22, 2018.
Stepanian 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 Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ranson Police Department, and the Charles Town Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Barbour County woman admits to methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Chelsey Farley, of Philippi, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Farley, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Farley admitted to possessing crystal methamphetamine, also known as “Ice,” in November 2016 in Barbour County.
Farley faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of $250,000 fine. 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, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Ohio County men admit to drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Quavonte Pugh and Caveizz Cunningham, both of Wheeling, West Virginia, have admitted to drug charges, 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.” Pugh admitted to selling cocaine base near Jenson Playground in January 2018 in Ohio County
Cunningham, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base.” Cunningham admitted to conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine base in January 2018 in Ohio County.
Pugh faces up 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Cunningham faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the cases 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 admits to drug distribution and firearm chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – James Bailey, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to drug distribution and firearm charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bailey, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Offense.” Bailey admitted to selling methamphetamine and being in possession of a firearm during the drug offense in Harrison County in January 2018.
Bailey faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the first count and faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the second 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Greater Harrison County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Detroit man admits to oxycodone distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Brown, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to selling oxycodone, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Brown, also known as “Pooh,” age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone.” Brown admitted to selling oxycodone in October 2015 in Monongalia County.
Brown 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.
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.
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, led the investigation. The Task Force consists of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, Morgantown Police Department, the Star City Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia University Police Department, the Granville Police Department, and the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The US Marshals Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the Monongalia County Processing and Transport Personnel, the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force MHIT Group, the Mountain State Drug Task Force, the Three Rivers Drug Task Force-Fairmont, and the Fairmont Police Department assisted.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Wetzel County residents and a Columbus man admit to connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Three New Martinsville, West Virginia residents and a Columbus, Ohio man have admitted to his involvement in methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Alex King, age 33, and Matthew Jackson, also known as “Matt-Matt,” age 22, each pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.” King and Jackson admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine from 2016 to April 2018 in Wetzel County and elsewhere.
Todd Jones, age 55, and Cynthia Henries, age 47, each pled guilty to “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Jones and Henries admitted to selling methamphetamine in March 2017 in Wetzel County.
All four defendants 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. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., and Shawn M. Adkins are prosecuting 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 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 over the King, Jones, and Henries cases.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided over the Jackson case.
Martinsburg man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Adam Gunn, II, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Gunn, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine.” Gunn admitted to selling cocaine in Berkeley County in August 2017.
Gunn faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher are prosecuting 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.
Eastern Panhandle man sentenced to 22 years for drug distribution and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gregory Keith Clinton, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 264 months incarceration for drug and firearm charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
After a three-day trial in April 2018, a jury found Clinton, age 57, guilty of one count of “Armed Career Criminal Act,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” He was also found guilty of one count of “Possession of Cocaine Base” and one count of “Possession of Cocaine.” Clinton, having previously been convicted of three felony drug charges, illegally possessed a .45-caliber pistol and possessed crack cocaine and coke in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties in July 2016.
“When firearms are combined with drug distribution, bad things happen. Our prosecution once again made clear that we will relentlessly pursue this type of criminal conduct. The sentence is significant and we will continue to be aggressive with our prosecutions,” said Powell.
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 Anna Z. Krasinski and Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Elizabeth D. Grant, also with the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted 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.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Braxton County woman admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Rebecca Ann Shaver, of Sutton, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Shaver, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Shaver admitted to attempting to possess methamphetamine in July 2017 in Braxton County.
Shaver 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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Wetzel County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Harrison, of Pine Grove, West Virginia, has admitted to 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.” 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.
Harrison 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. 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Upshur County man sentenced to 14 years for child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – James Andrew Smith, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 168 months incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smith, age 58, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography” in May 2018. Smith, having previously been convicted of possession of child pornography, admitted to having computer disks and other materials containing child pornography in his possession. The crime occurred in November 2015 in Upshur County.
Smith was also ordered to pay $16,000 in restitution and ordered to forfeit computers, cameras, and other items.
This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Upshur County man sentenced for more than 10 years for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Reggie Joe McLain, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 123 months incarceration for distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McLain, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in December 2017. McLain admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine in Upshur County and elsewhere from March 2016 to September 2017.
McLain was also ordered to forfeit $20,674 seized from his vehicle in October 2016.
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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, the Greater Harrison Drug &Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the West Virginia State Police, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Buckhannon Police Department, and the Weston Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.Wheeling man sentenced for cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Deandre L. Davis, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 84 months incarceration for distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Davis, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in May 2018. Davis admitted to selling cocaine near Riverview Towers in Wheeling in July 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HITDA-funding initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.Two Maryland men and a Virginia man sentenced for firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Maryland men and a Virginia man have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy involving the sale and transfer of firearms, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Thorn Ashton Guessford, age 26, of Federalsburg, Maryland, was sentenced today to three years probation. Stephen Clark Krieger, age 67, also of Federalsburg, Maryland, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration. Each pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy” in April 2018. They admitted to being a part of a conspiracy to transfer and sell firearms across state lines from May until July 2017 in Berkeley County, West Virginia and elsewhere.
Glenn Eugene Oden, age 39, of Stephens City, Virginia, was sentenced today to six months incarceration. Oden pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in March 2018. Oden, having a prior conviction, admitted to illegally possessing a .40 caliber pistol in May 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. 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 Anna Z. Krasinski prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Tucker County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Lee Hollobaugh, of Parsons, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hollobaugh, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Hollobaugh, having previously been convicted of four felonies, admitted to possessing a 9mm pistol in October 2017 in Randolph County.
Hollobaugh faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of $250,000 fine. 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco, and Explosives and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.