Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Bail bonding company owner and former employee admit to tax fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – William W. Seelbach, of Fort Meyers, Florida, and Jolynn Gilchrist, of Wheeling, West Virginia, have admitted to tax fraud, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Seelbach, age 68, owner of W&S Bail Bonding, doing business as A Bail Bonding by ABC of Wheeling, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Defraud the United States—Impede the Internal Revenue Service,” and one count of “Failure to File Individual Income Tax Return for Tax Year 2012.” Seelbach admitted to impeding the IRS in its collection of taxes, and failing to file a federal income tax return for 2012 to report $144,030 in income to the IRS.
Gilchrist, age 49, former employee of ABC, pled guilty to one count of “False Tax Return.” Gilchrist admitted to filing an inaccurate federal tax return for the 2015 tax year.
Seelbach and Gilchrist each face up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Shawn M. Adkins are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Two Clarksburg residents sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John T. Skidmore and Danielle Archambault, both of Clarksburg, West Virginia, were sentenced today for drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Skidmore, age 35, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration. Skidmore pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” and one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in February 2018. He admitted to selling heroin in March 2017 and distributing methamphetamine in April 2017. The crimes took place in Harrison County.
Archambault, age 28, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration. She pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in February 2018. She admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Harrison County and elsewhere April 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.Hampshire County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Grover Allen White, of Romney, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
White, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” White admitted to possessing a stolen .380 caliber pistol. The crime occurred in Hampshire County in June 2016.
White faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
U.S. Magistrate Robert W. Trumble presided.31 Ohio and West Virginia residents are indicted in connection to a drug distribution operation in Wetzel and Tyler CountiesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Two grand juries have returned indictments against 31 individuals from Ohio and West Virginia on charges involving methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin distribution that spanned multiple states, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Twenty-three West Virginia residents were indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Wheeling on June 5, 2018 on charges involving a multi-state drug distribution operation.
“These indictments demonstrate our continued efforts to aggressively prosecute those who consider West Virginia as a viable market to distribute their poison. We are seeing increased trafficking of methamphetamine, which also brings increased violence. Thanks to our prosecution team, and the incredible efforts of our law enforcement partners, these indictments were returned. The cases are now on the path for a final resolution. Our mission to keep our communities safe remains paramount,” said Powell.
The alleged conspiracy 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. Some are facing weapons charges involving a total of eight firearms. Those indicted are:
• Joshua Cathers, age 38, of Sistersville, West Virginia
• Michael Shawn Hartline, age 34, of Sistersville, West Virginia
• Rachel A. Cook, age 28, of Sistersville, West Virginia
• Holly C. Jenkins, age 55, of New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Justin Richeson, also known as “Squash,” age 34, of New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Timothy Lohri, age 36, of Williamstown, West Virginia
• John M. Talkington, age 29, of New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Haley Weigle, age 24, of New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Wilson Longwell, age 26, of Littleton, West Virginia
• Desiree Morgan, age 23, of Paden City, West Virginia
• Ronald Morgan, age 50, of New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Richard Warf, age 54, of Sistersville, West Virginia
• Charles C. Williamson, age 31, of Sistersville, West Virginia
• Brea M. Saeger, age 27, of Sistersville, West Virginia
• Miranda Stewart, age 23, of Sistersville, West Virginia
• Susan Kotson, age 53, of New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Alex King, age 32, of New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Amber M. Richeson, age 36, New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Boyd Williamson, age 36, of Middlebourne, West Virginia
• Cynthia L. Henries, age 47, of New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Todd Jones, age 55, of New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Randy Peffer, age 25, of New Martinsville, West Virginia
• Doug William Matthews, age 32, of New Martinsville, West VirginiaIn addition, six men and two women from Ohio, suspected members or associates of a street gang called the “Elaine Crip Family,” were indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Wheeling on April 3, 2018 in connection with the same trafficking of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin into Wetzel and Tyler Counties, as well as into the southern district of West Virginia.
Those charged in that indictment with “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” are:
• Rodriquies M. Evans, also known as “Dree”, age 27, of Columbus, Ohio
• Marisa Page, age 26, of Columbus, Ohio
• Kenyatta Banks, Jr., also known as “Yatta”, age 28, of Canal Winchester, Ohio
• Matthew Jackson, also known as “Matt-Matt”, age 22, of Columbus, Ohio
• Delkira L. Rodgers, age 20, of Columbus, Ohio
• Robert L. Gregory, age 36, of Columbus, Ohio
• Cedric L. Douglas, age 29, of Groveport, Ohio
• Aaron Callahan, age 28, of Columbus, OhioAssistant 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 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.
Virginia man admits to selling cocaineRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marto Orantes, of Winchester, Virginia, has admitted to cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Orantes, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine.” Orantes admitted to selling cocaine in April 2016 in Hampshire County.
Orantes 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 Mineral County Sheriff's Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, the Keyser City 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.
Monongalia County man admits to sex offender registry violationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert W. Tucker, Jr., of Star City, West Virginia, has admitted to a sex offender registration violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Tucker, age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.” Tucker admitted to traveling from Monongalia County, West Virginia to South Carolina and North Carolina, without updating his registry, as required by law, in August 2016 and September 2017.
Tucker faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Berkeley County woman admits to her role in a heroin and fentanyl distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Crystal Lyn Lewis, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to heroin and fentanyl distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lewis, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” Lewis admitted to distributing fentanyl in January 2017 in Jefferson County.
Lewis 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Two illegal aliens indicted on a drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Two men in the United States illegally were indicted today by a federal grand jury on drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hsun Jung Chang, age 29, and Shougi Li, age 24, are each charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribute Marijuana,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana.” The men are accused of possessing marijuana in Ohio County in May 2018.
Each defendant faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Oklahoma man admits to sex offender registry violationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Marvin Gene McLaughlin, of Enid, Oklahoma, has admitted to a sex offender registry violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McLaughlin, age 58, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.” McLaughlin, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, admitted to traveling from Oklahoma to Marion County, West Virginia without updating his sex offender registration in January 2018.
McLaughlin faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Ohio County Magistrate indicted on wire fraud, bribery, and tax fraud chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ohio County Magistrate Harry A. Radcliffe, III, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on charges involving wire fraud, bribery, and tax fraud, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Radcliffe, age 60, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Federal Program Bribery, and Travel Act Bribery,” three counts of “Wire Fraud,” one count of “Federal Program Bribery,” one count of “Travel Act Bribery,” and three counts of “Filing a False Income Tax Return.”
Radcliffe is accused of soliciting and accepting bribes from W&S Bail Bonding, doing business as A Bail Bonding (ABC) of Wheeling, West Virginia, concealing said bribes from the State of West Virginia and the IRS, directing defendants and their families to ABC without offering other options as required, altering bonds to require a bonding company, and collecting said bribes via credit card and interstate travel He is also accused of failing to report $11,000 in income on both his 2013 and 2014 federal income taxes, and failing to report $4,500 in income on his 2015 federal income taxes. The crimes are alleged to have occurred from January 2012 to April 2016 in the Northern District of West Virginia and elsewhere.
The United States is also seeking a money judgement in the amount of $26,500.
Radcliffe faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy count, up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the wire fraud counts, up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for federal bribery count, up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the travel act count, and up to three years incarceration and fine of up to $250,000 for each of the false income tax return 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.
In addition, William W. Seelbach, owner of ABC, of North Fort Meyers, Florida, was charged in a two-count information today. Seelbach, age 68, is facing one count of “Conspiracy to Defraud the United States—Impede the Internal Revenue Service,” and one count of “Failure to File Individual Income Tax Return for Tax Year 2012.” Seelbach is accused of impeding the IRS in its collection of taxes, and failing to file a federal income tax return for 2012 to report $144,030 in income to the IRS.
Jolynn Gilchrist, former employee of ABC, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was charged in an information today with one count of “False Tax Return.” Gilchrist, age 49, is accused of filing an inaccurate federal tax return for the 2015 tax year.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Shawn M. Adkins are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.###
Monongalia County woman sentenced for her role in an oxycodone distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marjorie Sue Webster, of Maidsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for her role in distributing oxycodone, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Webster, age 24, pled guilty to “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in January 2018. Webster admitted to using a phone to assist others in distributing oxycodone in March 2017 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the cases 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 investigation was funded in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Martinsburg man indicted on a drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg, West Virginia man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on cocaine and heroin distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jarod Arthur Blakney, also known as “Papi,” age 28, is charged with one count of “Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base,” and three counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Blakney is accused of selling heroin and cocaine in Berkeley County in May and June of 2017.
Blakney 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 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Illegal alien indicted for misuse of a social security numberRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A citizen of Mexico was indicted today by a federal grand jury on a fraud charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Irineo Aroldo Matias-Gomez, age 30, is charged with one count of “Misuse of a Social Security Number.” Matias-Gomez is accused of 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Cleveland man indicted on a drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Cleveland, Ohio man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on cocaine distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Anthony Walter Rogers, age 27, is charged with three counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Rogers is accused of 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
A Monongalia County woman admits to firearms conspiracy chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Margaret Parker, of Dellslow, West Virginia, has admitted to her involvement in an illegal firearms operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Parker, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Violate Federal Firearms Laws.” She admitted to being involved in a conspiracy that included making false statements to purchase firearms, trading firearms for controlled substances, and transporting and selling the firearms in New York. The crime occurred in Morgantown, Monongalia County and elsewhere from May 2017 to June 2017.
Parker 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
On 500th day of Trump Administration, Attorney General Sessions announces 311 new Assistant United States Attorney positionsRead the Press Release
WHEELING – On the 500th day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia Bill Powell announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis.
In the largest increase in decades, the Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys to assist in priority areas. Those allocations are as follows: 190 violent crime prosecutors, 86 civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 additional immigration prosecutors. Many of the civil enforcement AUSA’s will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force which targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.
“Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis—and today we are sending in reinforcements,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is 'the coin of the realm.' When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed. I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher. These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership. This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades.”
In the Northern District of West Virginia, one of these AUSAs will focus on violent crime, and one on civil enforcement. “Our Assistant United States Attorneys have been working extremely hard and getting great results. We are very appreciative that the Attorney General has given us these additional resources. We have a vital mission to fulfill, and we will put the new resources to good use,” said Powell.
Five Florida residents admit to fraud charges involving gas station skimmersRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Five Florida residents have admitted to their involvement with a gas station skimming fraud scheme, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Three pled guilty to one count each of “Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud” and one count each of “Access Device Fraud-Use of Unauthorized Access Device.” They are:
• Meylan Montalvo Gomez, of Hialeah, Florida, age 27
• Yosan Pons Sosa, of Miami, Florida, age 29
• Lazaro Serrano Diaz , of Miami, Florida, age 27Naudi Reyes Fernandez, of Miami, Florida, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud” and one count of “Access Device Fraud-Possession of Device-Making Equipment.”
Yarai Fuentes Quinones, of Hialeah, Florida, age 26, pled guilty today to one count of “Access Device Fraud-Use of Unauthorized Access Device.”
Each admitted to their roles in a conspiracy spanning four states that involved using skimming devices at gas pumps, using technology to upload the account information, and creating fraudulent cards with said accounts to make unauthorized transactions at different businesses in West Virginia and elsewhere.
Gomez, Sosa, and Diaz are each facing up to up to seven and a half years incarceration and fine of up to $125,000 for the conspiracy count and up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the access device count. Fernandez is facing up to seven and a half years incarceration and fine of up to $125,000 for the conspiracy count and up to 15 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the possession of a device count. Quinones is facing up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
The United States is also seeking forfeiture of the following:
a. approximately thirty-three (33) gift cards containing an unknown value;
b. approximately $72,495.73 in United States Currency;
c. approximately $28,498.00 worth of Western Union money orders;
d. approximately $10,300.00 worth of MoneyGram money orders;
e. one magnetic stripe card reader-writer-encoder
f. two laptops
g. six cell phonesThe United States is also seeking a money judgement against each of the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, West Virginia State Police and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Berkeley County man admits to heroin chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Ross Valentine, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Valentine, age 35, pled guilty one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession With Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Valentine admitted to possessing and distributing heroin in September 2017 in Berkeley County.
Valentine 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 and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Grant, also with the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, are prosecuting 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Barbour County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Philippi, West Virginia man has admitted to possessing a stolen firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Gregory Smith, age 54, pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” Smith, admitted to having a stolen .22-caliber derringer in January 2018 in Barbour County.
Smith is facing up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Martinsburg man admits to heroin distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg, West Virginia man has admitted to distributing heroin, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Steven Jonathan Blunt, age 43, pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 100 grams of Heroin.” Blunt admitted to distributing heroin in September 2017 in Berkeley County.
Blunt is facing up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
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 & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.Keyser man admits to cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Keyser, West Virginia man has admitted to distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Emilio Regueno pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine.” Regueno admitted to distributing cocaine in May 2016 in Hampshire County.
Regueno is facing 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.Harrison County man admits to role in heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Bridgeport, West Virginia man has admitted to his role in a heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
David C. Chalfant, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin” Chalfant admitted to selling heroin in March 2016 in Harrison County.
Chalfant 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 Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.El Salvador citizen admits to cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – An El Salvador citizen has admitted to his role in a cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jose Wil Castro, a/k/a “William”, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine” Castro admitted to selling cocaine in May 2016 in Hampshire County.
Castro 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.A Monongalia County man admits to firearms conspiracy chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Morgantown, West Virginia man has admitted to a charge involving an illegal firearms operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Tommy Calhoun, age 52, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Violate Federal Firearms Laws.” Calhoun admitted to being involved in a conspiracy that included making false statements to purchase firearms, trading firearms for controlled substances, and transporting and selling the firearms in New York. The crime occurred in Morgantown, Monongalia County and elsewhere from May 2017 to June 2017.
Calhoun faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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 investigated.U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Hancock County woman sentenced for making a false statementRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nichole P. Northcraft, of New Cumberland, West Virginia, was sentenced to six months probation for making a false statement when applying to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Northcraft, 44, pled guilty to one count of “False Official Writings.” Northcraft, as a minority, made a false claim about business ownership to benefit from the SBA’s program in February 2018.
The Small Business Administration operates programs to assist socially or economically disadvantaged business operators. The businesses must be unconditionally owned and controlled by the qualifying individuals in order to comply with federal law.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Wheeling man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy E. Billups, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for distributing cocaine near a playground, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Billups, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in February 2018. Billups admitted to selling cocaine near the Jensen playground in June 2017 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.Marshall County man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Carl N. Hooker, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hooker, age 56, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Oxycodone” in April 2018. Hooker admitted to conspiring with others to distribute oxycodone, from 2009 to November 2017 in Marshall County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.Harrison County residents admit to roles in heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia, woman and a Bridgeport, West Virginia man have admitted to their roles in a heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Alexandra D. Coffman Mitchell, also known as “Ali,” age 25, pled guilty today to one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises – Aiding and Abetting.” Mitchell admitted to leasing or renting a place in Clarksburg to distribute heroin in March 2016.
David W. Lipscomb, age 35, pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin.” Lipscomb admitted to selling heroin in Harrison County on March 15, 2016.
Mitchell is facing up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000. Lipscomb is facing 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 cases on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Washington, D.C. woman sentenced for her role in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Britney Joyce Robinson, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 41 months incarceration for maintaining a drug house, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Robinson, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises” in September 2017. Robinson admitted to operating a house in Morgantown, West Virginia, to distribute cocaine and oxycodone from the spring of 2016 to March of 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Virginia man sentenced for bank fraud, ordered to pay more than $26,000Read the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ajarhi Roberts, of Stephens City, Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for bank fraud, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Roberts, also known as Wayne Roberts, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Bank Fraud” in February 2018. Roberts admitted to using another’s identifying information to commit bank fraud. The crime occurred in March and June of 2016 in Berkeley County, West Virginia.
Roberts was also ordered to pay $26,182.19 in restitution.
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.
Ohio County man sentenced for drug distribution and firearms possessionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dorian Devon Banks, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months incarceration for cocaine distribution and illegal firearms possession, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Banks, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime” in February 2018. Banks admitted to possessing cocaine and a 9mm caliber pistol during a drug crime in May 2017 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.Morgan County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Dean Smith, of Great Cacapon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smith, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of an Unregistered Firearm” in January 2018. Smith admitted to possessing an unregistered silencer. The crime took place in Berkeley County in October 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case 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.Mineral County woman sentenced drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Autumn Breann Ward, of Keyser, West Virginia, was sentenced to five years probation for a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ward, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in February 2018. Ward admitted to selling heroin in August 2016 in Mineral 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 Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Martinsburg man sentenced for selling heroinRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darnell Jermaine Fitzhugh, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation for heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Fitzhugh, also known as “DC,” age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in February 2018. Fitzhugh admitted to selling heroin on July 11, 2016 in Berkeley County, West Virginia.
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, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Jefferson County woman sentenced for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mindy Sue Snyder, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for having child pornography, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Snyder, age 33, waived her right to have her case presented before a federal grand jury and pled guilty to a one-count information of “Possession of Child Pornography” in January 2018. Snyder admitted to having a computer disk and other materials that contained child pornography in Jefferson County in September 2015. Once her sentence is served, Snyder will be on supervised release for 15 years.
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.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Jefferson County man sentenced for a firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Hanshaw, of Jefferson Village, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hanshaw, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Drug User in Possession of a Firearm – Aiding and Abetting” in February 2018. Hanshaw admitted to illegally possessing a Taurus 38 Special handgun. The crime occurred in September 2015 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. 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 Paul T. Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County residents sentenced for their roles in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Berkeley County residents were sentenced today to a combined 42 months incarceration for their roles in a heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
David Smeltzer, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration. Smeltzer, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin” in February 2018. Smeltzer admitted to selling heroin in Berkeley County in January 2017.
Shonna Marie Thomas, of Martinsburg, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration. Thomas, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in February 2018. Thomas admitted to selling heroin in February 2017 in Berkeley County.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the cases 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 man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jarius Jovanghn Styles, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Styles, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in February 2018. Styles, having previously been convicted of felonies in Virginia, illegally possessing a Rock Island Armory 10mm pistol. The crime occurred in June 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 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.Wheeling man admits to cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Deandre L. Davis, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to 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.” Davis admitted to selling cocaine near Riverview Towers in Wheeling in July 2017.
Davis 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 Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting 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, are investigating.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.Upshur County man admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Buckhannon, West Virginia, man has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
James Andrew Smith, age 57, pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” 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 is facing 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.Monongalia County man sentenced for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Perry, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Perry, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in January 2018. Perry admitted to illegally possessing 9mm pistol in Monongalia County in March 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for health care fraudRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Boyles, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months incarceration and ordered to pay back more than $240,000 for health care fraud, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Boyles, age 52, pled guilty to one count of “Health Care Fraud” in January 2018. Boyles admitted to falsely reporting symptoms related to his service in the United States Army Reserves to the Veterans Health Administration in order to fraudulently collect more than $224,000 in benefits. The crime occurred from 2008 to 2017 in Harrison County.
Boyles was ordered to pay $244,320.07 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.Federal inmate admits to assault and sentencedRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Norman Hinton, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary Hazelton was sentenced today to 42 months incarceration, to be served consecutively to his current sentence, for assaulting another inmate, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hinton, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Assault With a Dangerous Weapon With the Intent to do Bodily Harm” today. Hinton admitted to illegally possessing a deadly weapon and assaulting another inmate at USP Hazelton in Preston County on June 19, 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Monongalia County man sentenced to nearly eight years for firearms violationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Roger Dale LaMar, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 96 months and 18 days incarceration, to be served concurrently to with his state sentence, for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lamar, age 49, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in December 2017. Lamar, having previously been convicted of second degree murder in Preston County Circuit Court in 2001, admitted to having three firearms in his possession. The crime occurred in February 2017 in Taylor 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 Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Maryland man facing counterfeit chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Barry Eugene Dragovich, of Cumberland, Maryland, appeared before a federal magistrate judge today after being indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Clarksburg on May 1, 2018, on counterfeit charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dragovich, age 40, was indicted on five counts of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations and Securities.” Dragovich is accused of passing counterfeit bills from May to August 2017 in Harrison County.
Dragovich faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service and the Clarksburg Police Department 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.
Berkeley County man facing firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn D. Schell, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, appeared before a federal magistrate judge today after being indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Martinsburg on May 15, 2018, on a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Schell, also known as “Shaun D. Schell,” age 36, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Schell, having previously been convicted of three felonies, is accused of having a .22 caliber rifle in November 2017 in Berkeley County.
Schell 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 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jefferson County man indicted for bank robberiesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Charles Town, West Virginia man was indicted by a federal grand jury today on bank robbery charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ryan Stepanian, age 26, was indicted on two counts of “Bank Robbery.” Stepanian is accused of taking $530 from the BB&T Bank in Ranson, West Virginia on January 19, 2018. He is also accused of 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 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 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Harrison County men face methamphetamine chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremiah R. Dodrill, of Spelter, West Virginia, and Jacob Renard White, of Clarksburg, West Virginia appeared today before a federal magistrate judge to face charges involving methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dodrill, age 36, and White, age 30, were indicted on May 1, 2018 by a federal grand jury sitting in Clarksburg. Dodrill and White were each indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute Methamphetamine,” and two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Dodrill is facing an additional count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.”
Dodrill and White are accused of selling methamphetamine in February of 2017 in Harrison County. Dodrill is also accused of selling methamphetamine in March 2017 in Harrison County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug and 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Harrison County man admits to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Wayne Wiles, Jr., of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Wiles, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Wiles, having previously been convicted of three felonies, admitted to having a 9mm pistol, a .380-caliber pistol, and .243 caliber rifle in January 2018 in Harrison County.
Wiles 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 Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Berkeley County woman indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Hedgesville, West Virginia woman is facing multiple firearms charges after being indicted by a federal grand jury today, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Shauntae Cherie Placko, age 29, was indicted on two counts of “False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm” and one count of “False Statement or Representation Made to a Department or Agency of the United States.” Placko is accused of making false statements when purchasing a pistol and a rifle from two different firearms dealers. She is also accused of lying to an ATF agent. The crimes allegedly took place in October 2017 and February 2018 in Berkeley County.
Placko faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the firearms counts, and faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the false statement count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.