Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Wheeling woman admits to lying to the US MarshalsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Melinda Ray McCardle, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to making a false statement, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McCardle, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “False Statement to a Federal Agent.” McCardle admitted to lying to a Deputy U.S. Marshal about the whereabouts of Deandre Davis, a fugitive wanted for murder. The crime occurred in August 2017 in Brooke County, West Virginia.
McCardle faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service, the Mountain State Fugitive Task Force, and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.
Virginia resident sentenced for identity theftRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Angela Dawn Roberts, of Stephenson, Virginia was ordered to pay more than $22,000 in restitution and sentenced to five years probation for identity theft, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Roberts, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Identity Theft” in July 2017. Roberts admitted to using another’s identifying information to commit bank fraud. The crime occurred June 27, 2016 in Berkeley County, West Virginia.
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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes National Crime Victims’ Right WeekRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –The United States Attorney Office will speak to more than 3,000 students spanning several counties across the Northern District of West Virginia in April to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorney’s Offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance took place April 8-14, with the theme Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.
"In law enforcement, we are sworn to serve and protect," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "We carry out this oath every day by protecting the rights of law abiding people from criminals and by achieving justice for crime victims. This week, we remember the millions of Americans who have been victimized by criminals and we thank those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to those victims. As we do so, we recommit ourselves to fulfilling our oath and to reducing crime in America."
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of West Virginia has teamed up with the YWCA Family Violence Prevention Program in Wheeling to present “#SmartonSocial,” a presentation that discusses the positives and negatives of social media. The presentation discusses the importance of social media in college and employment applications. It also warns students about the dangers that lurk online, and shares the legal implications involving cyberbullying and sexting.
“Protecting our communities is our number one priority. Crime victims are often our most vulnerable citizens, and we take care in our work because of them. We will continue this work, including community education, with the hope of reducing the number of crime victims in our district,” said Powell.
According to the Pew Research Center, 88% of 18-29 year olds admit to having at least one social media account. As the prevalence of social media rises, awareness must rise, too. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to offering prevention presentations to students and parents across the district.
Presentations regarding drug prevention and human trafficking will also be offered in the month of April to expand the circle of education. The YWCA is also offering family violence prevention presentations at several local schools.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
For more information on presentations, or to schedule a presentation, call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 304-234-0100.
Ohio physician admits to fraudulently distributing controlled substancesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dr. Tod Hagins, of Wintersville, Ohio, has admitted to writing fraudulent prescriptions to be sold on the streets from his Weirton, West Virginia practice, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
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.”
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.
Hagins faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the first count, up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the second count, and up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000 for the third 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 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.
Maryland man sentenced for bank fraudRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Allen Baldwin, Jr., of Baltimore, Maryland was ordered to pay back nearly $10,000 for committing bank fraud, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Baldwin, age 34, was sentenced today to time served and four years supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud” in January 2018. Baldwin admitted to conspiring with others to steal checks from mailboxes, create counterfeit checks, and cashing those counterfeit checks, profiting $9,945. The crime took place in April 2016 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties, West Virginia.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Eastern Panhandle man sentenced to nearly nine years for heroin and cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gerald Gibbs, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 105 months incarceration for his role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Gibbs, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance” in December 2017. Gibbs admitted to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 28 grams or more of cocaine. The crime took place from June 2016 to March 2017 in Jefferson County, West Virginia.
Gibbs was also ordered to forfeit $16,774, a .380-caliber pistol, a .410-caliber shotgun, a 2006 Jaguar SJR-S, a 2006 BMW 750LI, and a 2006 Lexus RX400.
Assistant United States Attorneys Lara K. Omps-Botteicher and Anna Z. Krasinski prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for filing a false tax returnRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gary Johnson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia was ordered to pay $70,000 in restitution and sentenced today to two years probation for filing a false tax return, First Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
Johnson, age 76, pled guilty to one count of “Filing a False Tax Return” in December 2017. Johnson admitted to filing an Income Tax Return for him and his wife in 2013, willfully understating his income from 9 West Hair Studio by approximately $187,176.02.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Baltimore woman sentenced for money launderingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephanie Edmonds, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced today to two years probation for money laundering, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Edmonds, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments” in January 2018. Edmonds admitted to conspiring with others to conduct unlawful financial transactions in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere from August 2015 to December 2016.
Assistant United States Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth D. Grant, also with the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted 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.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Baltimore man sentenced for his role in a heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Robinson, of Baltimore, Maryland was sentenced today to 144 months incarceration for distributing heroin, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Robinson, also known as “H,” age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” in January 2018. Robinson admitted to conspiring with others to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin with an illegal street value of more than $300,000 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere from August 2015 to December 2016.
Assistant United States Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth D. Grant, also with the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted 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.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
New Hampshire woman admits to identity fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephanie Lee Kenyon , of Manchester, New Hampshire, has admitted to identity fraud, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Kenyon, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Identity Fraud.” Kenyon admitted to possessing 13 fraudulent driver’s licenses. The crime occurred in May 2017 in Ohio County, West Virginia.
Kenyon 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 David L. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Wheeling Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.
U.S. Attorney applauds Justice Department’s nationwide initiative to combat sexual harassment in housingRead the Press Release
WHEELING — Today, as the Department of Justice recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the nationwide rollout of an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and reporting of sexual harassment in housing. The announcement includes an interagency task force between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Justice Department to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit, and a public awareness campaign. This three-pronged approach will strengthen the Department’s efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing.
U.S. Attorney Bill Powell is applauding this increase of awareness, as sexual harassment in the housing market has been an issue in the Northern District of West Virginia.
“Sexual harassment cannot be tolerated anywhere anytime. It is especially heinous when it happens in someone’s own home, a place where everyone deserves to feel the most protected and safe. This office has made it clear that sexual harassment in the housing industry will be prosecuted. This initiative will make clear to landlords and their employees that this type of behavior is unacceptable and that consequences will follow,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, the Northern District of West Virginia.
“Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable," said Attorney General Sessions. “It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law. In October, I ordered a new initiative to bring more of these cases, and we have already won relief for 15 victims. Today we announce three new steps to make the initiative more effective and to win more cases. I want to thank the dedicated and committed professionals in our Civil Rights Division and our partners in the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their hard work in this effort. We will continue to aggressively pursue harassers, because everyone has a right to be safe in their home.”“All discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, but HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of everyone to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from unwanted sexual harassment,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head. Part of our mission at HUD is to provide safe housing and we will remain diligent in this mission to protect those we serve. I look forward to working with Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice as part of this task force to bring an end to this type of discrimination.”
In October 2017, the Justice Department announced an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing and launched pilot programs in D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. The initiative sought to increase the Department’s efforts to protect women from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners. During the pilots, the Department developed and tested ways to better connect both with victims of sexual harassment in housing and with those organizations that victims may turn to first for help – including law enforcement, legal services providers, public housing authorities, sexual assault services providers, and shelters. The Department also tested certain aspects of the initiative in other jurisdictions, including New Jersey, the Central District of California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Michigan.
The two pilot programs generated an upswing in harassment reporting to the Department from both D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. In D.C., the Department generated six leads since the October 2017 launch. In Virginia, the Department generated three leads. While the Justice Department recognizes that leads and investigations do not always lead to enforcement actions, the pilot program’s results—when extrapolated across all the U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country—could lead to hundreds of new reports of sexual harassment in housing across the country.
Because of these promising results, the Department is rolling out three major components to the Initiative.
First, the new HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing will drive a shared strategy between the Department and HUD for combatting sexual harassment in housing across the country. It will focus on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies.
Second, the outreach toolkit is designed to leverage the Justice Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The toolkit provides templates, guidance, and checklists based on pilot program feedback. It ultimately will amplify available enforcement resources and help victims of sexual harassment connect with the Department.
Third, the public awareness campaign has three major components: a partnership package with relevant stakeholders, launch of a social media campaign, and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) run by individual U.S. Attorney’s offices. The campaign is specifically designed to raise awareness, and make it easier for victims all over the country to find resources and report harassment.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to [email protected], or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777. If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.
North Carolina man admits to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jared Tyrone Cooke, of Charlotte, North Carolina, has admitted to using a firearm during a crime of violence, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cooke, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.” He admitted to brandishing a 12-gauge shotgun during a robbery in January 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Cooke faces not less than seven 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, the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Jamaican man admits to scamming Americans with lottery scamRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Zicko Peterkin, of Montego Bay, Jamaica, has admitted to operating a lottery scam to defraud American citizens, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Peterkin, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.” As a part of that conspiracy, Peterkin and others made unsolicited phone calls and emails to hundreds of residents in the United States, making false claims that the recipients had won a multi-million dollar lottery prize and a Mercedes Benz vehicle. Peterkin and co-conspirators told victims that, to receive these prizes, they had to send money to cover “processing fees.” Peterkin also sent images of forged cashier’s checks to the recipients, showing the intended target as the payee of the check. In response, victims wired at least $250,000 to Peterkin and his co-conspirators. The crime occurred from September 2008 to July 2011 in the Northern District of West Virginia and other locations across the country.
Peterkin 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 case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for the Tax Administration.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Clarksburg woman admits to her role in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kamesha Sherrail Claypool, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Claypool, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of the Controlled Substance Analogue Cyclopropylfentanyl.” Claypool admitted to selling the heroin and cyclopropylfentanyl in August 2017 in Harrison County.
Claypool faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,0000 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 Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Maryland man admits to cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Lee Wyatt, of Elkridge, Maryland has admitted to a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Wyatt, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Wyatt admitted to distributing cocaine base in Mineral County in June 2017.
Wyatt 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 K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
New York man admits to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephan Cotterrell, of New York, New York, has admitted to 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.” He admitted to brandishing a .22 caliber revolver during a robbery in January 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Cotterrell faces not less than seven 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, the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
U.S. Attorney creates Health Care Crimes Task ForceRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –United States Attorney Bill Powell has announced the creation of the Health Care Crimes Task Force, an initiative to investigate and prosecute opioid diversion, health care fraud, and other illegal activities in the health care field.
“It is a priority of this office to prosecute those who use their professional license or health care business to cloak illegal activities. This task force will once again use the cooperative efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement to identify, investigate and prosecute those who engage in fraud, improper opioid distribution and other abuses of our health care system. The professional status of these individuals will not protect them from prosecution,” said Powell.
In 2016, the Department of Justice prosecuted 802 defendants for health care fraud-related crimes nationally, collecting more than $3.3. billion to be returned to the federal government and private individuals.
With West Virginia ranking highest in the country in regards to percentage of population enrolled in Medicaid benefits (31% of total population), and 23% of residents enrolled in Medicare, residents in the mountain state are particularly vulnerable to health care fraud-related crimes.
The task force is comprised of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of West Virginia, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the West Virginia Insurance Commission Fraud Unit, and the West Virginia Medicaid Fraud Unit.
To report suspected health care-related illegal activity to the task force, call 304-234-7711 or email [email protected].
Jefferson County, Ohio man admits to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Shaheim Price, of Wintersville, Ohio, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Price, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Price, having previously been convicted of a felony, admitted to possessing a 9mm pistol. The crime occurred in Ohio County in October 2017.
Price 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 Steven L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.Wheeling man indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tysaun A. Pugh, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was arrested today and appeared in federal court to face drug charges after being indicted by a federal grand jury on April 3, 2018, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Pugh, also known as “Chubbs,” age 20, was indicted on two counts of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin.” Pugh is accused of selling heroin near Jensen Playground and Wilson Playground in January 2018 in Ohio County.
Pugh faces up 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for each of the distribution counts and faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the aiding and abetting 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 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. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ohio County men indicted on drug chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Quavonte Pugh and Caveizz Cunningham, both of Wheeling, West Virginia, were arrested today and appeared in federal court to face drug charges after being indicted by a federal grand jury on April 3, 2018, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Pugh, also known as “Q,” age 22, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base,” one count of “Distribution of Heroin,” and two counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Pugh is accused of conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine base, selling heroin, and selling cocaine base near Bloch Playground in January 2018 in Ohio County
Cunningham, age 23, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base” and one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Cunningham is accused of conspiring to distribute heroin and cocaine base and selling cocaine base near Bloch Playground in January 2018 in Ohio County.
Pugh and Cunningham each face up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the conspiracy count and each face up 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for the distribution near a protected location count. Pugh also faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the distribution of heroin count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney 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, are investigating. The United States Marshals Service made the arrest.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Ohio County man indicted on heroin and cocaine chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin J. Pugh, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was arrested today and appeared in federal court to face drug charges after being indicted by a federal grand jury on April 3, 2018, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Pugh, age 38, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Distribution of Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Pugh is accused of selling heroin and cocaine near Bloch Playground in September and October 2017 in Ohio County.
Pugh faces up 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen 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, are investigating. The United States Marshals Service made the arrest.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wheeling man sentenced for firearm chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles Smith Rippy, Jr., of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for a firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Rippy, age 63, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm” in January 2018. Rippy, having been convicted of two felonies, admitted to illegally possessing a .22 caliber pistol in Ohio County in April 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.Two Maryland men admit to firearms chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two men from Federalsburg, Maryland, have admitted to a their roles in a conspiracy involving the sale and transfer of firearms, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Thorn Ashton Guessford, age 26, and Stephen Clark Krieger, age 66, each pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy.” 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.
Guessford and Krieger 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 Paul T. Camilletti is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Wetzel County man indicted on firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Harrison, of Pine Grove, West Virginia, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Harrison, age 48, was indicted on two counts of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.” Harrison, having previously been convicted of a felony, is accused of having two .22 caliber revolvers, a .380-caliber pistol, and rounds of ammunition for the firearms in October 2017 and January 2018 in Wetzel County.
Harrison 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 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Oklahoma man indicted for sex offender registry violationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –Marvin Gene McLaughlin, of Enid, Oklahoma, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on a sex offender registry violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McLaughlin, age 58, was indicted on one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.” McLaughlin, a person required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, is accused of 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Monongalia man indicted on drug and firearms chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Isaiah Davis, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Davis, age 26, was indicted on two counts of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” two counts of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride,” one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” and one count of “Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Offense.” Davis is accused of possessing and distributing heroin and cocaine hydrochloride in Monongalia County in October 2017. Davis, who was previously convicted of a felony, is accused of having a 9mm pistol in October of 2017 and a .40 caliber pistol, which he is accused of having during a drug offense, in January of 2018 in Monongalia County.
Davis faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the drug counts, faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful possession of a firearm count, and five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearm during a drug offense 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jefferson County, Ohio man admits to counterfeit chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Travis Knight, of Mingo Junction, Ohio, has admitted today to counterfeit currency charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Knight, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Uttering Counterfeit Currency,” and one count of “Attempted Uttering of Counterfeit Currency.” Knight admitted to passing counterfeit $50 bills and attempting to pass counterfeit $50 bills in Marion and Monongalia Counties in October and November 2017.
Knight 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Harrison County man indicted on firearm chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Wayne Wiles, Jr., of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on a firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Wiles, age 31, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Wiles, having previously been convicted of three felonies, is accused of 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.
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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Berkeley County man admits to sex offender registry violationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gregory Keith Parr, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a sex offender registration violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Parr, age 61, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Register.” Parr, who had previously been convicted of a sex offense in Michigan, admitted to traveling across state lines without updating his sex offender registration, as required by law, in December 2017 in Berkeley County.
Parr 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 Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Maryland man admits to drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Xavier Clyde Mann, of Finksburg, Maryland, has admitted to selling cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Mann, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Mann admitted to selling cocaine base in Mineral County in June 2017.
Mann 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 K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Marshall County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Carl N. Hooker, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to 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.” Hooker admitted to conspiring with others to distribute oxycodone, from 2009 to November 2017 in Marshall County.
Hooker faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, is investigating.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.Hancock County man admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Dziatkowicz, of Weirton, West Virginia, admitted today to possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dziatkowicz, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Dziatkowicz admitted to having child pornography in February 2015 in Hancock County, West Virginia.
Dziatkowicz 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 L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.
Barbour County woman admits to her role in a firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Carla Denise Jones, of Volga, West Virginia, admitted today to her role in a firearms theft and sale scheme, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jones, age 55, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Jones, being a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, admitted to possessing two pistols, two rifles, and a shotgun in Barbour County in February 2017.
Jones 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 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 in part by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Virginia man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Glenn Eugene Oden, of Stephens City, Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Oden, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Oden, having a prior conviction, admitted to illegally possessing a .40 caliber pistol in May 2017 in Berkeley County.
Oden 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 Paul T. Camilletti is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Clarksburg man admits to his role in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jordan Michael Conaway, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Conaway, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl in Proximity of a Protected Location.” Conaway admitted to selling fentanyl on April 17, 2017 near Clarksburg City Park in Harrison County.
Conaway 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 Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Four Clarksburg men admit to their roles in a drug distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four Clarksburg residents have admitted to their roles in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ernest Russell Claypool, Jr., age 53, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime” and one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises-Aiding and Abetting.” Claypool admitted to having 20 different firearms, including pistols, shotguns, rifles, and revolvers, during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. He also admitted to maintaining a property in Clarksburg for distributing heroin and storing and distributing marijuana. The crimes occurred from an unknown date until September 2017 in Harrison County.
Chadley Russell Claypool, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” and one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl.” Claypool admitted to distributing heroin in Harrison County from an unknown date to September 2017. He also admitted to selling fentanyl in August 2017 in Harrison County.
Colton Justice Kallel, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Fentanyl in Proximity of a Protected Location.” Kallel admitted to selling fentanyl on July 11, 2017 in Harrison County. He also admitted to selling fentanyl near Clarksburg City Park, on July 31, 2017 in Harrison County.
Zachery Allen Queen, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of the Controlled Substance Analogue Cyclopropylfentanyl.” Queen admitted to selling the drug in August 2017 in Harrison County.
Ernest Claypool faces up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Chadley Claypool and Queen each face up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,0000 for each count. Colton Kallel faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,0000 for the first count, and faces up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Berkeley County man admits to firearms chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Neal Krieger, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Krieger, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Transfer of a Firearm.” He admitted to selling a machine gun conversion part designed to convert a weapon into a machine gun for $2900 in May 2017 in Berkeley County.
Krieger 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 Paul T. Camilletti is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Martinsburg man appears on illegal ammunition chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gary Owen Jones, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, appeared today before a federal magistrate judge to face an illegal possession of ammunition charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jones, age 46, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.” Jones, who was previously convicted of a felony in the Circuit Court of Berkeley County, is accused of possessing more than 1,100 rounds of ammunition in February of 2018 in Berkeley County.
Jones was first charged in Berkeley County Magistrate Court after allegedly threatening the Martinsburg Police Department on social media. In the criminal complaint filed by the West Virginia State Police, he is accused of threatening officers on his Facebook account from July 2017 to February 2018. In one such threat, he allegedly references a firearm. Jones is facing a state charge of “Terroristic Threats,” punishable by one to three years incarceration. The alleged firearm reference prompted a federal investigation, as Jones is a convicted felon, preventing him from legally owning a firearm or ammunition.
“We will not tolerate felons in possession of guns or ammunition. We will act swiftly and harshly in every situation involving threats against law enforcement when federal violations occur,” said Powell.
“Threats to the safety of any law enforcement officer are outrageous and will not be tolerated in Martinsburg. I deeply appreciate and commend the hard work of the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the leadership of United States Attorney Bill Powell for the arrest and criminal indictment of this offender,” said Chief Maury Richards, Martinsburg Police Department.
“I thank the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force for taking swift action to combat threats made against our law enforcement. I appreciate the opportunity to work with United States Attorney Bill Powell’s office to ensure that we seek justice on both the federal and state levels when appropriate,” said Cadie Wilkes Delligatti, Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney.
The state charges against Jones are pending in Magistrate Court.
Jones faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the federal charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the federal government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Michigan residents admit to roles in oxycodone distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Detroit Michigan residents have admitted to their roles in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Darmatrice Love, age 32, and Kenyata Boudreaux, age 41, each pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises.” Love and Boudreaux admitted to managing an apartment on Riddle Avenue in Morgantown, West Virginia, to distribute oxycodone. The crime occurred from October 2016 to March 2017.
Love and Boudreaux each face up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Valley 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Marshall County man sentenced for drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ronald Lee Shaw, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 33 months incarceration for drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Shaw, also known as “Fuzz,” age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in September 2017. Shaw admitted to selling cocaine near Riverview Towers in Wheeling on April 18, 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Fairmont man admits to firearm chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dustin Lynn Garrison, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to illegally possessing a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Garrison, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Garrison, having previously been convicted of two felonies in the Circuit Court of Marion County, is accused of illegally possessing a .308 semi-automatic pistol in September 2017 in Marion County, West Virginia.
Garrison 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives and the Fairmont Police Department investigated. The United State Marshal Service assisted.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Belmont County woman sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Faith Diane Leasure, of Bridgeport, Ohio was sentenced today to 36 months incarceration for her role in a crack cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Leasure, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Crack Cocaine.” Leasure admitted to selling crack cocaine in Ohio County in August 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Maryland man indicted on charges involving transporting a minor across state lines for sexRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Earle Ewing, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on charges involving transporting a 12-year-old across state lines for sex, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ewing, age 37, was indicted on one count of “Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct,” one count of “Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity,” and one count of "Kidnapping." Ewing is accused of transporting a 12-year-old girl from Ranson, West Virginia, to Hagerstown, Maryland, to engage in sexual conduct.
Ewing faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the first count, and faces up to 30 years 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Martinsburg man indicted on illegal ammunition chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gary Owen Jones, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on an illegal possession of ammunition charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Jones, age 46, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.” Jones, who was previously convicted of a felony in the Circuit Court of Berkeley County, is accused of possessing more than 1,100 rounds of ammunition in February of 2018 in Berkeley County.
Jones 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 Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wheeling man sentenced to nearly five years for firearm, methamphetamine chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Peter Hankish, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for firearm and drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hankish, age 44, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in January 2018. Hankish, having previously been convicted of Theft in the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps General Court, possessed a 7.62 caliber rifle. Hankish admitted to possessing methamphetamine. The crimes occurred in April 2017 in Ohio County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Tyler County man sentenced for meth distribution and a firearm violationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – William “Jack” Parr, of Middlebourne, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for drug distribution and illegally possessing a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Parr, age 51, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person” in January 2018. Parr admitted to distributing methamphetamine from 2015 to August 2017 in Tyler County, West Virginia. Parr, having previously been convicted of a felony in the Circuit Court of Tyler County, also admitted to illegally possessing two .22 caliber pistols, a 9mm pistol, and a .45 caliber pistol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Michigan man admits to heroin distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Danzavious Dolphus, of Harper Woods, Michigan, has admitted to a drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dolphus, also known as “Dash,” age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Dolphus admitted to selling heroin in June 2017 in Monongalia County.
Dolphus faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.Berkeley County man admits to fentanyl distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bradley Markley, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing fentanyl, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Markley, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl and Acetyl Fentanyl.” Markley admitted to distributing the drugs in October 2016 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Z. Krasinski and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Marshall County man sentenced for drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – William A. Novick, of McMechen, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for fentanyl distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Novick, age 35, of McMechen, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of a Fentanyl in Proximity to a Protected Location” in September 2017. Novick admitted to selling fentanyl near Center McMechen Elementary School in Marshall County in February 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Monongalia County woman sentenced for her role in an oxycodone distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ariel Blosser, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for distributing oxycodone, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Blosser, age 28, pled guilty to “Distribution of Oxycodone” in November 2017. Blosser admitted to selling oxycodone in February 2016 in Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.