Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Brooke County woman sentenced for embezzling from credit unionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michelle K. Martin, of Wellsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 hours incarceration and five years of supervised release for taking more than $82,000 from a local credit union, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Martin, age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Theft, Embezzlement or Misapplication by Credit Institution Employee” in December 2017. Martin admitted to embezzling approximately $82,000 from the Strip Steal Community Federal Credit Union in Brooke County from October 2016 to May 2017.
Martin was also ordered to pay $82,000 in restitution for the crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.
Monongalia County woman and Harrison County woman sentenced for their roles in oxycodone distribution ringRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Two women were sentenced today to a combined five years incarceration for their roles in an oxycodone distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Amanda Gifford, 26, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration. Gifford pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in November 2017. She admitted to using a telephone to help distribute oxycodone in March 2017 in Monongalia County.
Brandy Miller, of Salem, age 29, was sentenced to 15 months incarceration. Miller pled guilty to “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in November 2017. Miller 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 & 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.
Two West Virginia men indicted on sex offender registry violationsRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Hampshire County, West Virginia, man and a Monongalia County, West Virginia, man were indicted this week by a federal grand jury on sex offender registration violations, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Anthony Dale Helton, of High View, age 50, was indicted on one count of “Failure to Register.” Helton, who had previously been convicted of a sex offense in South Carolina, is accused of traveling across state lines without updating his sex offender registration, as required by law, in November and December 2017 in Hampshire County.
In a separate case, Robert W. Tucker, Jr., of Star City, age 43, was indicted on one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.” Rucker is accused of 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.
Helton and Tucker each face 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 Helton case on behalf of the government. Assistant U.S. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara E. Wagner is prosecuting the Tucker case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated both cases.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Mineral County men admit to drug distribution chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Jordan Foster, of Piedmont, West Virginia, and Brandon Suter, of Keyser, West Virginia, have admitted to a drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Foster, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Foster admitted to distributing cocaine hydrochloride in August 2017 in Mineral County.
Suter, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Hydrochloride.” Suter admitted to assisting Foster in possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride in August 2017 in Mineral County.
Foster and Suter each face up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, the Mineral County Sheriff's Office, and the Keyser City Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.Morgantown woman indicted on heroin distribution chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Morgantown woman was indicted this week by a federal grand jury on heroin trafficking charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Lori Murphy, age 28, was indicted on two counts of “Distribution of Heroin within 1000 feet of Protected Location” and two counts of “Distribution of Heroin.” Murphy is accused of distributing heroin, twice near North Elementary School, in April, July, and August of 2017 in Monongalia County.
Murphy faces up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for each of the counts involving distribution near a school and faces up to 20 years a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the other two distribution 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.
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 Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Monongalia County man admits to illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Wilbur Higginbotham, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to illegally possessing a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Higginbotham, age 51, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Higginbotham, having previously been convicted of heroin and illegal firearms charges in U.S. District Court and drug charges in Prince George’s County Maryland Circuit Court, admitted to having a .22 caliber firearm in Harrison County in December 2017.
Higginbotham 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Marion County man and Harrison County man indicted on firearm chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Marion County, West Virginia, man and a Harrison County, West Virginia, man were indicted this week by a federal grand jury on unlawful firearm possession charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
William D. Fulmer, of Rivesville, age 62, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Fulmer, who had previously been convicted of crimes in Venango County, Pennsylvania, is accused of having a .308 caliber rifle in July 2017 in Marion County.
In a separate case, Christopher Dent, of Bridgeport, age 32, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Dent, who had previously been convicted of crimes in New Jersey, is accused of having a 9mm caliber pistol in May 2017 in Harrison County.
Fulmer and Dent each face 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 Fulmer case on behalf of the government. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the Dent case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated both cases. Bridgeport Police Department assisted in the Dent investigation.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Los Angeles man guilty of drug traffickingRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal jury sitting in Elkins found Cesar Navarro, of Los Angeles, California, guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and other counts for mailing methamphetamine through the U.S. mail, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
After less than two hours of jury deliberations, Navarro, age 39, was found guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute More than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine,” two counts of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility,” and two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.”
Navarro often mailed at least one pound of crystal methamphetamine at a time to drug dealers in Grant and Hardy Counties and in Frederick County, Virginia, in exchange for large amounts of cash. Over a period of two years, Navarro was responsible for trafficking into West Virginia approximately fifty pounds of highly pure crystal methamphetamine.
“Methamphetamine distribution is an increasing threat to the communities in the district. We will not waiver in our commitment to prosecute these offenses to the fullest extent of the law. I greatly appreciate the hard work of our trial team and all of the law enforcement agencies which led to the guilty verdicts,” said Powell.
Navarro faces up to life in prison and a $4,000,000 fine for the conspiracy count, up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to $30,000 for each of the communication counts, and faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the each of the distribution 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Warner and Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Inspection Service, The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and the Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Jefferson County man admits to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Tyler Hall, of Ranson, West Virginia has admitted to a firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hall, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Drug User in Possession of a Firearm – Aiding and Abetting.” Hall admits to illegally possessing a Taurus 38 Special handgun. The crime occurred in September 2015 in Jefferson County.
Hall faces up to ten 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 investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.Multi-State Drug Investigation Yields Multiple Arrests, Drugs, Firearms, and MoneyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – After nearly a two-year investigation into a drug trafficking operation that spanned multiple states, ten people, including two MS-13 gang members, have been indicted on a variety of federal charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Authorities in West Virginia and Virginia searched more than a dozen properties, seizing 12.5 kilos of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $300,000, eleven firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and more than $100,000 in cash. Those indicted on multiple counts in connection with the drug distribution operation are:
- Rogelio Santacruz Godinez, also known as “Tramposo,” also known as “Trampa,” age 36, of Axton, Virginia, Mexican National
- Jose Alfredo Santacruz Godinez, also known as “Sandoval,” of Axton, Virginia, Mexican National
- Guadalupe Ibarra-Ayon, also known as “Lupe,” age 30, of Winchester, Virginia, Mexican National
- Eduardo Hernandez Sanchez, also known as “Lalo,” age 42, of W, West Virginia, Mexican National
- Suspected MS-13 Gang Member Jose Santiago Cruz-Delcid, also known as “Trucko,” also known as “Truckito,” age 38, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, El Salvador National
- Confirmed MS-13 Gang Member Miguel Angel Cruz-Polanco, age 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, El Salvdaor National
- Adam Gunn, II, age 30, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Adam Bensaid, age 19, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Rogelio Martinez-Rojas, age 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Mexican National
- Kenneth Biermann-Ruz, also known as “Ruz,” also known as “Chile,” age 29, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
“This investigation lasted nearly two years and involved the cooperative efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. When those efforts were combined with the work of our Assistant U.S. Attorneys the stage was set for results, including the indictments that have now been returned by the Grand Jury. This cooperative effort, through the use of a task force, is the perfect example of how such an investigation should be run. These agencies worked together, were not worried about who got credit, combined resources, and got big results. We are a small district and task forces, like the one that worked this investigation, are a force multiplier. I can’t thank the task force, its leaders, and participating agencies enough for their dedicated work in this investigation.
“The task forces across the district, the federal, state and local law enforcement, the Assistant U.S. Attorneys and our colleagues in county prosecutor offices across will continue to aggressively pursue all of those who come into this district thinking they can distribute poison in our communities. Whether that poison is the form of cocaine, like in these indictments, heroin, fentanyl, or methamphetamine, we will relentlessly pursue them. This investigation has shown that violent gangs like MS-13 are attempting infiltrate our state. If you are MS-13, do not come here. We know what you stand for, we will find you, and we will prosecute you for violations of the law.
It is important to state that we have a number of ongoing investigations, and I expect we will continue to work together towards successful conclusions in all of them,” said Powell.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Virginia assisted. The investigation is led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug & Gang Task Force , the West Virginia State Police, the Virginia State Police, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maryland woman admits to selling cocaineRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Westernport, Maryland woman has admitted to distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Shelley Kay Snyder-Windle, age 53, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine.” Snyder-Windle admitted to selling cocaine in October 2016 in Mineral County.
Snyder-Windle 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.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Grant, also with the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force and the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
El Salvador National admits to being in the country illegallyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – An El Salvador man has admitted to being in the United States illegally, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Norman Enrique Rodriguez, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of a Removed Alien.” Rodriguez, having been removed as an illegal alien from the United States in 2011, admitted to being in Jefferson County, West Virginia on January 12, 2018.
Rodriguez faces up to two years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
U.S. Magistrate Robert W. Trumble presided.Virginia man sentenced for role in cigarette smuggling operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Mohamed Abdo Elbarati, of Winchester, Virginia, was sentenced in federal court today to 36 months incarceration for unlawful cigarette smuggling, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Elbarati, 32, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Traffic in Contraband Cigarettes” in February 2016. Elbarati collaborated with others to facilitate a trafficking network designed to profit from the unlawful sale of contraband cigarettes. The defendants transported large quantities of cigarettes across state lines for redistribution and sale. The cigarettes were acquired in Virginia, where the tax rate for cigarettes is one of the lowest in the nation, and sold in New York, which has one of the nation’s highest tax rates. The cigarettes were possessed and transported in West Virginia.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Stein and Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. Homeland Security Investigations, the Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, the New York City Sheriff's Office, the Virginia Office of Attorney General, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the West Virginia State Police, the New York Department of Taxation and Finance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation led the inquiry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Martinsburg man sentenced for drug chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Fenel Baptiste, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Baptiste, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Possession With the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance” in November 2017. Baptiste admitted to selling crack cocaine in Berkeley County in August 2015.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Z. Krasinski and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U. S. District Gina M. Groh presided.
Martinsburg man admits to drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg man has admitted to distributing heroin, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Charles Leroy Palmer, III, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Palmer admitted to distributing more than 100 grams of heroin in June 2017 in Berkeley County.
Palmer 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.
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 case was investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Martinsburg City Police Department.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Tucker County man sentenced to more than seven years for illegal firearms chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher S. Earnest, of Parsons, West Virginia, was sentenced this week to 87 months incarceration for firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Earnest, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” and one count of “Possession of an Unlawful Firearm” in December 2017. Earnest admitted to possessing two stolen firearms. Earnest, having previously been convicted of distributing methamphetamines in United States District Court in the Northern District of West Virginia, admitted to possessing a 12-gauge shotgun with a shortened barrel. The crime occurred in June 2017 in Randolph County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Jefferson County man admits to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Adam Joseph Plauche, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, has admitted to selling a stolen firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Plauche, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Possession and Sale of Stolen Firearm.” Plauche admitted to having a stolen firearm and shipping it across state lines in September 2015 in Jefferson County, West Virginia.
Plauche 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 investigated.U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Berkeley County man admits to drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - DeMarco Davis, Jr., also known as “Tipp,” of Inwood, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Davis, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Davis admitted to selling heroin in January 2017 in Berkeley County.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Upshur County man sentenced for illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Buckhannon, West Virginia man was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for illegally possessing a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Joseph Wayne Shipman, 44, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in January 2017. Shipman, who had previously been convicted of a felony offense in Upshur County, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He admitted to possessing multiple firearms in December 2016 in Upshur County, West Virginia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
U.S. Attorney Bill Powell applauds the creation of a Prescription Interdiction and Litigation Task ForceRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WV – The U.S. Attorney’s office in the Northern District of West Virginia is applauding Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the Department of Justice’s newest tool to fight the opioid epidemic.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the creation of a new effort, the Department of Justice Prescription Interdiction & Litigation (PIL) Task Force, to fight the prescription opioid crisis.
“West Virginia, with the highest number of overdose deaths per capita in the country, is ground zero of the epidemic. Our office has seen successful prosecution of distributors and physicians who are irresponsible with prescription opioids, and we aren’t stopping. If you are a physician, pharmacy or distributor who is playing roulette with prescription opioids, know that you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Powell.
The PIL Task Force will aggressively deploy and coordinate all available criminal and civil law enforcement tools to reverse the tide of opioid overdoses in the United States, with a particular focus on opioid manufacturers and distributors.
“Over the past year, the Department has vigorously fought the prescription opioid crisis, and we are determined to continue making progress. Today, we are opening a new front in the war on the opioid crisis by bringing all of our anti-opioid efforts under one banner,” said Attorney General Sessions. “We have no time to waste. Every day, 180 Americans die from drug overdoses. This epidemic actually lowered American life expectancy in 2015 and 2016 for the first time in decades, with drug overdose now the leading cause of death for Americans under age 50. These are not acceptable trends and this new task force will make us more effective in reversing them and saving Americans from the scourge of opioid addiction.”
The PIL Task Force will include senior officials from the offices of the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, and the Associate Attorney General, as well as senior officials from the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, the Civil Division, the Criminal Division, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Task Force will coordinate the Department’s many efforts and tools to combat the opioid epidemic.
The PIL Task Force will combat the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system. At the manufacturer level, the PIL Task Force will use all available criminal and civil remedies available under federal law to hold opioid manufacturers accountable for unlawful practices. The PIL Task Force will build on and strengthen existing Department of Justice initiatives to ensure that opioid manufacturers are marketing their products truthfully and in accordance with Food and Drug Administration rules.
The Attorney General has also directed the PIL Task Force to examine existing state and local government lawsuits against opioid manufacturers to determine what assistance, if any, federal law can provide in those lawsuits. The federal government has borne substantial costs from the opioid crisis, and it must be compensated by any party whose illegal activity contributed to those costs.
The Department will also use all criminal and civil tools at its disposal to hold distributors such as pharmacies, pain management clinics, drug testing facilities, and individual physicians accountable for unlawful actions.
The PIL Task Force will use criminal and civil actions to ensure that distributors and pharmacies are obeying Drug Enforcement Administration rules designed to prevent diversion and improper prescribing. It will use the False Claims Act and other tools to crack down on pain-management clinics, drug testing facilities, and physicians that make opioid prescriptions.
The PIL Task Force will use the criminal and civil tools available under the Controlled Substances Act against doctors, pharmacies, and others that break the law. The PIL Task Force will build upon and expand the efforts of the existing Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit. Created in August 2017, the Unit uses sophisticated data analysis to identify and prosecute individuals who are contributing to the opioid epidemic, including pill-mill schemes and pharmacies that unlawfully divert or dispense prescription opioids for illegitimate purposes.
The PIL Task Force will also work closely with the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate and hold accountable any parties who engage in illegal activity surrounding prescription opioids. The Attorney General has directed the PIL Task Force to establish immediately a working group to: (1) improve coordination and data sharing across the federal government to better identify violations of law and patterns of fraud related to the opioid epidemic; (2) evaluate possible changes to the regulatory regime governing opioid distribution; and (3) recommend changes in laws.
This new Task Force will build on a number of new initiatives begun by Attorney General Sessions over the past year that will help us end the drug crisis, including the following:
• In July, the Attorney General announced charges against more than 120 defendants, including doctors, for crimes related to prescribing or distributing opioids and other dangerous narcotics.
• One week later, the Attorney General announced the seizure of AlphaBay, the largest criminal marketplace on the Internet. This site hosted some 220,000 drug listings – including more than 100 vendors advertising fentanyl – and was responsible for countless synthetic opioid overdoses, including the tragic death of a 13-year old in Utah.
• In August, the Attorney General created the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, a new data analytics program to help find evidence of overprescribing and opioid-related health care fraud.
• The Attorney General then assigned 12 experienced Assistant United States Attorneys to opioid “hot-spots” to focus solely on investigating and prosecuting opioid-related health care fraud. By November they had begun issuing indictments.
• In October, the Department announced the first-ever indictments of Chinese nationals and their North American-based traffickers and distributers for separate conspiracies to distribute fentanyl and other opioids in the United States.
• Also in October, the DEA announced the establishment of six new enforcement teams focused on combatting the flow of heroin and illicit fentanyl into the U.S. These enforcement teams are based in communities facing some of the most significant challenges with heroin and fentanyl.
• In 2017, the DEA held two of its National Prescription Drug Takeback Days, when people can dispose of unnecessary and potentially dangerous drugs with no questions asked. In total, DEA took a record 956 tons of drugs out of American communities.
• In January 2018, the Department announced a new resource to target traffickers who sell drugs online called J-CODE: Joint Criminal Opioid Darknet Enforcement team. The J-CODE team will coordinate efforts across the FBI’s offices all around the world – bringing together DEA, our Safe Streets Task Forces, drug trafficking task forces, Health Care Fraud Special Agents, and other assets – effectively doubling the FBI’s investment into fighting against online drug trafficking.
• Also in January 2018, the DEA announced a 45-day surge of Special Agents, Diversion Investigators, and Intelligence Research Specialists to focus on pharmacies and prescribers who are dispensing unusual or disproportionate amounts of drugs.
• On February 7, 2018, the DEA placed all fentanyl analogues not already regulated by the Controlled Substances Act into Schedule I – the category for substances with no currently accepted medical use – for at least two years. This makes it harder for people to acquire illicit fentanyl and easier for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute drug traffickers.
• The Department anticipates filing a statement of interest in the coming days in a multi-district action regarding hundreds of lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Pendleton County man sentenced to 70 months for firearms chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Randy David May, of Franklin, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 70 months incarceration for a firearms violation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
May, age 37, pled guilty to “Felon in Possession of a Firearm” in October 2017. May, having been convicted of three prior felonies, admitted to possessing a 12-gauge shotgun on August 28, 2016 in Pendleton County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.Randolph County man admits to failing to update sex offender registryRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Lee Vance, of Mill Creek, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration for failing to update his sex offender registry, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Vance, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration” in December 2017. Vance admitted to moving from West Virginia to Ohio and failing to update his sex offender registration. The crime occurred from July to October 2017 in Marion County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshal Service investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Hardy County man sentenced for methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Grant Sager, of Wardensville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration for making methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sager, age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Material used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine” in September 2017. The crime occurred on June 21, 2016 in Hardy County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Pleasants County woman ordered to pay money from the theft of social security benefitsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - Anne Louise Hall, of St. Marys, West Virginia, was ordered to pay more than $54,000 to the Social Security Administration, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Hall, age 57, pled guilty to one count of “Theft of Government Money” in October 2017. Hall admitted to collecting social security benefits under false pretenses. The crime occurred from October 2006 to March 2017.
Hall was sentenced to five years probation for the theft. Hall was also ordered to pay $54,678.90 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Four sentenced for their roles in an oxycodone distribution operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four West Virginia residents were sentenced to a combined 73 months incarceration for their roles in an oxycodone distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Floyd Pancoast, of Pursglove, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 10 months incarceration. Pancoast, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in October 0217. Pancoast admitted to using a telephone to help distribute oxycodone in Monongalia County in February 2017.
Jason Pancoast, of Pursglove, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration. Pancoast, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Offense” in October 2017. Pancoast admitted to having and using a pistol in connection to a drug trafficking crime. The crime occurred in March 2017 in Monongalia County.
Leon Jamar Maddox, age 35, of Fairmont, was sentenced to 37 months incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone” in October 2017. Maddox admitted to selling oxycodone in Monongalia County in September 2015.
Amanda Maddox, age 33, of Morgantown, was sentenced to eight months incarceration. She pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in October 2017. Maddox admitted to using a telephone to assist in distributing oxycodone in Monongalia County in March 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and 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.
Fairmont man arrested on firearm chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dustin Lynn Garrison, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was arrested this week after being indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Elkins on February 21, 2018, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Garrison, age 26, was indicted on two counts 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 and a .22 caliber revolver in September and December 2017 in Marion County, West Virginia.
Garrison 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 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 arrested Garrison.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maryland man guilty of selling heroin in Berkeley County, West VirginiaRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Christopher Wigfall, also known as “Frank,” of Randallstown, Maryland, was found guilty today by a jury of selling heroin in the Eastern Panhandle, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Wigfall, age 38, was found guilty of two counts of “Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Wigfall sold heroin in December 2014 in Berkeley County.
The trial began on Tuesday, February 20, 2018. The jury deliberated for less than two hours this morning before returning the guilty verdicts.
Wigfall is also facing an additional count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” He is accused of illegally possessing a .40 caliber pistol in March 2015 in Berkeley County. Wigfall is scheduled to go to trial on the firearm charge in March 2018.
Wigfall 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 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for illegal firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Paul Crofford, of Salem, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for the unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Crofford, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in October 2017. Crofford, having previously been convicted of a felony in Smith County, Texas Circuit Court, admitted to possessing a 12-gauge shotgun in January 2017 in Harrison County, West Virginia.
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 Anmoore Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Harrison County man sentenced for firearm chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Matthew Smith, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months incarceration for a firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Smith, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in October 2017. Smith, having been previously convicted of a felony and a misdemeanor in the Circuit Court in Harrison County, West Virginia, admitted to possessing a .357caliber revolver in Harrison County in September 2016.
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 Clarksburg Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Monongalia County man sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Codey Bonnette, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 41 months incarceration for drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Bonnette, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone” in October 2017. Bonnette admitted to selling oxycodone in Monongalia County in September 2015.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and 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.
Braxton County man indicted on firearm and drug chargesRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Burnsville, West Virginia, man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on firearm and drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Charles William Masters, age 43, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of ”Carry a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime.” Masters is accused of illegally possessing a 9mm pistol while possessing methamphetamine on July 3, 2017 in Lewis County, West Virginia.
Masters faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the first count, up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for the second count, and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Martinsburg man admits to selling heroinRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darnell Jermaine Fitzhugh, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Fitzhugh, also known as “DC,” age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Fitzhugh admitted to selling heroin on July 11, 2016 in Berkeley County, West Virginia.
Fitzhugh 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.
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, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated.U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Virginia man admits to bank fraudRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Virginia man has admitted to bank fraud, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Ajarhi Roberts, also known as Wayne Roberts , age 25, of Stephens City, Virginia, pled guilty to one count of “Bank Fraud.” 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 faces up to 30 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating.U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Mineral County woman admits to drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Keyser, West Virginia woman has admitted to a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Autumn Breann Ward, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Ward admitted to selling heroin in August 2016 in Mineral County.
Ward 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.
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 Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Clarksburg woman admits to methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daneille Archambault, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Archambault, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” She admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Harrison County and elsewhere April 2017.
Archambault 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 County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.Steubenville, Ohio man admits to firearm chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Steubenville, Ohio man has admitted to unlawful possession on a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Thomas Bennett, age 41, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Bennett, having previously been convicted of drug possession in Commons Pleas Court in Jefferson County, Ohio in 2017, admitted to possessing a 9mm pistol in Ohio County on August 12, 2017.
Bennett faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Ohio County man admits to drug distribution and firearms possession chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Wheeling, West Virginia man has admitted to cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Dorian Devon Banks, age 27, 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.” Banks admitted to possessing cocaine and a 9mm caliber pistol during a drug crime in May 2017 in Ohio County.
Banks faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the first count and up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the second count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the 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.Berkeley County woman admits to drug distribution chargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg, West Virginia woman has admitted to a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Shonna Marie Thomas, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Thomas admitted to selling heroin in February 2017 in Berkeley County.
Thomas faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.Harrison County man sentenced for firearm chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Garcia Cano, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months incarceration for a firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Cano, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in October 2017. Cano, having been previously convicted of a felony in the 426th District Court in Bell County, Texas, admitted to possessing a .22 caliber revolver in Harrison County in October 2016.
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 Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Gilmer County man sentenced for illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Jeremy Allen Wolfe, of Glenville, West Virginia was sentenced today to 92 months incarceration for illegal possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Wolfe , age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Felon in Possession of Firearm” in September 2017. In November 2014, Wolfe was found in possession of multiple firearms, including three rifles and two shotguns, in Calhoun County, WV. Wolfe, having been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, that is, Delivery of a Controlled Substance, in Gilmer County, WV is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.Ohio County man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Quashad Maurante Pugh, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Pugh, also known as “Q” and “Quavo,” age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Pugh distributed cocaine near Jensen Playground in October 2017 in Ohio County.
Pugh 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, are investigating.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.Mineral County man sentenced for distributing heroinRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Lee Sutter, IV, of Keyser, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 10 months incarceration for distributing heroin, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Sutter, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” in October 2017. Sutter admitted to conspiring with others to distributing heroin in Mineral County and elsewhere from November 2010 to September 2016.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Maryland woman sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Chasity Chadae Stone, of Brooklyn, Maryland, was sentenced today to 10 months incarceration for heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Stone, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” in November 2017. Stone admitted to being in possession of heroin with the intent of distributing in May 2015 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Maryland man sentenced for selling crack cocaineRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Anthony McIntosh, also known as “Lo,” and “Polo,” of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 120 months incarceration for selling cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
McIntosh, age 47, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” in October 2017. Anthony admitted to selling crack cocaine in Berkeley County in November 2013.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Martinsburg men sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Martinsburg, West Virginia men were sentenced today for heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Christopher Deshaun Walker, age 28, was sentenced to five years probation. Walker pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in November 2017. Walker admitted to selling heroin in October 2015 in Berkeley County, West Virginia.
Henry Aaron Shepherd, age 36, was sentenced to five years probation. Shepherd pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin” in November 2017. Shepherd admitted to aiding another in selling heroin in November 2015 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drugs & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
###Berkeley County woman sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandy May, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years probation for her role in a heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
May, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” in October 2017. She admitted to conspiring with others to distribute heroin in Berkeley County in February and March 2017.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecutor’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gregory Everett Mosby, of Inwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months incarceration for heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Mosby, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” in November 2017. Mosby admitted to being in possession of heroin with the intent of distributing in September 2013 in Berkeley County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Agency investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Berkeley County man sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tracey Leroy Boarman, Jr., of Falling Waters, West Virginia was sentenced today to 51 months incarceration for heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Boarman, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” in October 2017. Boarman admitted to distributing more than 100 grams of heroin in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties from October 2015 to March 2017.
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 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 to more than 12 years for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christian Blunt, of Baltimore, Maryland was sentenced today to 151 months incarceration for heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Blunt, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” in October 2017. Blunt admitted to distributing more than 100 grams of heroin in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties from October 2015 to March 2017.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Wheeling man admits to drug chargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy E. Billups, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing cocaine near a playground, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
Billups, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Billups admitted to selling cocaine near the Jensen playground in June 2017 in Ohio County.
Billups 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, Firearms and Explosives and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.