Northern District of West Virginia

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Shanwdale Saunders, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, was sentenced today to 168 months incarceration for cocaine trafficking, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Shawndale Saunders, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute 280 Grams or More of Cocaine Base” in June 2017. Throughout April and May 2016, Saunders admitted to conspiring with other individuals to transport cocaine across state lines from Ohio into West Virginia in order to possess and sell the drug in Ohio County, West Virginia. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –Jeff R. Andlinger, 36, of Benwood, West Virginia was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for heroin trafficking, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Andlinger participated in a drug distribution network in which heroin was transported across state lines from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to locations in West Virginia and Ohio for redistribution and sale. 

Andlinger sold heroin in January 2015 near a public elementary school in Marshall County, West Virginia. He pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location” in 2015.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A Virginia man has admitted to the theft and sale of government property, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Richard Alan Millette, of Winchester, Virginia, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Unauthorized Sale, Conveyance, and Disposition of Government Property.”

From 2011 to May 2017, Millette was a government contractor with the U.S. Department of State (DOS). At DOS, Millette worked as a special skills tactics instructor at the DOS Diplomatic Security Interim Training Facility, located at Summit Point, Jefferson County, West Virginia.

Millette admitted to acquiring ballistic vests and combat helmets valued at more than $16,000. He is accused of selling them online and trading them for other items. The crime occurred from March 2016 to March 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski and U.S. Department of Justice Attorney Jennifer Ballantyne prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Department of State Office of Inspector General, led by Steve A. Linick, investigated this matter.   

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Vaughn C. Hone, Jr., of Wellsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 12 months incarceration for failing to file tax returns, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Hone, age 55, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to File a Personal Income Tax Return for Tax Year 2010” and one count of “Failure to File a Personal Income Tax Return for Tax Year 2011” in March 2017. Hone admitted to failing to file income tax in 2010 and 2011 in Brooke County.

Hone was also ordered to pay $170,066 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.  The Internal Revenue Service investigated.  

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - A Wheeling man has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Levar Jermain Matthews, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Matthews, having previously been convicted of Distribution of Crack Cocaine Within 1,000 feet of a School in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, admitted to possessing a .38 special caliber revolver. The crime occurred in April 2017 in Ohio County.

Matthews 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 prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Jeremy Allen Wolfe, of Glenville, West Virginia has admitted to illegal possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Wolfe , age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Felon in Possession of Firearm.” 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. 

He faces up to ten years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
 
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted 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 Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - A Houston, Texas man has admitted to an illegal firearm charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Corey Letroit Joseph Riggs, age 40, pled guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Riggs, who was previously convicted of felonies in the Circuit Court of Harris County, Texas, was in possession of .40 caliber Glock pistol. The crime occurred April 2017 in Ohio County.

He faces up to ten years in prison and a fine 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 prosecuted 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.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - A Dover, New Hampshire man has admitted to bank fraud, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Kelvin L. Potter, age 36, pled guilty today to one count of “Bank Fraud.” Potter admitted to transferring money from an account at Chase Bank belonging to Velco, Inc., which holds the business account of Vocelli Pizza in Wheeling, without authorization. The crime occurred in May 2015.

Potter faces up to 30 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Moundsville, West Virginia man has admitted to a drug distribution charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Rhett D. Gump, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location.” Gump admitted to selling methamphetamine near the Golden Towers in Moundsville on January 5, 2017.

Gump 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 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. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Moundsville, West Virginia man has admitted to a drug distribution charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Ronald Lee Shaw, also known as “Fuzz,” age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Shaw admitted to selling cocaine near Riverview Towers in Wheeling on April 18, 2017.

Shaw 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 prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Harpers Ferry, West Virginia man has admitted to distributing heroin, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Blake Ramsey Viands, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of a Heroin.” Viands admitted to distributing heroin in November 2016 in Jefferson County, West Virginia.

Viands faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Agency and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Kearneysville, West Virginia woman has admitted to distributing cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Jennifer Gibbs, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of a Controlled Substance.” Gibbs admitted to selling cocaine in November 2016 in Jefferson County, West Virginia.
Gibbs 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 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. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Johnnie William Bateman, III, of Culpepper, Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for traveling across state lines to meet a minor for sex, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Bateman, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct” in June 2017. Bateman admitted to traveling from Virginia to Berkeley County, West Virginia in August 2016 to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person he believed to be a 15-year-old girl.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated. 
 
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Vance Lawrence Burns, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced to 48 months incarceration for robbing an Ohio County bank, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Burns, age 57, pled guilty to one count of “Bank Robbery” in July 2017. Burns admitted to robbing the United Bank in Bethlehem in April 2014, taking $3,202.00.  

Burns was also ordered to pay $3,202 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.  

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick. P Stamp. Jr. presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Ranson, West Virginia man was sentenced today to 37 months incarceration for illegal possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Jeremiah David Wallace, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Felon in Possession of Firearm” in June 2017. Wallace admitted to possession of multiple firearms in Berkeley County in November 2015. Wallace, having been convicted of a felony in Frederick County, Virginia, is prohibited from possessing firearms. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Ranson Police Department investigated. 
 
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Ranson, West Virginia man was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for illegal possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Chad Aric Berry, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in June 2017. Berry, having previously been convicted of a felony in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, admitted to possessing a .380 caliber pistol in Jefferson County September 2015. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. 
 
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bonnie Bishop of Bloomery, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months incarceration for heroin distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Bishop, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance” in May 2017. Bishop admitted to conspiring with others to distribute heroin in Hampshire County in July 2015. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski 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 Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Shanks, West Virginia man was sentenced today to 51 months incarceration for possession of child pornography, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Allen Newcomb, age 58, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography” in May 2017. Newcomb admitted to possessing child pornography containing children under the age of 12 in June 2016 in Hampshire County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Office of Homeland Security investigated. 

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – An Augusta, West Virginia man pled guilty today to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

James Albert Slonaker, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms.” Slonaker, having previously been convicted in the Circuit Court of Frederick County, Virginia, admitted to having a .22 caliber revolver, a .357 magnum revolver, two .22 caliber rifles, a .30-06 caliber rifle, and a Rossi firearm frame/receiver. The crime occurred in January 2017 in Hampshire County. 

Slonaker 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 defendants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, West Virginia Probation, and West Virginia State Police investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – An Inwood, West Virginia woman pled guilty today to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Julie Elizabeth Lipscomb, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm.” Lipscomb admitted to making a false statement wen purchasing two firearms. The crime occurred in August 2015 in Jefferson County. 

Lipscomb 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 defendants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg, West Virginia man was sentenced today to 84 months incarceration for illegal possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Anthony Jerome Addison, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in June 2017. Addison admitted to possession a rifle in Jefferson County in June 2016. Addison, having previously been convicted of distribution of cocaine base in United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, is prohibited from possessing firearms. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated. 
 
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles Wright, 37, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 48 months incarceration for heroin distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Wright pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering” in June 2017. Wright admitted to traveling between Maryland and West Virginia to aid in a heroin distribution operation in March 2016.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided. 
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Twenty-nine people have been named in two indictments handed down by a federal grand jury sitting in Clarksburg on August 29, 2017, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

The first indictment was handed down alleging that a group of individuals from West Virginia conspired with one another to steal a large amount of firearms, sell those firearms, and barter those firearms for drugs in Upshur County, West Virginia and elsewhere from October 2016 to August 2017. 
Those named in the 19-count firearms indictment are:

•    Michael Lynn Lough, 32, Buckhannon, West Virginia
•    Timothy Glen Woods, 28, French Creek, West Virginia
•    Lisa Kay Knight, 24, Upshur, West Virginia
•    Johnny Lee Riley, 28, Ellamore, West Virginia
•    Dustin Cain Anderson, 23, Buckhannon, West Virginia
•    Benjamin Tyler Nazelrod, 26, Buckhannon, West Virginia
•    Aaron Matthew McLain, 36, Volga, West Virginia
•    Carla Denise Jones, 55, Volga, West Virginia
•    Bobby Ray Johnson, Jr., 27, Buckhannon, West Virginia
•    Roger Lee Clem, II, aka “Woody,” 30, Weston, West Virginia
•    Kimberly A. Warner, aka “Kimmie,” 26, Buckhannon, West Virginia
•    Danielle Paige Tanner, 22, Glen Allen, Virginia

The second indictment was handed down, alleging another group of individuals from West Virginia conspired with one another to distribute methamphetamine in Upshur County from March 2016 to August 2017.

Those named in the 50-count methamphetamine distribution indictment are:

•    Amanda Mae Bachman, aka “AB,” 33, Buckhannon, West Virginia
•    Rocky Douglas Idleman,, 38, Clarksburg, West Virginia
•    Thunderbolt Dean Whaley, 40, French Creek, West Virginia
•    Cassandra Tahj Riffle, aka “Cassie Hickman,” 31, Buckhannon, West Virginia
•    Melissa Ann Masuga, 33, Buckhannon, West Virginia
•    Elizabeth Ellen Golden, aka “Liz,” 42, Buckhannon, West Virginia
•    Steven Larry Harper, aka “Skip,” 39, Buckhannon, West Virginia
•    Reggie Joe McLain, 37, Buckhannon, West Virginia
•    Brett Allen Reed, 23, Buckhannon, West Virginia
•    Jerry Lee Stewart, Jr., 27, Weston, West Virginia
•    Angela Dawn White, 46, Buckhannon, West Virginia
•    Clarrisa Michelle Adkins, 24, Wallace, West Virginia
•    Michael Lewis Woodyard, 26, Clarksburg, West Virginia
•    Crystal Michelle Haggarty, 34, Bridgeport, West Virginia
•    Cassie Chase Poland, 18, Fairmont, West Virginia
•    Casey Jo Richards, 28, Bridgeport, West Virginia
•    Austin Jay Robinson, 18, Belington, West Virginia

“This case is one more example of what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies collaborate and work together to rid our communities of illegally-obtained weapons and drugs.  We will continue these efforts to prosecute those who continue to plague our state with methamphetamines and other harmful illegal substances,” said Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, Acting U.S. Attorney.  
“Today’s round-up is the result of a comprehensive investigation of a regionally significant armed drug trafficking organization based in Upshur County, West Virginia, that not only distributed large amounts of methamphetamine, but also endangered the public through the illegal acquisition, use and transfer of firearms as part of their criminal activity.  This case is an outstanding example of the success law enforcement can have when agencies work together to protect the public we serve,” said Stuart L. Lowrey, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Louisville Field Division (KY/WV).              

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, the Greater Harrison Drug &Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the West Virginia State Police, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, the Buckhannon Police Department, and the Weston Police Department are investigating. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Ranson, West Virginia woman pled guilty today to filing a false tax return, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Christina Jacobs, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Filing a False Tax Return.” Jacobs admitted to filing an Income Tax Return for her and her husband in 2012, willfully understating her income from 9 West Hair Studio by approximately $32,030.70, resulting in an unpaid tax due and owing of approximately $9,394.00.  

Jacobs faces up to three years incarceration and a fine of up to $100,000. 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 defendants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.  The Internal revenue Service investigated.  

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia man pled guilty today to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Joshua Craig Grove, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm.” The crime occurred on September 11, 2015 in Jefferson County. 

Grove 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 defendants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. 

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Ernest Marshall, 34, of Charles Town, West Virginia, was sentenced in federal court today to eight months incarceration for distributing oxycodone, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Marshall admitted to distributing oxycodone in Jefferson County, West Virginia in June 2016. He pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone” in November 2016. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided. 
 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Morgantown, West Virginia man was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to campaign fraud, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

James L. Laurita, Jr., age 57, was indicted on one count of “Scheme to Cause False Statements to Federal Election Commission,” two counts of “Causing Contributions in the Name of Another,” two counts of “Causing Excessive Contributions ,” and two counts of “Causing False Statement to Federal Election Commission.” Laurita, former president and CEO of Mepco, LLC, of Morgantown, is accused of devising a scheme to unlawfully use employees of Mepco, LLC and their spouses to make campaign contributions to several federal campaigns with company funds. The crimes are alleged to have occurred from March 2010 to July 2013 in Northern District of West Virginia and elsewhere. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating. 

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Kingwood, West Virginia woman pled guilty today to her role in an oxycodone distribution operation, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Carlee Cuppet, 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone.” She admitted to selling oxycodone on September 9, 2015 in Monongalia County.

Cuppet 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 prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Moundsville, West Virginia woman was sentenced today to 70 months incarceration for cocaine distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Sodonna M. Nuce, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” in August 2017.  She admitted to distributing cocaine in Marshall County on February 7, 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Wardensville, West Virginia man pled guilty today to a methamphetamine charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Grant Sager, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Material used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” The crime occurred on June 21, 2016 in Hardy County. 

Sager 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 defendants.

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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Berrysville, Virginia man has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Kevin L. Navarro, 24, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine - Aiding and Abetting.”  He admitted to conspiring with another person to distribute methamphetamine in Hardy County, West Virginia in October 2016. 

Navarro faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Inspection Service and the West Virginia State Police investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia man was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Eric Warner, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Mail Fraud” in June 2017. Warner admitted to taking part in a staged vehicular accident in January 2012 in Harrison County. He also admitted to faking injuries from said accident and filing a false insurance claim, from which he, and others, received insurance settlements of approximately $101,500. Warner also admitted his role in procuring an insurance settlement check in someone else’s name in the amount of $46,500.

Warner was also ordered to pay $152,603.64 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia Insurance Commission Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Fairmont, West Virginia man was sentenced today 33 months incarceration for mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Michael Sine, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Mail Fraud” in June 2017. Sine admitted to participating in a staged vehicle accident, faking injuries from said accident, and filing false insurance claims resulting in a $41,000 settlement. The crime happened between May 2013 and October 2013 in Marion County.

Sine was also ordered to pay $74,653.42 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia Insurance Commission Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Youngstown man admitted today to trafficking heroin and cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Daryl “Malik” Walter Hall, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base.” The crime occurred between August 2016 to April 2017 in Hancock County.

Hall 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 defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock/Brooke/Weirton Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick R. Stamp, Jr., presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Martinsburg, West Virginia men were indicted by a federal grand jury on July 25, 2017 of drug distribution charges, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Christopher Deshaun Walker, age 28, was indicted on two counts of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base,” one count of “Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” 

Henry Aaron Shepherd, age 36, was indicted on one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin.” 

The crimes are alleged to have occurred from May to November 2015 in Berkeley County, West Virginia.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti is prosecuting 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 are investigating. 

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Fairmont, West Virginia man was sentenced today to six months incarceration for mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Bryce Martin, age 26, of Fairmont, pled guilty to one count of “Mail Fraud” in June 2017. Martin admitted to taking part in a staged vehicular accident in January 2012 in Harrison County. He also admitted to faking injuries from said accident and filing a false insurance claim, from which he, and others, received insurance settlements of approximately $101,500. Martin also admitted his role in procuring an insurance settlement check in someone else’s name in the amount of $46,500.

Martin was ordered to pay $152,603.64 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia Insurance Commission Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Kearneysville, West Virginia man pled guilty to mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Daniel Lichtman, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Mail Fraud.” Lichtman admitted to filing false insurance claims totaling $354,552.26. The crime happened November 2013 in Berkeley County.

Lichtman faces up to twenty years incarceration and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Ranson, West Virginia man pled guilty today to distributing cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Ricardo Lewis, Jr., aka BOLO, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance.” The crime is alleged to have occurred from August 2015 to July 2016 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. 

Lewis faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski prosecuted 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.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia woman was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration for mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Chasity Costilow, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Mail Fraud” in May 2017. Costilow admitted to taking part in a staged vehicular accident in September 2012 in Marion County. She also admitted to faking injuries from said accident and filing a false insurance claim, from which she received a settlement of approximately $60,000.

Costilow was also ordered to pay $65, 096.84 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia Insurance Commission Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Detroit, Michigan man pled guilty today to a drug trafficking charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Wali “Black” Murphy, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Murphy admitted to selling heroin in September 2016 in Monongalia County. 

Murphy 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 prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Makyna Kancso, of Crawford, West Virginia, pled guilty today to an oxycodone distribution charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Kancso, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone.” She admitted to distributing oxycodone in Upshur County in June 2015.

Kancso 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 prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Plaugher, of Clarksburg, Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for making false statements in purchasing a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Plaugher, age 26, pled guilty to two counts of “False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm.” He admitted to falsely representing that he was the actual buyer of four pistols when he was actually attempting to purchase the firearms on behalf of another buyer. The crimes occurred in October 2014 and January 2015 in Harrison County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided. 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bobbie Jo Phillips, of  Morgantown, West Virginia, pled guilty today to an oxycodone and cocaine distribution charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Phillips, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” He admitted to using a phone to aide in the distribution of oxycodone and cocaine in Monongalia County in March 2017.

Phillips faces up to four 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 prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Families from across the Ohio Valley will have the chance to see their favorite emergency response, military and construction vehicles up close this weekend, thanks to the United States Attorney’s Office, Cabela’s, first responders, and other businesses in our community. 

Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen is proud to announce the second annual “Meet and Greet the Safety Fleet” offering children and their families and chance to “touch a truck.” Participants can sit in their favorite vehicles, take pictures, and meet those who keep our communities safe.

“We are thrilled to once again offer this event, supporting positive interactions with the children in our area and first responders, as well as honoring those who serve our communities and country every day,” said Jividen. 

The event is open and free to the public. It will be held Saturday, September 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cabela’s in Triadelphia. There will be character appearances, Travis Braden’s racecar, and a special appearance of AirEvac’s medical helicopter.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dennis Lee Artis, of Youngstown, Ohio admitted today to distributing cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Artis, age 52, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Artis admitted to selling cocaine near Allison Elementary School in Hancock County on April 5, 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock/Brooke/Weirton Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jamie Villono, of Sistersville, West Virginia, admitted to illegally possessing firearms, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Villono, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” Villono, having previously been convicted of breaking and entering in Tyler County Circuit Court, admitting to having in his possession a 30-30 caliber rifle, a.22 caliber rifle, a.22-250 caliber rifle, and a .223 caliber rifle. The crime occurred in October 2016 in Tyler County.

Villono faces up to ten years and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - Glenn Edgor Pryor, of  St. Marys, West Virginia, pled guilty today to a methamphetamine distribution charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Pryor, age 60, was pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” He admitted to selling methamphetamine in Pleasants County in July 2016.

Pryor faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Pleasants County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Megan Eileen Dunigan, 29, of Mount Clare, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months incarceration for possession and distribution of an illegal substance, Acting United States Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Dunigan pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute MAM2201 and Buprenorphine” in July 2017. She admitted to having conspiring with others to distribute illegal substances in Harrison County, West Virginia from April 2014 to April 2016. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, The West Virginia State Police, and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crime Task Force investigated. 
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Danna J. Hern, 31, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 51 months incarceration for heroin distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced. 

Hern pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess With the Intent to Deliver Heroin” in September 2016.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.  

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided. 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Lewis Jones, of Waynesboro, Virginia, was sentenced today to 168 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Jones, age 55, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in March 2017. Jones admitted to conspiring with others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in the Northern District of West Virginia and elsewhere. The crime occurred from May 2013 until October 2016.

There was also a forfeiture judgement in the amount of $4,499.00, the amount seized in this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 
 
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.