Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Brooke County man sentenced for failing to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Barker, 27, of Follansbee, West Virginia was sentenced to 15 months in prison for failure to register as a sex offender, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Barker, who is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, traveled in interstate commerce from Pennsylvania to West Virginia to take up residence in West Virginia in November 2015. He knowingly failed to register and update his sex offender registration.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Pennsylvania man sentenced for cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ralph Gaston, 25, of Monroeville, Pennsylvania was sentenced to 77 months in prison for cocaine distribution, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Gaston admitted to distributing cocaine in Harrison County, WV. He pled guilty in February 2016 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.”
Assistant United States Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Wheeling man pleads guilty to oxycodone distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ronnell A. Williams, 41, of Wheeling, West Virginia, pled guilty to distributing oxycodone in federal court today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Williams admitted to distributing oxycodone in Ohio County, WV in February 2016. He pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone.”
He faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Wheeling Island men facing federal drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned indictments charging two men from Wheeling Island with drug and gun charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Clarence William Bertram, 24, and Justin Thomas Mann, 28, both of Wheeling Island are now facing criminal charges in federal court.
Bertram has been charged with one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises,” three counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Felon in Possession of Firearm.” He faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine up to $500,000 for the maintaining a drug-involved premises count; up to 60 years in prison and a fine up to $2,000,000 for each of the distribution counts; and up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearm charge.
Mann, has been charged with three counts of “Distribution of Heroin” that allegedly occurred in February 2016. He faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine up to $1,000,000 for each count.
Both Bertram and Mann are alleged to have engaged in drug trafficking on Wheeling Island in 2016.
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 Randolph J. Bernard is handling the cases on behalf of the government. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, also of the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, is assisting with the Mann case. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force is investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Taylor County man charged with illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Michael Andrew Christopher Shaver, 22, of Grafton, West Virginia with illegal possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In November 2015, Shaver was allegedly found in possession of a stolen .45 caliber pistol in Harrison County, WV. Shaver was charged with one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” 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 David J. Perri is handling the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, and the VA Police Department in Clarksburg are investigating.Morgantown man charged with multiple oxycodone distribution chargesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Shawn Collins, 43, of Morgantown, West Virginia with distribution of oxycodone, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In February through May of 2015, Collins was allegedly in possession with the intent to distribute oxycodone in Monongalia County, WV on three separate occasions.
Collins was charged with three counts of “Distribution of Oxycodone.” He faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine 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 Zelda E. Wesley is handling the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police - BCI are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Harrison County man pleads guilty to unlawful possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David Keith Stover, Jr., 37, of Stonewood, West Virginia, pled guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm in federal court today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Stover, who had previously been convicted of a felony offense of Nighttime Burglary in Harrison County, WV, was discovered in possession of three rifles in May 2015. He pled guilty to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.”
He faces up to ten years in prison 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 Stonewood Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
U.S. Attorney’s Office to take part in National Night OutRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced that he and members of his staff will join law enforcement and community leaders on Tuesday, August 2nd in Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Martinsburg, and Wheeling as part of the annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event.
According to Ihlenfeld, National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.
“It’s more important than ever before that we bring the police and the community together,” said Ihlenfeld. “We already have great trust between communities and law enforcement in Northern West Virginia, and National Night Out is a wonderful opportunity to build upon what we have and make it even stronger.”
The United States Attorney’s Office will be present at four National Night Out events, to include the events at the Benedum Civic Center in Bridgeport, the VA Park in Clarksburg, the War Memorial Park in Martinsburg, and Wheeling Park in Wheeling. Each of these events will begin at 6 p.m.
National Night Out organizers are expecting over 16,000 communities and 38 million people to take part in community events on Tuesday across the country.
New York man pleads guilty to unlawful possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyler M. Purvis-Mitchell, 22, of Albany, New York, pled guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm in federal court today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Purvis-Mitchell pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Provide a False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm.” He admitted to selecting a firearm from Cashland II Pawn Shop and coordinating to have another individual purchase the firearm for him. That individual falsely represented that she was the actual buyer of the firearm and used money from Purvis-Mitchell to buy the firearm.
He faces up to ten years in prison 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 Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Berkeley County man pleads guilty to unlawful possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas Dale Sims, Jr., 34, of Gerrardstown, West Virginia, pled guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm in federal court today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Sims, who had previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, was discovered in possession of a 12 gauge shotgun in October 2015. He pled guilty to one count of “Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence.”
He faces up to ten years in prison 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 Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Maryland man sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Tillman, 50, of Annapolis, Maryland was sentenced to 21 months in prison for heroin distribution, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Tillman admitted to distributing heroin in April 2014 in Berkeley County, WV. He pled guilty in April 2016 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin.”
West Virginia Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant United States Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Virginia man sentenced for unlawful possession of firearmRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Evan Megeath, 33, of Strasburg, Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Megeath, who has previous felony convictions in state court in Virginia, was discovered in unlawful possession of a .22 caliber rifle in July 2015 in Jefferson County, WV. Megeath was previously convicted in the Circuit Court of Warren County, Virginia of the felony offenses of one count of “Breaking and Entering,” two counts of “Grand Larceny,” two counts of “False Pretenses,” one count of “Bad Check,” and one count of “Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance.”
Megeath pled guilty in April 2016 to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul T. Camilletti and 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.
Two sentenced for drug distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two individuals were sentenced for drug distribution in federal court in Martinsburg today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Laquan Eugene Johnson, 36, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced to 210 months in prison for distributing heroin. Johnson pled guilty in April 2016 to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.”
Ronald Lee Jackson, 29, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for distributing crack cocaine. Jackson pled guilty in April 2016 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.”
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Taylor, also of the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the Jackson case on behalf of the government and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul T. Camilletti and Anna Krasinski prosecuted the Johnson 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.
Three charged with manufacturing, distributing performance enhancing drugsRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging two Florida residents and one North Carolina resident with manufacturing and distributing performance enhancing drugs, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
William Bagwell, 45, of Petersburg, Florida; Cole Leggett, 52, of Clearwater, Florida; and Robert Nicholson-Gould, 45, of Lexington, North Carolina, allegedly conspired with one another to violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act for nearly two years.
Bagwell was the owner and operator of Freedom Pharma, a company that was a manufacturer and distributor of various unapproved prescription drugs to customers throughout the United States, including the Northern District of West Virginia. Leggett and Nicholson-Gould were both employed by Bagwell.
Freedom Pharma was not registered with the United States Food and Drug Administration as a drug manufacturer. The drugs, which include, dehydrochloromethyltestosterone, drostanolone enanthate, exemestane, methandienone, nandrolone decanoate, oxandrolone, oxymetholone, sildenafil, stanozolol, tadalafil, tamoxifen citrate, testosterone, and trenbolone, were misbranded and introduced into interstate commerce.
“The FDA ensures that drugs are safe, effective, and manufactured using good manufacturing practice” said Mark S. McCormack, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Metro Washington Office. “Those who attempt to circumvent these requirements and sell potentially dangerous unapproved and misbranded products will be brought to justice.”
They were each charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act,” and one count of “Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substances Act.” In addition, Bagwell and Leggett were each charged with eight counts of “Introductions of Misbranded Drugs into Interstate Commerce,” and six counts of “Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substances.”
They each face up to five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for the conspiracy to violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act charge; and up to ten years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for the conspiracy to violation the Controlled Substances Act charge. Additionally, Bagwell and Leggett face up to three years in prison and a fine up to $10,000 for each of the introduction of misbranded drugs charges; and up to ten years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for each of the unlawful distribution charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas is handling the case on behalf of the government. The United States Food and Drug Administration is investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Brooke County man sentenced for manufacturing methamphetamineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Harold L. Midcap, III, 40, of Follansbee, West Virginia, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for manufacturing methamphetamine, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.Midcap manufactured methamphetamine in early to mid-2015 in Brooke County, WV. He pled guilty in February 2016 to one count of “Methamphetamine Conspiracy.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the West Virginia State Police, the Hancock Brooke Weirton Drug Task Force, the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office, and the Follansbee Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Berkeley County man indicted on federal firearm chargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jonathan Leigh Wienke, 45, of Martinsburg, West Virginia with multiple firearm charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.In June 2016, Wienke allegedly possessed a .22 caliber pistol, a firearm silencer, and materials to manufacture firearm silencers in Berkeley County, WV. Wienke is charged with one count of "Making a Firearm in Violation of the National Firearms Act,” two counts of “Receipt or Possession of Firearms Made in Violation of the National Firearms Act,” two counts of “Receipt or Possession of an Unregistered Firearm,” and two counts of “Receipt or Possession of Firearm Unidentified by Serial Number,”
He faces up to ten years in prison and a fine up to $10,000 for each charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is handling the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Department of Homeland Security are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Cleveland man pleads guilty to distribution of heroin and fentanylRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn L. McClain, 37, of Cleveland, Ohio, pled guilty today to distributing heroin mixed with fentanyl, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
McClain admitted to selling the heroin in Ohio County, WV, specifically within 1,000 feet of Madison Elementary School. He pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl,” one count of “Distribution of Heroin & Fentanyl within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Distribution of Heroin & Fentanyl.”
McClain faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 conspiracy charge; up to forty years in prison and a fine up to $2,000,000 for the distribution near a protected location charge; and up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the distribution charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Cleveland man pleads guilty to crack cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Donny Deshawn Parker, 24, of Cleveland, Ohio, pled guilty to crack cocaine distribution in federal court today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Parker pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” He admitted to selling crack cocaine in Marshall County, WV. He faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Pendleton County man pleads guilty to unlawful possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Wayne Davis, 42 of Harper, West Virginia, pled guilty today to unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Davis, who has a previous felony conviction in federal court, was discovered in unlawful possession of a .270 caliber rifle and a 12 gauge shotgun in November 2015 in Pendleton County, West Virginia. Davis was previously convicted of a felony offense of “Armed Bank Robbery” in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Davis pled guilty today to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to ten years in prison 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 Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Morgantown man pleads guilty to synthetic marijuana distribution, money laundering chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Kocan, 59, of Morgantown, West Virginia, pled guilty to distribution of synthetic marijuana and money laundering, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.Kocan was the owner of Mid Nite Adult in Morgantown, WV where he sold synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as “spice”, “K2”, “incense”, or “fake weed” for nearly two years. Synthetic cannabinoids are designer drugs that resemble a controlled substance in molecular structure and actual or intended physiological effect.
He pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Synthetic Cannabinoids and Schedule I Controlled Substance Analogue,” and one count of “Engaging in a Monetary Transaction with Cash Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity.” He faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the conspiracy charge and up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the monetary laundering charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Three Rivers Drug Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Four convicted, sentenced for illegal reentryRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three individuals from Guatemala and one from Honduras pled guilty to illegal reentry today in federal court in Clarksburg, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.Selvin Garcia-Xitumul, 21, originally from Guatemala; Wilson Ariel Garcia-Guzman, 21, originally from Guatemala; Javier Vargas-Zaldivar, 32, originally from Honduras; and Marco May-Cucil, 27, originally from Guatemala, were discovered in May 2016 in Monongalia County after having been deported from the United States.
All four individuals pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of a Removed Alien” and were sentenced to time served. The United States Marshals Service will transfer each defendant into the custody of the United States Department of Homeland Security so that the deportation process may begin.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah W. Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Department of Homeland Security Immigrations and Customs Enforcement investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Pennsylvania man charged with heroin, firearm chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jewel D. Woods, 19, of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania with a heroin and a firearm charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In January 2016, Woods allegedly possessed heroin with the intent to distribute the drug in Harrison County, WV. He also allegedly possessed a Glock pistol in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. Woods is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Deliver Heroin,” and one count of “Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime.”
He faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine up to $1,000,000 for the possession with intent to deliver heroin charge and five years to life in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for the firearm charge.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook is handling the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Clarksburg Police Department are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Gilmer County man charged with illegal possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jeremy Allen Wolfe, 30, of Glenville, West Virginia with illegal possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In November 2014, Wolfe was allegedly 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.
Wolfe was charged with one count of “Felon in Possession of Firearm.” 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.
Wolfe is presently in the custody of the West Virginia Division of Corrections serving a sentence arising from a criminal conviction in the Circuit Court of Braxton County. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will request that Wolfe temporarily be placed into the custody of the United States Marshal pending the final disposition of the federal case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is handling the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Morgantown man pleads guilty to synthetic marijuana distribution, money laundering chargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Randolph Kocan, 61, of Morgantown, West Virginia, pled guilty to distribution of synthetic marijuana and money laundering, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Kocan was the manager of Mid Nite Adult in Morgantown, WV where he sold synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as “spice”, “K2”, “incense”, or “fake weed” for nearly two years. Synthetic cannabinoids are designer drugs that resemble a controlled substance in molecular structure and actual or intended physiological effect.
He pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Synthetic Cannabinoids and Schedule I Controlled Substance Analogue,” and one count of “Engaging in a Monetary Transaction with Cash Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity.” He faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the conspiracy charge and up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for the monetary laundering charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Three Rivers Drug Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Berkeley County man charged with failure to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Saul Hicks Williams, 35, of Inwood, West Virginia with failure to register as a sex offender, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
From September 2015 through November 2015, Williams failed to register and update his registration as a sex offender in Berkeley County, WV. Williams is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act by reason of a conviction under state law, to wit: Sexual Assault in the Third Degree, in the Circuit Court of Berkeley County, West Virginia.
Williams is charged with one count of “Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.” 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 Anna Z. Krasinski is handling the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service is investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Marion County man sentenced for wire fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Devin Wright, 25, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to eight months in prison for participating in a wire fraud conspiracy, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Wright conspired with another individual at Express Towing, a towing company in Wetzel County, where they would rent trucks from national rental companies and then would stage false accidents involving the rented trucks. Instead of calling the national rental companies and arranging for their preferred and approved towing companies to tow the damaged vehicles, they allegedly towed the trucks or had the customers return the trucks to Express Towing and then would demand payment of towing fees before they would return the truck to the rental companies. He pled guilty in May 2016 to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Marion County man sentenced for cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bennie Kyle, 61, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for distributing cocaine near Fairmont State University, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Kyle sold cocaine in June 2015 in Marion County, WV near Fairmont State University. He pled guilty in March 2016 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Three Rivers Drug Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Irene M. Keeley presided.
Hancock County, WV man sentenced for child pornography offensesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Steve G. Singo, 35, of Weirton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 97 months in prison for receiving, possessing, and distributing images of child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.Evidence presented at a two day trial in March 2016 indicated that Singo utilized internet-based peer-to-peer file sharing technology to download and share files depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Authorities discovered Singo in possession of various images of child pornography at his residence in Hancock County, West Virginia.
Following the trial, a jury found Singo guilty of one count of “Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography,” and one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.
Cleveland man pleads guilty to heroin distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – John Johnson, Jr., 39, of Cleveland, Ohio, pled guilty to heroin distribution in federal court in Wheeling today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Johnson pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” He admitted to selling heroin in Ohio County during October 2015. He faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine 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 Danaë DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Federal search warrants executed, four arrested in multi-state drug trafficking investigationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Four people were arrested after federal search warrants were executed at homes in West Virginia and Ohio this week as part of an ongoing multi-state drug trafficking investigation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
On Thursday, agents from the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force and the Belmont County Drug Task Force, searched homes on North Broadway, North Huron, and South Penn Streets on Wheeling Island in Ohio County, WV and on Noble Street in Bellaire, Ohio. Quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, three firearms, and $4,000 in currency were recovered by agents. A Mercedes-Benz motor vehicle was also seized.Agents arrested Clarence Bertram, 24, of Wheeling, West Virginia, and Dontrell Ivery, 38, formerly of Cleveland, Ohio and now of Wheeling, West Virginia on drug and gun charges and both will appear in state court in West Virginia.
Terrell Bruce Allen, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio was also arrested on drug and gun charges and will appear in state court in Ohio.
Niamah Assamad, 36, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Felonious Assault and she will appear in state court in Ohio.
“This week’s execution of federal search warrants is just continuing proof of the success of the drug task force, and the cooperation of city, county, state and federal authorities,” said Ohio County Sheriff Pat Butler. “I know citizens get impatient when they see obvious drug operations in their neighborhood, however these investigations take time.”
“I am personally and professionally vested in Wheeling Island, and I appreciate the cooperation among the local, state, and federal agencies that were, and are still, involved in the investigation,” said Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger.The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force is a HIDTA-funded initiative and is comprised of officers and agents from the Wheeling Police Department, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The Belmont County Drug Task Force is comprised of officers and agents from the Barnesville Police Department, Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, Bellaire Police Department, Bethesda Police Department, Bridgeport, Ohio Police Department, Martins Ferry Police Department, Powhatan Police Department, Shadyside Police Department, and St. Clairsville Police Department.
According to Ihlenfeld, additional charges arising from the investigation will be filed in the near future in both state and federal court.
New York man sentenced for possession of counterfeit credit cardsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles Manu, 23, of Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for possession of counterfeit devices, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Manu was found in Ohio County in possession of more than fifteen counterfeit devices, including stolen credit card account numbers and recoded or reprogrammed gift cards. Manu previously pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Unauthorized Access Devices.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the United States Secret Service investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Brooke County man sentenced for lying to law enforcement officersRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Ian Haught, 33, of Follansbee, West Virginia, was sentenced to twelve months and one day in prison for making a false statement to law enforcement officers, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
During an interview with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives agents, Haught lied about how he came into possession of a stolen firearm. He later admitted to having stolen the firearm and to having possessed it before disposing of it. In February 2016, Haught pled guilty to one count of “False Statement to Law Enforcement.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri 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.
Martinsburg, WV doctor sentenced for unlawful distribution of prescription painkillersRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tressie Montene Duffy, 46, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to twelve months and one day in prison for unlawful distribution of narcotic painkillers, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Duffy was a practicing physician who operated West Virginia Weight and Wellness, Inc., in Martinsburg. Duffy admitted that she signed blank prescription orders and allowed unlicensed members of her staff to issue prescriptions for narcotic medications to patients that had not been seen by a physician.
Duffy previously pled guilty to seven counts of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Oxycodone.”
Duffy must relinquish her medical license and is prohibited from ever reapplying for a license to practice medicine in West Virginia or any other state.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Local organizations collaborate in flood relief effortsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – The United States Attorney’s Office has partnered with the YWCA and Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration in Wheeling, West Virginia to collect donations for the flood victims in southern West Virginia, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Donations can be dropped off at the YWCA, 1100 Chapline Street, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, 42 38th Street from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Donations will be accepted through Friday, July 1st at 5:00 p.m.
“After seeing the devastation in southern West Virginia, I knew the Ohio Valley community would want to get involved in the relief effort. We want to ensure that our southern neighbors have the resources they need to begin to rebuild,” said Lori Jones, Executive Director of the YWCA-Wheeling.
The highest priority items include cleaning supplies, buckets, brooms, mops, bottled water, baby diapers and wipes, baby food and formula, shovels, work gloves, rubber boots, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, blankets, tarps, and batteries.
“Our goal is to assist the communities and residents who lost their homes in the recent flooding as they work to restore and rebuild,” said Josh Contraguerro, Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration spokesman. “Over the next few days and months, these communities and residents will need our help. Whether it is one gallon of bleach or one case of water, every donation will make a substantial impact.”
Offices throughout the United States Courthouse and Federal Building have already begun to donate items to be delivered to southern West Virginia. In addition, members of the United States Attorney’s Office will be traveling to assist with relief efforts.
Wheeling Island Hotel and Casino and Sysco Corporation have each donated a pallet of water to the cause. In addition, Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration will provide trucks to transport all of the supplies to some of the hardest hit areas.
If you have any questions please contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (304) 234-0100.
Harrison County man sentenced for oxycodone distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Suhip E. Ebrahim, 26, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for distribution of oxycodone, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Ebrahim was arrested in Wheeling, WV after being found in possession of a large quantity of oxycodone pills. He previously pled guilty in May 2016 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams and Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, all HIDTA-funded initiatives, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Brooke County man sentenced for methamphetamine distributionRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles A. Marker, 40, of Wellsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 120 months in prison today for distribution of methamphetamine, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Marker previously pled guilty in February 2016 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock, Brooke, Weirton Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Philadelphia man sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Raheem Cuffee, 32, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was sentenced today to 110 months in prison for heroin distribution, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Cuffee previously pled guilty to “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location” He admitted to selling heroin in Morgantown, West Virginia during 2014.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
West Virginia man sentenced for unlawful possession of stolen firearmsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Basile, 65, of Blacksville, West Virginia was sentenced today to twelve months and one day in prison for unlawful possession of stolen firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Basile previously pled guilty to “Possession of Stolen Firearms” for selling stolen guns in Marion and Monongalia County in 2014.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Guyana citizen charged with falsifying an application for a U.S. passportRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Joseph Fedrick, 42, of Guyana, with falsifying an application for a United States passport, U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Fedrick executed an application for a United States passport in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Within the application, Fedrick attempted to use a false social security number with the intent to secure the passport fraudulently.
Fedrick is charged with one count of “False Statement in Application for Passport.” He faces up to ten years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Department of the State Diplomatic Security Service and the United States Department of Homeland Security are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Hancock County, West Virginia, sheriff deputy charged with use of excessive forceRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A former Hancock County, West Virginia, Sheriff’s Deputy has been charged with using excessive force against an arrestee, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Mark A. Cowden, 51, of Weirton, WV, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of “Deprivation of Rights” and one count of “Obstruction of Justice – Falsification of Document.” Cowden is alleged to have used excessive force during an arrest in January of 2015 and to have falsified a document in an attempt to justify his use of force.
Cowden faces up to ten years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for the deprivation of rights charge and up to twenty years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for the obstruction charge.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas and Department of Justice Civil Rights Trial Attorney Nicholas Murphy are handling 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.Five Columbus, Ohio residents charged with transporting stolen goodsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Maurice L. Whyte, II, 23, Kasie A. Morgan, 24, Kionte K. Whatley, 19, Marilyn Whatley, 37, and Jolisha McDonald, 25, all of Columbus, Ohio, with transporting stolen goods, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
From January 2014 through June 2015, all five individuals allegedly conspired with one another to steal primarily smart phones, tablets, head phones, games stations, and computers from Walmart, Target, and Meijer stores in eight different states, including West Virginia and Ohio. The value of the stolen goods are estimated to be in excess of $500,000.
Whyte, Morgan, Kionte Whatley, Marilyn Whatley, and McDonald are each charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Transport Stolen Goods in Interstates Commerce.” Whyte, Morgan, Marilyn Whatley, and McDonald are also each charged with two counts of “Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property.” They face up to five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for the conspiracy charge and up to ten years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for each of the interstate transportation of stolen property charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Fairmont man pleads guilty to federal firearm chargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Cline, 23, of Fairmont, WV, pled guilty to a federal firearm charge today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Cline was found in possession of a 9mm caliber pistol in Marion County, West Virginia. Cline used that firearm in furtherance of his marijuana distribution operation.He pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Crime.” He faces up to five years in prison 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Three Rivers Drug Task Force investigated.U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
West Virginia man convicted, sentenced for cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA– Claude Jones, 33, of Fairmont, West Virginia was convicted and sentenced today for cocaine distribution, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Jones sold cocaine in the Fairmont area of Monongalia County during January 2014. Jones pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” He was sentenced today to 120 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Two Hardy County men charged with heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Jason Wayne Russell, 38, of Moorefield, WV and Brandon David Fout, 20, of Old Fields, WV, with heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
From January through June 2015, Russell and Fout allegedly conspired with one another to transport heroin across state lines from Baltimore, Maryland into West Virginia in order to redistribute the drug.
Russell and Fout are each charged with one count of “Heroin Conspiracy,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin – Aiding and Abetting,” and one count of “Interstate Travel in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” They both face up to 20 years in prison and up to $1,000,000 in fines for each the conspiracy and possession charges. They also face up to five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for the interstate travel charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police, West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Four charged with illegal reentryRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned indictments today charging four men found in Morgantown with illegal reentry into the United States, U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Selvin Garcia-Xitumul, 21, originally from Guatemala; Wilson Ariel Garcia-Guzman, 21, originally from Guatemala; Marco May-Cucil, 27, originally from Guatemala; and Javier Vargas-Zaldivar 32, originally from Honduras, were allegedly discovered in May 2016 in Monongalia County, West Virginia after previously having been deported from the country. They are each charged with one count of “Reentry of a Removed Alien.” They each face up to two 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 Sarah W. Montoro is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The United States Department of Homeland Security Immigrations and Customs Enforcement is investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maryland man sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Sanders, 25, of Williamsport, Maryland, was sentenced to 120 months in prison today for distribution of heroin, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Sanders sold heroin in June 2014 near Martinsburg, West Virginia that led to the death of a 29- year-old Hagerstown, Maryland man. He pled guilty in November 2015 to a criminal Information charging him with one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti 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 woman sentenced for mail fraudRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Debra M. Moses, 47, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for mail fraud, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Moses, a legal assistant at Cassell and Prinz, PLLC, devised a scheme to defraud her employer of attorney fees paid by the United States Social Security Administration by endorsing U.S. Treasury checks payable to “John M. Cassell Attorney” and mailing them to Baltimore, MD for deposit into her personal checking account. Over a nearly seven year period, Moses deposited in excess of $300,000 into her checking account.
Moses pled guilty in March 2016 to one count of “Mail Fraud.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service and the United States Social Security Administration investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Detroit man pleads guilty to heroin distributionRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darrin Lawrence Broadnax, 49, of Detroit, Michigan pled guilty to heroin distribution and trafficking today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Broadnax pled guilty to “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” Specifically, Broadnax sold heroin in January 2015 near an elementary school in Monongalia County, West Virginia. Broadnax also admitted to transporting heroin for redistribution and sale across state lines from Michigan to West Virginia. He faces between one and 40 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $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 Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Three plead guilty to heroin distribution in Monongalia CountyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three individuals pled guilty to heroin distribution in federal court in Clarksburg today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Romelle Deshaun Stevens, 26, of Detroit, Michigan pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Stevens admitted to selling heroin in Monongalia County during December 2015. He faces not more than 20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $1,000,000.
Robert Tucker, 22, of Clarksburg, WV pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.” Tucker admitted to selling heroin in Monongalia County during August 2015. He faces not more than 20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $1,000,000.
Michaelo Merone, 30, of Westover, WV pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Merone admitted to selling heroin in Monongalia County during October 2015. He faces not more than 20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $1,000,000.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the defendant’s prior criminal history, if any.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Pennsylvania man sentenced for painkiller traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kalif Briggs, 33, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for transporting oxycodone across state lines today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Briggs previously pled guilty in February 2016 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone.” Briggs admitted to transporting oxycodone from Philadelphia to Morgantown, West Virginia for redistribution and sale.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.