Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Morgantown man convicted, sentenced for escapeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Franklin McVay, 30, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was convicted and sentenced today for escape, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In March 2016, McVay escaped from custody at the Dismas Charities of Clarksburg Halfway House in Harrison County, West Virginia.
McVay pled guilty today to an Information charging him with one count of “Escape.” He was sentenced today to twelve months and one day in prison.Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Philadelphia man found guilty of heroin, oxycodone traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal jury convicted Keevus Weeks, 32, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania of heroin and oxycodone trafficking today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Evidence presented at trial indicated that Weeks was involved in a drug trafficking operation in which heroin and oxycodone were transported across state lines from Philadelphia to Morgantown, West Virginia for redistribution and sale throughout the region.
Following a 3 day trial, a jury found Weeks guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone and Heroin,” two counts of “Distribution of Oxycodone within 1000 feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone.”
For the “Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone and Heroin” charge, Weeks faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Weeks faces between one to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for each of the “Distribution of Oxycodone within 1000 feet of a Protected Location” charges. For the “Distribution of Oxycodone” charge, Weeks faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed for each charge 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 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.
Martinsburg man admits to unlawful acquisition of firearmRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Deven Deloreece Johnson, 21, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, pled guilty today to providing false information in order to purchase a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.Johnson provided false information during the acquisition of a 9mm caliber pistol in December 2015 in Berkeley County, West Virginia.
Johnson pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Provide a False Statement During the Attempted Purchase of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 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 West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Three Mexican nationals plead guilty to illegal reentryRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three individuals from Mexico pled guilty to illegal reentry today in federal court in Martinsburg, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Rubisley Martinez-Canseco, 38, originally of Mexico, was discovered in April 2016 in Berkeley County after having been deported from the United States. Martinez-Canseco pled guilty today to one count of “Reentry of a Removed Alien.” He faces up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Pedro Camarrillo-Guevarra, 26, originally of Mexico, was discovered in October 2015 in Berkeley County after previously having been deported from the United States. Camarrillo-Guevarra pled guilty today to one count of “Reentry of a Removed Alien.” He faces up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Alberto Martinez-Nieto, 45, originally of Mexico, was discovered in April 2016 in Berkeley County, West Virginia after previously having been deported from the United States. Martinez-Nieto has multiple previous felony convictions, including “Vehicle Theft” and “Possession for Sale or Purchase for Purposes of Sale a Controlled Substance (Cocaine).” Martinez-Nieto pled guilty today to one count of “Reentry of a Deported Alien Previously Convicted of an Aggravated Felony.” He faces up to 20 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 defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The United States Department of Homeland Security Immigrations and Customs Enforcement investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Hancock County man pleads guilty to unlawful possession of a stolen firearmRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon S. Moore, 24, of New Cumberland, West Virginia, pled guilty today to a federal firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.In June 2015, Moore stole a Glock pistol, model 22, .40 caliber from a residence in Brooke County, West Virginia. Moore pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” He faces up to 10 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 Randy J. Bernard prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, the Brooke County Sheriff’s Department, and the Weirton Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Two plead guilty to unlawful possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two individuals pled guilty to unlawful possession of firearms today in federal court in Martinsburg, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Dione Aliquan Taylor, 29, of Martinsburg, who has pervious felony convictions in state court in New Jersey, was discovered in unlawful possession of a .45 caliber pistol in December 2015 in Jefferson County, West Virginia. He was previously convicted of the felony offenses of “Conspiracy to Violate Narcotics Laws,” “Possession with the Intent to Distribute CDS on School Property,” and “Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS on School Property” in the Superior Court of Essex County, New Jersey. Taylor pled guilty today to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.Thomas James King, 26, of Clarksburg, Maryland, who has previous felony convictions in federal court in West Virginia and state court in Maryland, was discovered in unlawful possession of a 9mm pistol in Berkeley County, West Virginia. He was previously convicted of the felony offenses of “Conspiracy to Commit Robbery” in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, and “Felon in Possession of a Firearm” in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. King pled guilty today to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 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 defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins prosecuted Taylor and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Camilletti prosecuted King on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Pittsburgh, PA man pleads guilty to selling heroin in West VirginiaRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Raimonte Gaston, 23, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to heroin trafficking today in federal court in Clarksburg, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Gaston sold heroin in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” He faces up to 20 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. Attorneys Shawn Adkins and Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Morgantown, WV man pleads guilty to interstate heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Donald Myers, 37, of Morgantown, West Virginia, pled guilty to heroin trafficking today in federal court in Clarksburg, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Myers was among fourteen individuals charged with heroin trafficking when three separate federal indictments disrupted a Michigan to West Virginia heroin trafficking network in February 2016. Specifically, Myers sold heroin in January 2016 near West Virginia University in Monongalia County, West Virginia.Myers pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” He faces between one and forty years in prison 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 Zelda 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.
Marion County man sentenced for unlawful possession of firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Antonio Cottingham, 29, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Cottingham, who has previous felony convictions in federal and state court in West Virginia, was discovered in unlawful possession of a .44 caliber revolver in August 2015 in Fairmont, West Virginia. Cottingham was previously convicted in the Northern District of West Virginia of the felony offenses of “Distribution of Crack Cocaine” and “Escape from Custody.” He was also previously convicted in state court in West Virginia of the felony offense of “Conspiracy to Commit a Felony Against the Sate.”
Cottingham pled guilty in January 2016 to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Fairmont, West Virginia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Jamaican man sentenced in international lottery scamRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Davel Godfrey Young, 53, of Montego Bay, Jamaica, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for wire fraud, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Young, along with other individuals, made a series of unsolicited phone calls and sent unsolicited emails to a variety of United States citizens. Young informed these individuals that they had won a multi-million dollar lottery prize and a new Mercedes Benz or BMW vehicle. Young then informed the purported lottery winners that in order to receive their lottery prizes, they needed to pay taxes and processing fees by wiring finds to Jamaica and various locations within the United States.Young further sent fraudulent documentation that misleadingly appeared to be official government forms and unlawfully portrayed the names and symbols of the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Treasury, and Federal Reserve Board. Young also transmitted electronic images of forged multi-million dollar cashier’s checks.
Young pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.” As part of the sentenced imposed today, Young was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $232,118.78.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Wheeling man pleads guilty to unlawful possession of firearmRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph W. Davis, 31, of Wheeling, 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 in West Virginia, was discovered in unlawful possession of a .22 caliber revolver in January 2016 in Ohio County, West Virginia. Davis was previously convicted of the felony offense of “Aiding and Abetting in the Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than Five Grams of Cocaine Base” in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in January 2006.
Davis pled guilty today to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 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 Randy Bernard prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Wheeling Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Eastern panhandle man pleads guilty to methamphetamine traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Arturo Jimenez De Los Santos, 33, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, pled guilty today to methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
De Los Santos was discovered in possession of crystal methamphetamine in October 2015 in Jefferson County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” He faces up to 20 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.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher, also of the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, 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.
Ohio couple plead guilty to marijuana traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Bamberger, 53, and Tammy Bamberger, 47, both of Martins Ferry, Ohio, pled guilty in federal court in Wheeling today to marijuana trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Robert and Tammy Bamberger were discovered in November 2015 in possession of a package containing more than 14 pounds of marijuana that had been shipped from California to Ohio County, West Virginia.
They each pled guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana.” They each face 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 Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Wheeling man pleads guilty to heroin, cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Louis Flint, II, 30, of Wheeling, pled guilty today to heroin and cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Flint conspired with other individuals to possess and distribute heroin and cocaine in October 2015 in Ohio County, West Virginia.
Flint pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Schedule I and Schedule II Controlled Substances.” He faces up to 20 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 Randy Bernard prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Virginia man pleads guilty to unlawful possession of firearmRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Willie Vishone Joyner, 31, of Sterling, Virginia, pled guilty today to unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Joyner, who has a previous felony conviction in state court in Virginia, was discovered in unlawful possession of a .32 caliber revolver in September 2015 in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Joyner was previously convicted of the felony offense of “Strangle Another to Cause Wounding or Injury” in the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, Virginia in May 2013.
Joyner pled guilty today to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 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 Anna 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.
Ohio man charged with unlawful possession of firearmRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Donaven J. White, 20, of Coshocton, Ohio, with unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
White, who has a previous felony conviction in state court in Ohio, was allegedly discovered in unlawful possession of a .22 caliber revolver in April 2016 in Ohio County, West Virginia. White was previously convicted of the felony offense of “Robbery” in the Court of Common Pleas of Belmont County, Ohio in August 2014.
White is charged with one count of “Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm,” He faces up to 10 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 Stephen Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Wheeling, West Virginia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Martins Ferry, Ohio man charged with interstate cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Shawndale Saunders, 54, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, with cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Throughout April and May 2016, Saunders allegedly conspired 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. Specifically, Saunders is alleged to have utilized a telephone to facilitate the sale of cocaine in Ohio County, West Virginia.
Saunders is charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute 280 Grams or More of Cocaine Base,” for which he faces between 10 years and life in prison and a fine of up to $10,000,000. He is further charged with one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate Distribution of Cocaine Base,” for which he faces up to four 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 Stephen Vogrin is prosecuting 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 are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wheeling woman pleads guilty to heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Angel Rae Klein, 27, of Wheeling, pled guilty today to heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Klein possessed and sold heroin throughout late 2014 and early 2015 in Ohio County, West Virginia. In several instances, Klein sold heroin that contained fentanyl.
Klein pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.” She faces up to 20 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.
U.S. Attorney William J Ihlenfeld, II, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Bernard are prosecuting 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.
Harrison County, WV woman pleads guilty to unlawful possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tiffany Renee Taylor, 26, of Clarksburg, pled guilty today to unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Taylor, who is addicted to heroin, was discovered in unlawful possession of a .45 caliber firearm in April 2015 in Harrison County, West Virginia.
Taylor pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of a Firearm While Being an Unlawful User and Addicted to a Controlled Substance.” She faces up to 10 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 Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Wyoming County, WV man pleads guilty to interstate heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Hayworth, 21, of Mullens, West Virginia, pled guilty to heroin trafficking today in federal court in Clarksburg, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Hayworth was among fourteen individuals charged with heroin trafficking when three separate federal indictments disrupted a Michigan to West Virginia heroin trafficking network in February 2016. Specifically, Hayworth sold heroin in March 2015 near West Virginia University in Monongalia County, West Virginia.Hayworth pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location – Aiding and Abetting.” He faces between one and forty years in prison 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 Zelda 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.
USP Hazelton inmate convicted, sentenced for assaulting fellow prisonerRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Arnaldo Martinez-Gomez, 30, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Hazelton, was convicted and sentenced today for assaulting a fellow prisoner, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Martinez-Gomez assaulted a fellow prisoner during a physical altercation at USP Hazelton in September 2014. He pled guilty today to one count of “Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm.” He was sentenced to an additional 18 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Special Investigative Services Unit at USP Hazelton led the inquiry.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Two plead guilty to methamphetamine traffickingRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Two individuals pled guilty to methamphetamine trafficking today in federal court in Elkins, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Donald Ray Cantrell, 40, of Mill Creek, West Virginia, was discovered in possession of methamphetamine in March 2016 in Randolph County, West Virginia. Following an investigation by the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, he pled guilty today to one count of "Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine." He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
Samuel Lee Winebrenner, 29, of Petersburg, West Virginia, sold morphine in Grant County, West Virginia. Following an investigation by the Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, he pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Morphine.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. As part of the plea agreement entered today, Winebrenner withdrew a guilty plea previously entered in April 2016 in which he admitted to selling morphine near a protected location.
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 Warner prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Hardy County man pleads guilty to unlawful possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Michael Hawley, 28, of Moorefield, West Virginia, pled guilty today to unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Hawley, who has a previous felony conviction in state court in West Virginia, was discovered in unlawful possession of a .40 caliber pistol in April 2015 in Grant County, West Virginia. He was previously convicted of the felony offense of “Unlawful Assault” in the Circuit Court of Hardy County, West Virginia.
Hawley pled guilty today to one count of “Felon in Possession of Firearms.” He faces up to 10 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 Paul Camilletti 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 Sheriff’s deputies to carry naloxoneRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – The Berkeley County, West Virginia Sheriff’s Department is embracing a new resource that will enhance efforts to reduce the number of drug overdose deaths in the region, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Deputies in Berkeley County will soon be trained and equipped to utilize naloxone, a medication that reverses overdoses resulting from heroin, prescription painkillers, and other opioids. As part of the program, all deputies will be trained how to quickly identify the symptoms of an opioid overdose, how to administer naloxone, and how to protect fellow officers that might be exposed to opioid drugs in the field.“The use of naloxone by Berkeley County deputies will save lives and allow for critical prevention, education, and treatment resources to be provided to individuals who are battling addiction,” noted U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Providing law enforcement with the knowledge and the tools needed to reverse overdoses will reduce the time between when an overdose victim is discovered and when they receive lifesaving assistance.”
Opioids cause death by slowing, and eventually stopping, the person’s breathing. When administered, naloxone restores respiration within two to five minutes, and may prevent brain injury and death. Naloxone works on overdoses caused by opioids, which includes prescription painkillers and street drugs like heroin. Naloxone, sometimes referred to as Narcan, has no potential for abuse.
Law enforcement agencies and community organizations interested in learning more about naloxone or scheduling training sessions regarding the legal framework surrounding it are encouraged to contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (304) 234-0100.
Maryland man convicted of heroin delivery causing deathRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict today convicting Lateef Fisher, 38, of Hagerstown, Maryland, of selling heroin that resulted in the death of another, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Evidence presented at the two day trial indicated that Fisher, also known as “Apple,” conspired with another individual to sell heroin in June 2014 in Berkeley County, West Virginia. That heroin led to the death of a 27 year-old male victim.
As a result of the conviction, Fisher faces a minimum of 20 years in federal prison and up to life."Heroin has taken the lives of far too many people," said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. "We will continue to be aggressive in our pursuit of those who sell heroin, especially when it results in the death of another."
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Camilletti and Anna Krasinski 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.Hancock County, WV man sentenced for possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Bobby Schnettler, 25, of Weirton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for possession of child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Schnettler was discovered in possession of child pornography in October 2015 in Hancock County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in February 2015 to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen 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.
Jefferson County, WV man sentenced to 10 years in prison for methamphetamine traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kearneysville, West Virginia resident Francisco Gaspar Sanchez, 57, originally of Mexico, was sentenced to 121 months in prison for methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Evidence presented during a two day trail in February 2016 indicated that Sanchez conspired with another individual to sell crystal methamphetamine in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Specifically, Sanchez was discovered in possession of methamphetamine in Jefferson County in April 2014.
Following the trial, a jury found Sanchez guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” He was sentenced to 121 months in prison on each count. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 121 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Camilletti and Anna Krasinski, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher, also of the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Two sentenced in cigarette smuggling operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two individuals were sentenced in federal court in Martinsburg today for their roles in an unlawful cigarette smuggling scheme, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Fahd Hamood Aljahaf, 38, of Bronx, New York, and Muneer Kaid Khaled, 26, of Brooklyn, New York, collaborated to facilitate a trafficking network designed profit from the unlawful sale of contraband cigarettes. The defendants transported large quantities of cigarettes across state lines for redistribution and sale. The cigarettes were acquired in Virginia, where the tax rate for cigarettes is one of the lowest in the nation, and sold in New York, which has one of the nation’s highest tax rates. The cigarettes were possessed and transported in West Virginia.
Each of the defendants pled guilty in February 2016 to one count of “Conspiracy to Traffic in Contraband Cigarettes.” Aljahaf was sentenced today to 18 months in prison. Khaled was sentenced today to probation for a term of 36 months.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Stein and Shawn Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. Homeland Security Investigations, the Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia Office of Attorney General, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the West Virginia State Police, the New York Department of Taxation and Finance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation led the inquiry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
*NOTE* This press release was corrected at 6:16PM on 5/16/2016 to reflect the accurate sentences imposed.
Texas man sentenced for using stolen identities to collect fraudulent tax refunds in excess of $500,000Read the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Oluwabunmi Idris Odu-Onikosi, 29, of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for using stolen identities to obtain fraudulent federal income tax refunds, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Odu-Onikosi repeatedly and fraudulently obtained personal identifying information from a variety of individuals, including names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. He utilized that information to create and prepare fraudulent income tax returns and false earnings statements containing fictitious wage, withholding, gambling winnings, and other fabricated information.
Odu-Onikosi filed more than 400 false federal individual income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service. These returns fraudulently claimed tax refunds in excess of $3,000,000. Odu-Onikosi received fraudulent tax refund payments in excess of $500,000 in the form of United States Treasury Checks and direct deposits to bank accounts and prepaid debit cards maintained and controlled by Odu-Onikosi.
“Today’s legal proceedings bring Mr. Oluwabunmi Odu-Onikosi to justice,” noted Thomas M. Jankowski, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Washington, D.C. Field Office. “Mr. Odu-Onikosi violated the privacy of people, used this to cheat our tax system and pocket ill-gotten gains. This ID theft prosecution of Mr. Odu-Onikosi in West Virginia marks a milestone in the prosecution as the fraudulent tax returns he filed electronically were received by the IRS Enterprise Computing Center located in Martinsburg. This is a very serious crime throughout our nation; those committing crimes such as this should take notice that you will receive a harsh sentence when you are convicted of this crime in the Northern District of West Virginia. My office will continue to work with the United States Attorney’s Office to see that these offenses are investigated and prosecuted to assure compliance with our nation’s tax laws.”
Odu-Onikosi pled guilty in January 2016 to one count of “Wire Fraud.” As part of the sentenced imposed today, he was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $539,899.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation led the inquiry with assistance from the New Orleans, Louisiana Police Department and the United States Secret Service.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Missouri man sentenced for selling LSDRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Casey Tyler Nagy, 29, originally of Missouri, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for drug trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Nagy distributed lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in June 2015 in Wetzel County, West Virginia. Nagy pled guilty in March 2016 to one count of “Distribution of LSD.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Harrison County, WV woman sentenced for selling cocaine near local playgroundRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jessica A. McCracken, 33, of Clarksburg, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
McCracken sold cocaine base near the Harrison Street Playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pled guilty in September 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro 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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office welcomes new prosecutorRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – The newest federal prosecutor in the Northern District of West Virginia was sworn-in today in United States District Court.
Traci M. Cook took the oath of office this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley. Cook will work in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and also serve as the supervisor of the Clarksburg branch office.
“Traci is a seasoned litigator with a level of skill and dedication that will be a tremendous asset in our efforts to combat drug trafficking and violent crime in Northern West Virginia,” noted U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II. “Her wealth of trial and supervisory experience will allow her to immediately contribute to the office and enhance law enforcement efforts in the region.”
Cook graduated from West Liberty State College in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in International Studies. She is a 1996 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law where she was the champion of the Lugar Trial Competition and member of the Order of the Barristers.
Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Cook served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Harrison County, West Virginia, for over a decade. She also worked as an Assistant Public Defender for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Clarksburg and in the private sector.
Pictured from left to right: United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, Assistant United States Attorney Traci Cook, and United States District Judge Irene M. Keeley.
Marion County, WV man sentenced for unlawful possession of firearms in furtherance of drug traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Craig Steven Abercrombie, Jr., 32, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Abercrombie was discovered in July 2015 in possession of cocaine and a 9mm pistol in Marion County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in December 2015 to one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Fairmont, West Virginia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Detroit man pleads guilty to interstate heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Keith Antonio Cohens, 35, of Detroit, Michigan, pled guilty to heroin trafficking today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Cohens was among fourteen individuals that participated in a drug trafficking operation in which heroin was transported across state lines from Michigan and redistributed and sold in West Virginia. Three federal indictments filed in February 2016 disrupted the heroin trafficking scheme.Specifically, Cohens sold heroin in November 2015 in Monongalia County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” He faces up to 20 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 Zelda 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.
Wheeling Park Speech and Debate Program recognized for winning legacyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – During an awards ceremony held this week in Wheeling, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II recognized the Wheeling Park High School Speech and Debate Program for its longstanding tradition of excellence in academic achievement and its dedication to the personal and professional development of local students.
Nearly four decades ago, Frances Schoolcraft, then a teacher at Triadelphia High School, cultivated a group of students that excelled in academics, leadership, and public speaking. That group would evolve to become the Wheeling Park High School Speech and Debate Program. Schoolcraft led the program for twenty-five years and sparked a tradition of excellence. The program has won 224 tournaments and earned the West Virginia State Speech and Debate Tournament championship every year since 1980.
The Wheeling Park High School Speech and Debate Program has developed into a true dynasty. This year’s team was undefeated, winning nine tournaments throughout West Virginia and Pennsylvania. As a crowning achievement to a dominant season, the program earned its thirty-seventh consecutive state championship. Under the visionary leadership of Frances Schoolcraft, the program claimed twenty-five consecutive state titles. Wheeling Park High School teacher William Cornforth has continued to build the program’s legacy, winning another twelve successive state championships.
Alumni of the program have gone on to take center stage under the bright lights of Broadway, pursue Ivy League educations, appear on nationally recognized television programs, and become exemplary leaders in communities across the country. Teams and individual competitors have also enjoyed success in national high school speech and debate competitions. Earning a spot on the Wheeling Park Speech and Debate Team has become such a coveted accomplishment that the program has implemented a competitive process to select students for the team. Forty-three students represented the program during the 2015-2016 academic year.
The United States Attorney’s Awards ceremony was held at the United States Courthouse in Wheeling on Monday. Wheeling Park High School Speech and Debate Program founder Frances Schoolcraft attended the ceremony and helped accept the award.
Pictured from left to right: William J. Ihlenfeld, II, United States Attorney; Dianna Vargo, Superintendent of Ohio County Schools; Amy Minch, Principal of Wheeling Park High School; Joshua Fromhart, Debate Coach and Teacher at Wheeling Park High School; Frances Schoolcraft, Founder and Former Coach of Speech and Debate Team at Wheeling Park High School; Philip Schwarz, Co-captain of Speech Team; Hannah Meredith, Co-captain of Speech Team; Danielle Kaminski, Co-captain of Debate Team; James Miller, III, Co-captain of Debate Team
Clarksburg, WV man sentenced for heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Randy Joe Jones, 33, of Clarksburg, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Jones sold heroin near Harrison Street Park in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in January 2016 to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins 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.
Two Clarksburg, WV residents sentenced for selling drugs near local playgroundsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Clarksburg residents were sentenced today for selling cocaine and prescription drugs near local playgrounds, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Davina Bland, 22, of Clarksburg, sold cocaine near Clarksburg City Park – Monticello Avenue Playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pled guilty in September 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” She was sentenced today to 33 months in prison.
Tyler Shay Romine, 24, of Clarksburg, sold buprenorphine near Clarksburg City Park – Stealy Park, a playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in September 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Buprenorphine within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” He was sentenced today to 15 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted the cases 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.
Martinsburg, WV man pleads guilty to heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Dylan Harrison, 25, of Martinsburg, pled guilty today to heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Harrison sold heroin in June 2014 in Berkeley County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” He faces up to 20 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.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Taylor, also of the Berkeley County, West Virginia Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Jefferson County, WV man pleads guilty to traveling to engage in sexual conduct with minor victimRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Robert Paper, 32, of Ranson, West Virginia, pled guilty today to traveling across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual conduct with a minor victim, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In January 2016, Paper transported a minor female across state lines from Pennsylvania into West Virginia with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. He pled guilty today to one count of “Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct.” He faces up to 30 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 Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police Crimes Against Children Unit investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Pleasants County woman sentenced for role in manufacturing methamphetamineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Bonnie Jean Butler, 55, of St. Marys, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for her role in manufacturing methamphetamine, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Butler was among six individuals charged in June 2015 when a 19-count federal indictment disrupted a methamphetamine manufacturing operation in Pleasants County, West Virginia.
Butler was discovered in February 2014 in possession of various materials commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine. She pled guilty in August 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession of Material Used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Pleasants County Sheriff’s Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Northern West Virginia law enforcement officers recognized for outstanding investigationsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A variety of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers were recognized for outstanding contributions to regional law enforcement objectives and prosecutions during an awards ceremony today hosted by United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II.
Officers throughout the Northern District of West Virginia were honored today, including:
2016 Outstanding Prescription Drug Investigative Effort Award
The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, was recognized for its investigative efforts in the cases of United States v. Edita Milan, M.D. and United States v. Mario Blount. Milan, a physician with a medical practice in Bridgeport, West Virginia, and Blount, a licensed pharmacist and former mayor of Bridgeport, conspired to unlawfully distribute prescription painkillers. Milan was sentenced in May 2015 to 60 months in prison. Blount was sentenced in February 2015 to 36 months in prison.
Maryland Natural Resources Police Office Barry D. Ball was recognized for his investigative efforts in the case of United States v. Tressie Duffy, M.D. Duffy, a physician in Martinsburg, West Virginia, repeatedly 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 is awaiting sentencing after she pled guilty in December 2015 to seven counts of “Distribution of Oxycodone.”
2016 Outstanding Drug Interdiction Award
The Mountaineer Highway Interdiction Team was recognized for its investigative efforts in the case of United States v. Shawn McClain. McClain was sentenced in March 2015 to 120 months in prison after he admitted to traveling from Ohio into West Virginia to sell heroin.
2016 Outstanding Drug Investigative Effort Award
The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, was recognized for its investigative efforts in the case of United States v. Brian Hall, et. al. Hall coordinated an interstate heroin trafficking operation in which heroin was transported from Maryland to locations in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The drug distribution network was disrupted in June 2015 by a 163-count federal indictment targeting 41 defendants. Forty of the defendants have been convicted in federal court. Hall was sentenced in February 2016 to 100 months in prison for orchestrating the heroin trafficking scheme.
West Virginia State Police Sergeant Charles T. Kessel was recognized for his investigative efforts in the case of United States v. Noel Barrera Silva. Silva, a Mexican national living in Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced in May 2016 to 78 months in prison after he was discovered in possession of approximately four pounds of methamphetamine.
2016 Outstanding Firearm Investigative Effort Award
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent Matthew H. Bassett was recognized for his investigative efforts in the case of United States v. Jarrud Dixon, et. al. Throughout 2013 and 2014, Dixon conspired with other individuals, including a licensed firearms dealer in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, to unlawfully transport firearms across state lines from West Virginia into Maryland. Dixon was convicted in February 2016 and is awaiting sentencing.
2016 Outstanding Healthcare Fraud Investigative Effort Award
Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General Special Agent Scott A. Noullet and Department of Defense Office of Inspector General Special Agent Jennifer L. Jezewski were recognized for their investigative efforts in the case of United States v. Samer Kuzbari, M.D. Kuzbari, a physician in Fairmont, West Virginia, recently paid $440,232 to settle claims that he fraudulently requested reimbursement for medical services that were not actually rendered.
2016 Outstanding Investigative Effort Award
Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Edward P. Ryan and Wheeling Police Department Detective Brandi N. Alderman were recognized for their investigative efforts in the case of United States v. Kevin Wick. Wick repeatedly traveled across state lines from West Virginia to Ohio for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with five minor victims. He was convicted in January 2106 and is awaiting sentencing.
The United States Attorney’s Awards ceremony was held at the United States Courthouse in Wheeling today and included remarks from Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. and U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld.
Community leaders recognized for exemplary efforts to improve health and wellbeing in Northern West VirginiaRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – During an awards ceremony held today in Wheeling, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II recognized a variety of community leaders, volunteers, and advocates for their outstanding contributions to public health and safety in Northern West Virginia.
“Each of the individuals recognized today have worked tirelessly to implement creative solutions to improve the quality of life in West Virginia,” said Ihlenfeld. “These individuals are at the forefront of efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and inspire progress throughout our state. I am pleased to acknowledge their outstanding contributions.”
A diverse group of community leaders were recognized today, including:
Dr. Dianna Vargo first joined the Ohio County, West Virginia School System as a math teacher at Wheeling Park High School in 1983. After serving as a teacher, a cross country and track coach, and an administrator, Dr. Vargo was named Superintendent of Ohio County Schools in July 2012. During her tenure as an educator and an administrator, Dr. Vargo has always been dedicated to ensuring that the children and families that she serves are positioned to build successful and productive futures.
In an effort to loosen the grip of substance abuse and addiction, Reynolds Memorial Hospital launched the BreakThru program in September 2015. BreakThru is a medically supervised withdrawal program designed to bridge the gap that often exists between substance abuse and recovery by transitioning patients through the withdrawal process and into long-term treatment. The BreakThru program is the first of its kind in the region and has already treated more than 100 patients from throughout the tri-state area of West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
The Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) was established by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in 1998 to reduce the impact of drug trafficking. The Appalachia HIDTA, which serves counties in West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, was recently named the 2015 Outstanding HIDTA of the Year for its leadership in bringing unique substance abuse prevention and education resources to regional youth. The “Drug Prevention On The Move!” initiative features an interactive mobile classroom and a simulated impaired driving experience. The “Give Me a Reason” program distributes free drug testing kits to parents with the goal of giving young people a tangible reason to avoid illicit drugs and facilitating productive conversations about substance abuse between parents and children.
The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Wheeling operates a Family Violence Prevention Program to provide education, support, and services to victims of domestic violence. The program offers a variety of services to victims, including transitional housing, an emergency shelter, crisis hotline, court advocacy, support groups, safety planning, monitored parent-child visitation, employability programming, batterer’s intervention and prevention programming, and free 911 cell phones. The program has established a Teen Dating Violence Prevention initiative that employs a dedicated advocate at several local schools to provide counseling, education, and other resources to empower students to understand and pursue healthy relationships. The YWCA Family Violence Prevention Program has also been instrumental in bringing the “Coaching Boys into Men” curriculum to several local schools to promote respectful behavior among student athletes to and help prevent relationship abuse, harassment, and sexual assault.Reverend Dr. Darrell Cummings is the Chairman of the West Virginia Human Rights Commission and the Pastor of the Bethlehem Apostolic Temple in Wheeling. Cummings has dedicated his life to public service and community engagement since he was first licensed as a minister at the age of sixteen. Cummings was recognized as the 1997 Wheeling NAACP “Man of the Year,” and the 2003 West Virginia Educators Association “Civil Rights Leader of the Year.” He was also honored by former West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, III as the 2010 Distinguished Mountaineer of the Year. Cummings also provides support to incarcerated individuals by serving in the Chaplain Department of two state prisons.
Sergeant John Schultz joined the Wheeling Police Department since 1995 and has built a career dedicated to public safety. As a Prevention Resource Officer at Wheeling Middle School, Sergeant Schultz consistently finds creative and impactful ways to empower and inspire local young people. He was recognized as the 2014 Prevention Resource Office of the Year. During a June 2015 field trip to Wheeling Park Pool, Schultz was instrumental in saving the life of an eighth grade boy who nearly drowned after becoming unresponsive in the pool.
The United States Attorney’s Awards ceremony was held at the United States Courthouse in Wheeling today. A variety of Northern West Virginia community leaders and advocates were in attendance.
Brooke County, WV man pleads guilty to failing to update sex offender registrationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Convicted sex offender Christopher Barker, 27, of Follansbee, West Virginia, pled guilty today to moving across state lines without updating his sex offender registration status, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Barker, also known as Christopher D. Cooper, was previously convicted in Ohio County, West Virginia of “First Degree Sexual Assault Involving a Minor.” As a result of that conviction, Barker is required to register as a sex offender. In late 2015, Barker moved from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Follansbee, West Virginia without updating his sex offender registration status.
Barker pled guilty today to one count of “Failure to Register and Update Registration as a Sex Offender.” He faces up to 10 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 Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Police Department investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Randolph County, WV man sentenced for role in multi-state painkiller, marijuana trafficking networkRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Chad Allen Workman, 38, of Beverly, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 97 months in prison for his role in an oxycodone and marijuana distribution operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Workman participated in an extensive and long-term multi-state drug trafficking operation. Workman, along with other individuals, conspired to transport large quantities of oxycodone and marijuana across state lines into West Virginia. The oxycodone was commonly transported from sources in Detroit, Florida and New Jersey. The marijuana was commonly obtained from sources in Pennsylvania and California. Workman further utilized the unlawful proceeds of the drug trafficking operation to purchase vehicles, real estate, and personal vacations.
Workman pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Money Laundering.” As part of the sentenced imposed today, Workman was ordered to pay a money judgment of $224,400 and to forfeit his interest in a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force led the inquiry. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office also investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Mexican national sentenced for methamphetamine trafficking in Hardy County, WVRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Noel Barrera Silva, 27, a Mexican national living in Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Silva was discovered in possession of four pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Wardensville, West Virginia. He pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Detroit man pleads guilty to role in interstate heroin trafficking networkRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Draylon Eric Beecham, 40, of Detroit, Michigan, pled guilty to heroin trafficking today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Beecham participated in a heroin trafficking network designed to transport heroin across state lines from Michigan to West Virginia for redistribution and sale. Beecham was among fourteen individuals charged with heroin trafficking when three separate federal indictments disrupted the drug trafficking scheme in February 2016.Specifically, Beecham sold heroin in January 2015 near an elementary school in Monongalia County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” He faces between one and forty years in prison 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 Zelda 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 sentenced for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Three individuals were sentenced in federal court in Elkins today for drug trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.Daniel Lee Canter, 31, of Volga, West Virginia, was discovered in possession of methamphetamine in November 2014 in Lewis County, West Virginia. Following an investigation by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, Canter pled guilty in December 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” He was sentenced today to 188 months in prison.
David Wayne Doyle, 43, of Bartow, West Virginia, was discovered in possession of material commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine in Randolph County, West Virginia. Those materials included coffee filters, a mason jar, sandwich bags, and cold medicine containing pseudoephedrine. Following an investigation by the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the United States Forest Service, the Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Department, and the West Virginia State Police, Doyle pled guilty in December 2015 to one count of “Possession of Material Used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting.” He was sentenced today to 63 months in prison.
Mary Kimble, 34, of Cabins, West Virginia, sold morphine near Petersburg City Park, a playground in Grant County, West Virginia. Following an investigation by the Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, Kimble pled guilty in April 2016 to one count of “Distribution of Morphine within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location – Aiding and Abetting.” She was sentenced today to 24 months in prison.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Lewis County, WV man sentenced for synthetic drug traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John R. Burrows, 54, of Weston, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for synthetic drug trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In April 2014, Burrows sold a synthetic cannabinoid known as AM-2201 in a package labeled “Crown Worthy.” When depositing proceeds from the sale of these drugs into his bank accounts, he structured those deposits so as to avoid the reporting requirements of the Internal Revenue Service.
Burrows pled guilty in November 2015 to an Information charging him with one count of “Distribution of a Schedule I Drug – Controlled Substance,” and one count of “Structuring Transactions to Evade Reporting Requirement.” He was sentenced today to 60 months in prison on each count. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 60 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McWilliams prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation led the inquiry.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Harrison County, WV man pleads guilty to unlawful possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Aric J. Stutler, 38, of Mount Clare, West Virginia, pled guilty in federal court in Clarksburg today to unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Stutler, who has a previous felony conviction in federal court in Ohio, was discovered in unlawful possession of a .22 caliber pistol in Mary 2015 in Harrison County, West Virginia. He was previously convicted of the felony offense of “Armed Bank Robbery” in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
Stutler pled guilty today to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 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 Perri 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.
Harrison County, WV man pleads guilty to oxycodone traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Suhip E. Ebrahim, 26, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, pled guilty in federal court in Wheeling today to oxycodone trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Ebrahim conspired with at least one other individual to possess and sell oxycodone throughout 2015 and 2016 in Ohio County, West Virginia. Specifically, Ebrahim was arrested in Wheeling in March 2016 after he was discovered to be in possession of a large quantity of oxycodone pills.
Ebrahim pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone.” He faces up to 20 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. Attorneys Robert McWilliams and Jarod 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.