Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Clarksburg, WV man sentenced to 20 years in prison for receipt and distribution of child pornographyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Anthony Castillo, 32, of Clarksburg, was sentenced today to 240 months in prison after he admitted to receiving and distributing child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Castillo repeatedly received and distributed a variety of sexually explicit images depicting minor victims. He pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Clarksburg, West Virginia Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.Clarksburg domestic violence offender pleads guilty to unlawful possession of firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Convicted domestic violence offender John Patrick Blair, 64, of Clarksburg, pled guilty today to unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Blair, who has a previous domestic violence conviction in state court in West Virginia, was discovered in unlawful possession of a .357 magnum caliber rifle in August 2014 in Harrison County, West Virginia. Blair was convicted in April 2010 in the Magistrate Court of Harrison County, West Virginia of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Blair pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of a Firearm by a Person Convicted of a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence.” 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 Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Clarksburg, West Virginia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Berkeley County, WV man pleads guilty to stalking former co-workerRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Former Internal Revenue Service employee Victor Anderson, 65, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, pled guilty today to stalking a female coworker, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
While Anderson was employed at the Internal Revenue Service Computing Center in Martinsburg, he repeatedly used the Internet and traditional mail to distribute letters, photographs, essays, and poems containing sexually explicit information about a female co-worker. The items were distributed to the female co-worker’s supervisor, coworkers, relatives, neighbors, and other individuals within the United States government.
Anderson pled guilty today to one count of “Stalking.” 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 Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Two Elkins men plead guilty to participating in counterfeit money schemeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert R. Teter, 30, and Jonathan J. Ross, 30, both of Elkins, West Virginia, pled guilty in federal court in Clarksburg today to fraudulently using counterfeit money to obtain authentic currency and other goods, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Teter and Ross repeatedly exchanged counterfeit money in order to obtain authentic United States currency, debit cards, and merchandise in Harrison County, West Virginia in late 2014.
Both men pled guilty today to one count of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations or Securities – Aiding and Abetting.” They each face 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 defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service, the Clarksburg, West Virginia Police Department, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi.
Michigan man pleads guilty to selling prescription painkillersRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremy Colby Vickerson, 27, of Canton, Michigan, pled guilty in federal court in Clarksburg today to oxycodone trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Vickerson sold oxycodone in July 2015 near a video arcade facility in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone within 100 feet of a Video Arcade Facility.” He faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $4,000,000. 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 Shawn Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department Street Crimes and Drug Unit and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Social media and online safety forum set for next week in Ohio CountyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A community forum highlighting the latest advances in social media and technology will take place next week in Wheeling in order to help parents keep their children safe online.
The United States Attorney’s Office and the West Virginia State Police will partner with Ohio County Schools to host the event on Wednesday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m. at Woodsdale Elementary School. It will feature a presentation outlining current trends in social media and Internet usage by kids of all ages. Strategies will be offered to help ensure that young people remain safe and that teenagers use technology responsibly. Following the presentation, representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the State Police will take questions and address concerns raised by the audience.
“In recent years, advances in technology have occurred so rapidly that many parents have a hard time keeping up with their kids,” noted U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Technology can enhance the ability to learn and communicate, but at the same time it can put our children in harm’s way. We invite the community to join us to discuss the challenges that we all face in keeping our kids safe in the digital age.”The event is open to the public and those attending will be permitted to park on the playground at the school. Anyone with questions about the event should contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 304-234-0100.
Two sentenced for unlawful possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two individuals were sentenced in federal court in Martinsburg today for unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Dustin Wade Hinckle, 30, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, stole a police vehicle during a May 2015 traffic stop in Morgan County, West Virginia. When Hinckle was subsequently apprehended, it was discovered that he had stolen two firearms from the police vehicle. Having previously been convicted of the felony offenses of “Breaking and Entering” and “Grand Larceny” in the Circuit Court of Frederick County, Virginia, Hinckle is prohibited from possessing firearms. Following a two day trial in January 2016, a jury found Hinckle guilty of one count of “Felon in Possession of Firearms,” and one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearms.” He was sentenced today to 120 months in prison on each count. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 120 months in prison.
Jesse Shayde Kenney, 25, of La Vale, Maryland, who has a previous felony conviction in state court in Maryland, was discovered in unlawful possession of six rifles and one shotgun in June 2015 in Mineral County, West Virginia. Kenney was previously convicted of the felony offense of “Conspiracy to Commit Theft in an Amount Greater Than $500” in the Circuit Court of Allegany County, Maryland. He pled guilty in January 2016 to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” He was sentenced today to 70 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Camilletti prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated both defendants. The Mineral County, West Virginia Sheriff’s Office also investigated Kenney. The West Virginia State Police and the Morgan County, West Virginia Sheriff’s Department also investigated Hinckle.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Maryland man sentenced for role in multi-state heroin trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Bryan Crowley, 29, of Rockville, Maryland, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for his role in a multi-state heroin distribution network, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Crowley was among 41 individuals charged in a 163-count federal heroin trafficking indictment in June 2015. As part of the drug trafficking scheme, heroin was repeatedly transported across state lines from Maryland to locations in West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania for redistribution and sale. Crowley pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Virginia man pleads guilty to failing to update sex offender registrationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Convicted sex offender Milton Stuart Kendall, Jr., 35, of Roanoke, Virginia, pled guilty in federal court in Martinsburg to failing to update his registration status, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Kendall was previously convicted of “Sexual Battery” in the Circuit Court of the City of Staunton, Virginia. As a result of that conviction, Kendall is required to register as a sex offender. In late 2014 or early 2105, Kendall moved from West Virginia to Virginia and failed to update his sex offender registration.
Kendall pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Register 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. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Barbour County man pleads guilty to drug, firearms offensesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dylan Lee Hamrick, 23, of Belington, West Virginia, pled guilty in federal court in Clarksburg today to drug and firearms offenses, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Hamrick was discovered in possession of methamphetamine and a shotgun with a barrel length of less than 18 inches in November 2015 in Randolph County, West Virginia.
Hamrick pled guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm with a Shortened Barrel.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the methamphetamine charge and up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 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 Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Three Mexican nationals charged with illegal reentryRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has returned indictments charging three men from Mexico with illegal reentry into the United States, alleging that they were discovered to be in the country unlawfully, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Alejandro Cervantes-Martinez, 35, originally of Mexico, was allegedly discovered in April 2016 in Jefferson County, West Virginia after previously having been deported from the United States. Cervantes-Martinez also allegedly utilized a fraudulent Permanent Resident Card and Social Security Card. He is charged with one count of “Reentry of a Removed Alien,” and two counts of “Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits, and other Documents.” He faces up to two years in prison for the illegal reentry charge and up to ten years in prison on each of the fraud charges. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the three counts.
Alberto Martinez-Nieto, 45, originally of Mexico, was allegedly 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).” He is charged with 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.
Pedro Camarrillo-Guevarra, 26, originally of Mexico, was allegedly discovered in October 2015 in Berkeley County after previously having been deported from the United States. He is charged with one count of “Reentry of a Removed Alien.” He faces up to two 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 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.
Massachusetts woman pleads guilty to lying to purchase firearmsRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Curtessa Monet Franklin, 21, of Canton, Massachusetts, pled guilty in federal court in Martinsburg today to conspiring to provide false information while attempting to purchase a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Franklin conspired with two West Virginia residents and attempted to purchase a firearm by falsely indicating that the West Virginia residents were the intended purchasers of the firearm. In fact, Franklin was in the intended purchaser of the firearm. Franklin pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Provide a False Statement During the Attempted Purchase of a Firearm.” She 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 Shawn Adkins 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.
Maryland man pleads guilty to heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Tillman, 50, of Annapolis, Maryland, pled guilty in federal court in Martinsburg today to heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Tillman sold heroin in Berkeley County, West Virginia in April 2014. He pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the 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 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 Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against West Virginia-Based Union for Violating Reemployment Rights of Army National GuardsmanRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today it has reached a settlement agreement with Laborers Local No. 1149, based in Wheeling, West Virginia, resolving claims that the union violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) when it failed to reinstate U.S. Army National Guardsman Elliot Ferrell as an apprentice laborer after his return from three months of basic training in 2014. As a result of that failure, Ferrell was ineligible to continue to receive job referrals through the union’s “hiring hall.”
USERRA gives service members the right to be reemployed in the civilian position that they would have attained if they had not been absent for military service, subject to certain conditions. Under federal regulations, when a union operates a hiring hall that refers employees to jobs with employers, both the union and the employers have reemployment obligations to returning service members.
According to the Justice Department’s complaint, which was filed with the settlement agreement, Ferrell was gainfully employed through a series of job referrals from the hiring hall operated by the union until his departure for military duty. The complaint alleges that Ferrell notified the union of his impending military duty and was told that his obligation to pay dues would be suspended for the duration of his duty. Then, while Ferrell was attending basic training, the union notified his aunt that it had terminated his apprenticeship because one month’s payment of dues was late. Though she immediately sent a check for the full amount owed, the union returned it and refused to rescind the termination. The union’s action disqualified Ferrell from further hiring-hall job referrals. Under the terms of the consent decree, which is still subject to approval by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, the union must pay Ferrell compensation for lost income and further agrees that the hiring hall that it operates will comply with its obligations under USERRA, including its reemployment provisions.
“The civilian careers of the men and women in the National Guard should never be adversely affected because they volunteer to serve our country,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Bill Baer. “Through the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative, the Department of Justice will continue devoting times and resources to protect the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces from unjust actions and illegal burdens.”
“Men and women who defend our freedom should receive our highest level of gratitude, not face barriers of discrimination,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously enforce USERRA to ensure that not only employers, but also unions operating hiring halls that refer employees to jobs, do not violate the rights of service members when they return to civilian life.”
“National Guard members, taking leave to serve our country, must be protected from overt as well as less readily apparent unlawful employment practices upon their return,” said U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld II of the Northern District of West Virginia. “Our office is committed to ensuring that all service members may return to their pre-service employment without demotion or penalty.”
Ferrell initially filed a complaint with the U.S. Labor Department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, which investigated this matter and then referred it to the Justice Department after attempts at resolution failed.
The Civil Rights Division has given a high priority to the enforcement of service members’ rights under USERRA. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s websites at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/emp and http://www.servicemembers.gov, as well as on the Labor Department’s website at http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/main.htm.
Ferrell Complaint
Ferrell Joint Motion to Approve Consent Decree
Ferrell Consent Decree
Marion County, WV woman pleads guilty to cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bertha Horton, 55, of Fairmont, West Virginia, pled guilty to cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Horton, also known as “Peaches,” sold cocaine in May 2014 near East Fairmont Junior High School in Marion County, West Virginia. She pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” She 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 Three Rivers Drug Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Elkins man pleads guilty to role in counterfeit money schemeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Marc G. Collett, 34, of Elkins, pled guilty to fraudulently using counterfeit money to obtain authentic currency and other goods, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Collett conspired with other individuals to repeatedly exchange counterfeit money in order to obtain authentic United States currency, debit cards, and merchandise in Harrison County, West Virginia in late 2014.
Collett pled guilty to one count of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations or Securities – Aiding and Abetting.” 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 defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service, the Clarksburg, West Virginia Police Department, and the West Virginia State Police are investigating.
Federal officials close review into the death of Wayne JonesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights charges against Martinsburg, West Virginia, Police Department (MPD) Officers in connection with the 2013 shooting death of Wayne Jones.
Officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of West Virginia and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division met today with the Jones family and their representatives to inform them of this decision.
Federal authorities conducted a comprehensive and independent review of the evidence related to the death of Jones, who was shot during a struggle with MPD officers on March 13, 2013. Federal authorities reviewed the evidence collected during the state investigation, including video recordings, witness interviews, physical evidence, officer statements and expert testimony.
The team of experienced federal prosecutors and federal authorities reviewed the evidence to determine whether the involved officers violated federal law by willfully using unreasonable force against Jones. Under the applicable federal criminal civil rights statute, prosecutors must establish, beyond a reasonable doubt, that a law enforcement officer willfully deprived an individual of a constitutional right. To establish willfulness, federal authorities must show that the officer acted with the deliberate and specific intent to do something the law forbids. This is the highest standard of intent imposed by law. Mistake, misperception, negligence and poor judgment are not sufficient to establish a federal criminal civil rights violation.
In this instance, federal authorities determined that the physical, testimonial and circumstantial evidence was insufficient to refute the subjects’ claims that they believed they had to fire their weapons while acting in self-defense or in defense of others. Accordingly, the federal review of this incident has been closed without prosecution. This decision is limited strictly to an application of the high legal standard required to prosecute the case under the federal civil rights statute; it does not reflect an assessment of any other aspect of the incident that led to Jones’s death.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of West Virginia, the Civil Rights Division and the FBI are committed to investigating allegations of civil rights violations by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources required to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are fully and completely investigated. The department will aggressively prosecute criminal civil rights violations whenever there is sufficient evidence to do so.
Ohio Valley students design and execute mock trial to highlight teen dating violence prevention and educationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed between April 10 and April 16, 2016, local community and student leaders hosted an educational mock trial event designed to highlight the realities of teen dating violence, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
The interactive mock trial, which took place in the United States Federal Courthouse in Wheeling before an audience of local high school students, was developed by the YWCA Wheeling Family Violence Prevention Program in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia. Students from John Marshall and Wheeling Park High Schools led the effort to design the underlying premise and content of the mock trial. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided over the trial and students portrayed several crucial roles, including the victim, the defendant, a witness, and members of the jury.
YWCA Wheeling Family Violence Prevention Program Director Patricia Flanigan described the mock trial as a “unique opportunity to educate our younger generation on the reality of the consequences of committing a crime of dating violence or domestic violence. We were very excited to use National Crime Victims’ Rights Week as a platform to demonstrate to local youth the criteria of a federal dating violence crime.” Flanigan commended the students involved in the mock trial, noting that they “took an active role in planning and developing this insightful educational event.”
Each year, the Office for Victims of Crime leads the observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, designed to recognize victims of crime and highlight the work of victim advocates and service providers. This year, the theme for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope. This theme is designed to emphasize the importance of early intervention and victim services. Individuals interested in learning more about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week are encouraged to visit the Office for Victims of Crime website at http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.
Clarksburg woman sentenced for heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brittany Hurst, 25, of Clarksburg, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Hurst was discovered in possession of heroin in late 2014 in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pled guilty in February 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin – Aiding and Abetting.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Warner and Andrew Cogar along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan 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.
Interactive drug education program returns to Harrison County, WV schoolsRead the Press Release
BRIDGEPORT, WEST VIRGINIA – Students in Harrison County, West Virginia participated in a dynamic drug education and prevention initiative this week, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Seventh and tenth grade students at Mountaineer Middle School, Bridgeport Middle School, Bridgeport High School, and South Harrison Middle School are participating in an initiative known as “Drug Prevention On The Move!” The centerpiece of the “On The Move” program is a unique, interactive mobile classroom trailer where students learn about a variety of drugs and their effects on the body and brain. Students answer questions electronically, providing useful insight into their perceptions of various drugs. The students also participate in an interactive impaired and distracted driving simulation.
“Empowering young people to make informed decisions based on accurate, factual information about illicit drugs is a critical component of the continued effort to loosen the grip of substance abuse and addiction in our region,” noted U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “I commend Harrison County Schools for their continued dedication to providing their students with innovative and impactful drug education and prevention initiatives like the ‘On The Move!’ trailer.”
The “On The Move!” program, which originally visited Harrison County in December 2015, is an initiative of Operation UNITE, a non-profit organization based in London, Kentucky. Operation UNITE works to rid communities of illegal drug use through undercover investigations, treatment, support, and education. The educational trailer is also provided in partnership with the United States Health Resources and Services Administration and the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, an initiative of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Two charged with heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Shawn Lamont McClain, 36, of Lisbon, Ohio, and Angel Rae Klein, 27, of Wheeling, with heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Klein and McClain are alleged to have possessed and sold heroin throughout late 2014 and early 2015 in Ohio County, West Virginia. In several instances, the defendants allegedly sold heroin containing fentanyl. McClain, also known as “Gucci,” is specifically alleged to have sold heroin in February 2015 near Madison Elementary School in Wheeling. He was previously sentenced to ten years in prison in the Northern District of West Virginia for heroin trafficking in March 2015.
Both defendants are charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.” Klein is further charged with two counts of “Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” McClain is further charged with one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl” and one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” McClain faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000 on the protected location charge. The defendants each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 on each of the other counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, is investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
New York man pleads guilty to role in credit card fraud schemeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dante Callum, 38, originally from New York, pled guilty to credit card fraud in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Callum unlawfully purchased stolen credit card numbers. He then conspired with another individual to fabricate debit cards using the stolen credit card numbers. Callum would use the fabricated debit cards to purchase legitimate gift cards from a variety of retail outlets. He would then sell the gift cards in exchange for authentic United States currency.
Callum pled guilty to an Information charging him with one count of “Fraud Related to Access Devices.” 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 Ohio County, West Virginia Sheriff’s Department and the United States Secret Service investigated.U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Morgantown, WV man sentenced for unlawful possession of stolen firearmsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Dennison, 24, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for unlawful possession of stolen firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Dennison was discovered in Monongalia County, West Virginia in possession of two stolen firearms, including a .38 caliber revolver and a .22 caliber pistol. He pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearms.”
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. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Grant County, WV woman pleads guilty to painkiller traffickingRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Mary Kimble, 34, of Cabins, West Virginia, pled guilty to selling morphine, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Kimble sold morphine near Petersburg City Park, a playground in Grant County, West Virginia. She pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Morphine within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location – Aiding and Abetting.” She 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 Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Jury finds Berkeley County man guilty of stalking ex-girlfriendRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict today convicting John Glenn Bartley, 56, of Inwood, West Virginia, of multiple federal stalking charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Evidence presented at trial indicated that Bartley harassed his former girlfriend by mailing indecent photographs of her to others. Specifically, after the victim ended the relationship with Bartley, Bartley mailed lewd photographs of the victim to her brother, to her ex-husband, and to prior and prospective employers of the victim.
Following a three day trial, a jury found Bartley guilty of three counts of “Stalking” and one count of “Interstate Violation of a Protective Order.” He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on 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. Attorneys Michael Stein and Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Two sentenced for unlawful possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Two individuals were sentenced in federal court in Wheeling today for unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Darrick D. Fleming, II, 28, of Columbus, Ohio, who has a previous felony conviction in state court in Ohio, was discovered in June 2015 in Ohio County, West Virginia in unlawful possession of a 9mm pistol. He was previously convicted in the Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County, Ohio of the felony offense of “Carrying a Concealed Weapon.” He pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.” He was sentenced today to 27 months in prison.
Eric Brandon Lemasters, 33, of Jacksonburg, West Virginia, who has a previous felony conviction in state court in Ohio, was discovered in July 2015 in unlawful possession of two rifles, a shotgun, and a pistol in Wetzel County, West Virginia. He was previously convicted of the felony offense of “Grand Theft” in the Court of Common Pleas of Lake County, Ohio. Lemasters pled guilty in February 2016 to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” He was sentenced today to 24 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted Fleming and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri prosecuted Lemasters on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated both defendants. The Wheeling, West Virginia Police Department also investigated Fleming.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Detroit man pleads guilty to interstate heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Leon Fisher, 29, of Detroit, Michigan, pled guilty to heroin trafficking in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Fisher, along with thirteen other individuals, conspired to transport heroin across state lines from Detroit, Michigan to Morgantown, West Virginia. The operation was disrupted in February 2016 when a federal grand jury returned three separate heroin trafficking indictments.Specifically, Fisher sold heroin in December 2015 in Monongalia County, West Virginia. He pled guilty to “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 woman pleads guilty to cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jessica Carrie Estep, 30, of Wheeling, pled guilty to cocaine trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In late 2015, Estep conspired with other individuals to possess and sell cocaine in Ohio County, West Virginia. She pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base.” 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.
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 firearmsRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Evan Megeath, 33, of Strasburg, Virginia, pled guilty in federal court today to unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.Megeath, who has multiple previous felony convictions in state court in Virginia, was discovered in unlawful possession of a .22 caliber rifle in July 2015 in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Megeath was previously convicted of “Breaking and Entering,” “Grand Larceny,” “False Pretenses,” “Bad Check,” and “Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance” in the Circuit Court of Warren County, Virginia.
Megeath 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. Attorneys Paul Camilletti and 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.
Paden City, WV man sentenced for unlawful possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Ray Morgan, 40, of Paden City, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Morgan, who has a previous felony conviction in Tyler County, was discovered in unlawful possession of two firearms in October 2015 in Tyler County. Morgan was convicted of “Failure to Appear” in the Circuit Court of Tyler County. He pled guilty in February 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 Tyler County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
New York man pleads guilty to unlawful cigarette smugglingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Abrahim Yahya Kassim, 28, of Richmond Hill, New York, pled guilty in federal court today to unlawful cigarette smuggling, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Kassim participated in a cigarette smuggling operation designed to transport 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.
Kassim pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Traffic in Contraband Cigarettes.” 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. 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.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Morgantown woman pleads guilty to role in Detroit to WV heroin trafficking operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Debra Bolden, 46, of Morgantown, West Virginia, pled guilty to heroin trafficking in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Bolden participated in a drug trafficking network designed to transport heroin across state lines from Detroit, Michigan to Morgantown, West Virginia for redistribution and sale throughout the region. The heroin trafficking scheme was interrupted in February 2016 when a federal grand jury returned indictments against Bolden and thirteen other individuals. Specifically, Bolden sold heroin in August 2015 in Monongalia County, West Virginia.Bolden pled guilty to “Distribution of Heroin.” 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.
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.
Martinsburg man pleads guilty to cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ronald Lee Jackson, Jr., 29, of Martinsburg, pled guilty to cocaine trafficking in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Jackson sold cocaine in Berkeley County, West Virginia. He pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” 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 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.
Hardy County, WV man pleads guilty to cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Roberto Montalvo Laureano, 33, of Moorefield, West Virginia, pled guilty to cocaine trafficking in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Laureano sold cocaine in Hardy County, West Virginia. He pled guilty to one count of “Cocaine Distribution.” 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 Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Grant County, WV man pleads guilty to painkiller traffickingRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Samuel Lee Winebrenner, 29, of Petersburg, West Virginia, pled guilty to selling morphine in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Winebrenner sold morphine near Petersburg City Park, a playground in Grant County, West Virginia. He pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Morphine 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 Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Grant County, WV man pleads guilty to prescription painkiller traffickingRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Nelson Joseph Boucher, 33, of Cabins, West Virginia, pled guilty to prescription painkiller trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Boucher sold hydrocodone in August 2014 in Grant County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to “Distribution of Hydrocodone.” 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 Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Fairmont man pleads guilty to participating in interstate heroin trafficking operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Ross Sims, 27, of Fairmont, West Virginia, pled guilty to heroin trafficking today in federal court, admitting that he participated in a Detroit to Morgantown heroin trafficking network, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Sims was charged along with thirteen other individuals in February 2016 when a series of three federal indictments interrupted a Detroit, Michigan to Morgantown, West Virginia heroin trafficking scheme. Specifically, Sims sold heroin in late 2014 near West Virginia University in Monongalia County, West Virginia.Sims pled guilty today to “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.
Detroit man pleads guilty to role in multi-state heroin trafficking operationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Craig S. Coffee, 48, of Detroit, Michigan, pled guilty to heroin trafficking today in federal court, admitting his role in a Detroit to Morgantown heroin trafficking scheme, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Coffee, also known as “Mack,” was among fourteen individuals changed with heroin trafficking in three separate federal indictments returned in February 2016. The indictments disrupted a drug trafficking network in which a group of Detroit residents traveled to Morgantown and conspired to transport heroin across state lines for redistribution and sale throughout North Central West Virginia.Specifically, Coffee sold heroin in May 2015 in Monongalia County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to “Distribution of Heroin – Aiding and Abetting.” 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.
Upcoming movie screening to provide glimpse into the human impact of painkiller, heroin abuseRead the Press Release
FAIRMONT, WEST VIRGINIA – On Thursday, April 7, 2016, the United States Attorney’s Office will join the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration to host a dynamic community forum designed to highlight a unique, realistic perspective on the impact of prescription drug and opioid abuse.
The event will feature a screening of “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict,” a documentary film collaboratively produced by the FBI and the DEA in response to increasing prescription painkiller and opioid drug abuse in West Virginia and across the nation. The film, which is designed to better educate students and young adults about the dangers of these drugs and the tragic consequences that often accompany addiction, debuted nationally in February 2016. Students from the Fairmont State University Criminal Justice Program will attend the forum to supplement their current curriculum. The public is also invited to attend.
“It is the FBI's hope this film will start a conversation about the stark reality of drug abuse in this country and the unadulterated impact it has on our friends, families and communities,” noted Stephen L. Morris, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia.The movie screening will begin at 6:00PM on April 7 in the Colebank Hall Gymnasium at Fairmont State University. The documentary will be followed by an interactive discussion with representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Individuals and community groups interested in obtaining additional information are encouraged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation by calling (304) 625-5833 or emailing [email protected].
Department of Justice resumes program to share federally seized assets with local law enforcementRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced today that, effective immediately, Department of Justice Equitable Sharing payments will resume to local and state law enforcement agencies throughout the Northern District of West Virginia.
The Department of Justice Equitable Sharing Program is an initiative through which the Department of Justice distributes an equitable share of forfeited property and proceeds to participating state and local law enforcement agencies that directly participate in an investigation or prosecution that result in a federal forfeiture.
As the result of budget reductions contained in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 and the December 2015 Consolidated Appropriations Act, the Department of Justice announced that Equitable Sharing payments would be deferred beginning on December 21, 2015. Those payments will resume immediately, beginning with payments that were already being processed when the program was suspended.
“With the suspension of the federal equitable sharing program having been lifted today, millions of dollars that were in the pipeline will now be disbursed to law enforcement agencies in Northern West Virginia,” noted Ihlenfeld. “The system has been modified to streamline and speed up the process so that payments can be made as soon as possible, and so that the funds can be used to fight crime in our communities.”
Individuals interested in obtaining additional information about the Department of Justice Equitable Sharing Program are encouraged to visit the Department of Justice website at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-afmls/equitable-sharing-program.
Marion County, WV man pleads guilty to possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael P. Lough, 28, of Fairmont, West Virginia, pled guilty today to possession of child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.Lough utilized an internet based website to access images of child pornography. In July 2015, using online surveillance and investigatory techniques, authorities discovered Lough to be in possession of various images of child pornography.
Lough pled guilty today to an Information charging him with one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” 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 defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Wheeling woman pleads guilty to heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Alyssa Crow, 27, of Wheeling, pled guilty today to heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Crow sold heroin in November 2014 in Ohio County, West Virginia. She pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” 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.
United States Attorney Ihlenfeld 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.
New Jersey woman sentenced for unlawful possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tricia Renee Thames, 36, a Wheeling, West Virginia native currently residing in Swedesboro, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Thames pled guilty in January 2016 to an Information charging her with one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” Thames, who has a felony conviction for “Manslaughter” from the State of Oklahoma, was discovered to be in possession of a .357 caliber revolver and a .22 caliber pistol in Ohio County, West Virginia in 2015.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Lewis County man pleads guilty to possession of stolen firearmsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Daniel Anthony, 21, of Weston, West Virginia, pled guilty today to possessing stolen firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In August 2015, Anthony stole a .45 caliber pistol, a 12 gauge shotgun, and a 20 gauge shotgun. He then pawned the three firearms at locations in Lewis, Upshur, and Harrison Counties.
Anthony pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of Stolen 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 David Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Weston, West Virginia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Martinsburg woman pleads guilty to mail fraud after stealing money from employerRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Debra Moses, 47, of Martinsburg, pled guilty today to mail fraud, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Cassell and Prinz, PLLC, a law firm located in Charles Town, West Virginia, represents clients before the United States Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration mails checks to the firm to compensate the firm’s lawyers for the attorney’s fees associated with successful social security claims handled by the firm. While employed as a legal assistant at Cassell and Prinz, Moses misappropriated in excess of $300,000 by repeatedly depositing these compensation checks, intended for the firm’s lawyers, into her own personal bank account.
Moses pled guilty today to one count of “Mail Fraud.” She 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 defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service and the United States Social Security Administration investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
West Virginia property owners, managers facing federal sexual harassment lawsuitRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that a lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of West Virginia today against Gary Walden; the Estate of Tina Walden; Walden Homes LLC, dba Walden Rentals; and 973 Chestnut Ridge Road Inc. The lawsuit alleges that female tenants in residential rental properties owned and managed by the Waldens have been subjected to egregious sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit alleges that Gary Walden engaged in egregious acts of sexual harassment against multiple female tenants at the residential rental properties that he and his wife – the late Tina Walden – owned and managed in the Morgantown, West Virginia, metropolitan area. The suit also alleges that Tina Walden failed to take appropriate steps when residents complained about the harassment. In the complaint, the United States alleges that the harassment by Gary Walden included engaging in unwanted and unwelcome sex acts with female tenants; engaging in unwanted sexual touching and groping; making unwelcome sexual comments and verbal advances; conditioning or offering tangible housing benefits to female tenants in exchange for performance of sex acts on him or his maintenance workers; entering the apartments of female tenants without permission or notice to harass them sexually; and taking adverse actions against female tenants when they refused or objected to his sexual advances or objected to continuing to grant sexual favors.
“We always aggressively advocate for fair housing for everyone, but the allegations in this matter are especially disturbing,” said Ihlenfeld II. “Making housing contingent upon performing sexual acts will not be tolerated and the landlord in this case will now have to answer for their abhorrent conduct. We'll stand with the female victims in this case and make sure that their rights are fully protected.”
“No woman should have to suffer sexual harassment in her home or live in fear of retaliation when she reports such heinous acts of discrimination,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Sexual abuse has no place in a civilized society, and the Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act by safeguarding the rights of tenants and holding perpetrators accountable.”
“When a woman is subjected to unwanted sexual advances in her home, it makes her a victim in the place where she should feel the safest and most secure,” said Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Gustavo Velasquez of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. “HUD will continue to stand with the Justice Department to protect the housing rights of women whenever those rights are violated.”
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties and a court order barring future discrimination. The complaint is an allegation of unlawful conduct. The allegations must be proven in federal court.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment and housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned and/or oper ated by Gary and/or Tina Walden, or elsewhere, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected].
Oxycodone trafficking indictment returnedRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Suhip E. Ebrahim, 26, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, and Ronnell A. Williams, 41, of Wheeling, West Virginia, with oxycodone trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Ebrahim and Williams allegedly conspired to possess and sell oxycodone throughout 2015 and 2016 in Ohio County, West Virginia. Specifically, Williams is alleged to have sold oxycodone on multiple occasions in February 2016. Ebrahim was arrested in Wheeling earlier this month after he was discovered to be in possession of a large quantity of oxycodone pills. Following his arrest, a federal judge ordered that Ebrahim be detained pending trial.
Both defendants are charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone.” Ebrahim is further charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone.” Williams is further charged with three counts of “Distribution of Oxycodone.” The defendants each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 on each of the aforementioned counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert McWilliams and Jarod Douglas are prosecuting 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, are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Owners and Property Managers of West Virginia Homes and ApartmentsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Gary Walden; the Estate of Tina Walden; Walden Homes LLC, dba Walden Rentals; and 973 Chestnut Ridge Road Inc. The lawsuit alleges that female tenants in residential rental properties owned and managed by the Waldens have been subjected to egregious sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, alleges that Gary Walden engaged in egregious acts of sexual harassment against multiple female tenants at the residential rental properties that he and his wife – the late Tina Walden – owned and managed in the Morgantown, West Virginia, metropolitan area. The suit also alleges that Tina Walden failed to take appropriate steps when residents complained about the harassment. In the complaint, the United States alleges that the harassment by Gary Walden included engaging in unwanted and unwelcome sex acts with female tenants; engaging in unwanted sexual touching and groping; making unwelcome sexual comments and verbal advances; conditioning or offering tangible housing benefits to female tenants in exchange for performance of sex acts on him or his maintenance workers; entering the apartments of female tenants without permission or notice to harass them sexually; and taking adverse actions against female tenants when they refused or objected to his sexual advances or objected to continuing to grant sexual favors.
“No woman should have to suffer sexual harassment in her home or live in fear of retaliation when she reports such heinous acts of discrimination,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Sexual abuse has no place in a civilized society, and the Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act by safeguarding the rights of tenants and holding perpetrators accountable.”
“We always aggressively advocate for fair housing for everyone, but the allegations in this matter are especially disturbing,” said U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld II of the Northern District of West Virginia. “Making housing contingent upon performing sexual acts will not be tolerated and the landlords in this case will now have to answer for their abhorrent conduct. We'll stand with the female victims in this case and make sure that their rights are fully protected.”
“When a woman is subjected to unwanted sexual advances in her home, it makes her a victim in the place where she should feel the safest and most secure,” said Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Gustavo Velasquez of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. “HUD will continue to stand with the Justice Department to protect the housing rights of women whenever those rights are violated.”
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties and a court order barring future discrimination. The complaint is an allegation of unlawful conduct. The allegations must be proven in federal court.
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment and housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned and/or operated by Gary and/or Tina Walden, or elsewhere, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected].
Walden Complaint
Eight sentenced for heroin, cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eight individuals were sentenced in federal court in Martinsburg for heroin and cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Six individuals were sentenced for their role in a multi-state heroin trafficking operation led by Brian Alexander Hall, 28, of Baltimore, Maryland. Hall orchestrated a network of associates to transport heroin across state lines for redistribution and sale in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. A 163-count federal indictment targeting 41 defendants interrupted the drug trafficking scheme in June 2015.
Jefferey David Murphy, 34, of Martinsburg, pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession With Intent to Distribute Heroin.” He was sentenced to 48 months in prison on the telephone charge and 51 months in prison on each of the remaining charges. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 51 months in prison. He was also ordered to forfeit his interest in $29,850 in United States currency.
William Lee Wasson, 38, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, pled guilty in September 2015 to one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession With Intent to Distribute Heroin.” He was sentenced to 36 months in prison on each count. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 36 months in prison.
Brandon Kidwell, 24, of Great Cacapon, West Virginia, pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” He was sentenced to 24 months in prison.
Robert Hamilton Shanley-Sexton, 24, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, pled guilty in September 2015 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin.” He was sentenced to twelve months and one day in prison.
Cameron Stinebaugh, 28, of Great Cacapon, West Virginia, pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” He was sentenced to probation for a term of five years.
Jared Michael Belanger, 36, of Martinsburg, pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” He was ordered to forfeit his interest in $8,500 in United States currency and sentenced to probation for a term of five years.
In another matter, Ariana Shanae Parker, 24, of District Heights, Maryland, and Theron Eugene Cobb, 32, of Miami, Florida, were sentenced for heroin and cocaine trafficking.
Cobb was as discovered in possession of cocaine in Berkeley County. He pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” He was sentenced to 36 months in prison.
Parker sold heroin in Berkeley County, West Virginia. She pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.” She was sentenced to probation for a term of three years.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Taylor, also of the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted Parker and Cobb on behalf of the government. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Paul Camilletti prosecuted the remaining defendants on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated all of the defendants. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also investigated the multi-state heroin trafficking network.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
The right prescription for West Virginia: Reducing the supply of painkillers to ease the drug epidemicRead the Press Release
The drug problem in West Virginia is complex with many moving parts and seemingly few concrete solutions. Enforcement, prevention and treatment are all important but one strategy that deserves additional attention is that of supply-side intervention. This involves taking steps to reduce the number of prescription painkillers actually prescribed and dispensed in our state. Researchers have found that when the number of pills distributed declines, the reduced supply does not recover, drug abuse decreases, and public health improves. Supply-side strategies save lives and are worth pursuing with great vigor in West Virginia.
The excessive prescribing of painkillers began in the mid-1990s as a result of aggressive and misleading marketing by certain manufacturers. It was during this time that the painkiller OxyContin was promoted as being non-addictive despite being virtually identical to heroin. Doctors were convinced by this idea and began to write scripts for it and a variety of other painkillers without hesitation. The number of prescriptions for opioids skyrocketed, and today Americans consume 81 percent of the world's oxycodone and nearly 100 percent of the world's hydrocodone. This widespread prescribing has led to thousands of annual overdose deaths, millions of pill abusers, and a demand for heroin that has reached epidemic proportions. Doctors in West Virginia write with a heavy pen, issuing more painkiller prescriptions per capita than all but two states.
What the pharmaceutical industry did in promoting pain pills was not much different than what the tobacco industry did with cigarettes: it lied about the addictive nature of its product and earned billions by deceiving naive consumers. "Big Pharma", much like "Big Tobacco", left a great deal of damage in its wake, and the costs to clean up the mess are extraordinary. One of the costs -that of treatment - is one that our state cannot afford. As a result, many West Virginians who want help for their addiction cannot afford it, cannot find it, or die trying.
There are, however, some actions that if taken will bring us closer to the end of this crisis. If I could write a prescription for West Virginia, it would look something like this:
1) Conservative prescribing practices. Doctors and hospitals should adopt policies that call for opioids to be prescribed less often, in lower doses, and for shorter durations. In fact, opioids should be a last resort for pain treatment instead of the first line of defense. These policies should also discourage the prescribing of opioids (i.e. Percocet) together with benzodiazepines (i.e. Xanax) because it's often a lethal combination.
2) Lower expectations from patients. Many of us have unreasonable expectations about how our pain should be treated. We have come to expect a 60-day supply of pain pills when something less will often do. The answer is not always a Percocet, but instead might be physical therapy, acupuncture, exercise, rest, or the use of non-narcotic pain relievers.
3) Increased accountability for deviant distributors. Wholesale distributors, pharmacies, and practitioners continue to engage in unlawful practices that cause excessive amounts of pain pills to be dispensed in West Virginia. The price to pay for this crime should be steep, to include prison time, licensure revocation, and large financial penalties.
4) Use of settlements to fund treatment. When drug companies reach financial settlements with the state or federal government for wrongdoing, a portion of the proceeds should be used to pay for treatment facilities in the affected states. This might be the only way that a state like ours will ever be able to afford adequate treatment resources.
5) Better use of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). Pharmacies should always check the PDMP (some don’t) and every state’s PDMP should be connected (they’re not) to prevent doctor-shopping and the dispensing of contra-indicated medications.
We’ve still got a long way to go, but a comprehensive and proactive supply-side strategy will help us to navigate through this painkiller-fueled storm. By keeping the pressure on the pharmaceutical industry, modifying the frequency, dose, and duration of narcotic prescriptions, and lessening our expectations as patients, West Virginia will emerge as a healthier and safer place to live and raise a family.