Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Berkeley County, WV man convicted of cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas Edward King, Jr., 43, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, was convicted of cocaine trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
King sold cocaine in Berkeley County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Taylor and Paul Camilletti 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.
Wheeling man convicted in Pittsburgh, PA to WV and OH heroin distribution operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – John D. McKee, 30, of Wheeling, was convicted of heroin trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
McKee participated in a drug trafficking operation in which heroin was transported across state lines from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to locations in West Virginia and Ohio for redistribution and sale. McKee was among six individuals charged in an 18-count federal indictment in June 2015.
McKee, along with other individuals, sold heroin in January 2015 near a private elementary school in Marshall County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the 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 Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Maryland man sentenced for lying to obtain bank loanRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Montgomery Joseph Isner, 47, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for bank fraud, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Isner misrepresented himself as the owner of a parcel of real property in Berkeley County, West Virginia in order to fraudulently obtain a loan in the amount of $60,000. Isner pled guilty in June 2015 to one count of “False Statement on Loan Application.” As part of the sentence imposed today, Isner was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $57,285.78.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Harrison County woman convicted of cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenisha C. Singleton, 30, of Nutter Fort, West Virginia, was convicted of cocaine trafficking in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Singleton sold cocaine base in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base – Aiding and Abetting.” 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 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.
Two Harrison County men convicted of heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two individuals were convicted of heroin trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Jeremiah Robert Dodrill, 34, of Spelter, West Virginia, sold heroin in October 2014 near Spelter Park, a playground located in Harrison 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.
Adam Thomas Mitchell, 29, of Clarksburg, sold heroin in Harrison County, West Virginia in April 2015. He pled guilty today to one count of “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 defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zelda Wesley and Stephen Warner along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted Mitchell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted Dodrill on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated each defendant.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Three convicted of heroin, cocaine, painkiller traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Three individuals were convicted in federal court this week for their role in a drug trafficking operation involving heroin, cocaine, and oxycodone, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Donald White, 40, of Cleveland, Ohio, along with Kari Jako, 26, and Christina Crupe, 33, both of Wheeling, conspired to sell heroin, cocaine, and prescription painkillers throughout 2014 in Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia.
White and Jako each pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy.” Crupe pled guilty to a criminal Information charging her with one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone.” Each of the defendants 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 defendants.
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.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
Three Martinsburg residents convicted in Baltimore to West Virginia heroin trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three individuals were convicted in federal court this week for their involvement in a multi-state heroin trafficking operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
The defendants convicted this week participated in a drug trafficking scheme in which heroin was transported across state lines from Baltimore, Maryland into West Virginia. The operation was interrupted in June 2015 by a 163-count federal indictment encompassing 41 defendants.
Veronica Gladden, 32, of Martinsburg, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” She faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Scott Andrew Ours, 33, and James Miner Jenkins, 37, both of Martinsburg, each pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” They each face 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 defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
New Jersey man sentenced for oxycodone traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Marshall County, West Virginia resident Dennis Ferretti, 37, originally of Gibbstown, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for prescription painkiller trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Throughout 2014, Ferretti conspired with other individuals to possess and distribute oxycodone in Wetzel and Marshall Counties in West Virginia. He pled guilty in June 2015 to one count of “Drug Conspiracy - Oxycodone.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided
Wheeling man convicted of lying to purchase firearmsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon Paetzold, 35, of Wheeling, was convicted today of knowingly providing false information in order to purchase firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
On two separate occasions in February 2015, Paetzold purchased firearms from The Outdoor Store, a licensed firearms dealer in Wheeling. On both occasions, he falsely indicated that he was not an unlawful user of controlled substances. Based on this false information, he illegally purchased a 9 mm pistol and a .45 caliber pistol.
Paetzold pled guilty today to two counts of “False Statement in Acquisition of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 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. Attorney David 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.
Ohio County, West Virginia leaders announce creative efforts to thwart substance abuseRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Expanding their efforts to combat substance abuse, local leaders are launching a program that will make free drug testing kits available to Ohio County, West Virginia residents, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, along with a diverse group of community leaders, announced today.The saliva-based drug tests are simple and non-invasive. Results are available within 20 minutes. The test screens for a variety of commonly abused substances including marijuana, opioid painkillers, stimulants, tranquilizers, cocaine, methadone, and PCP. The kits also contain information on how parents can effectively discuss substance abuse with their children. Further, the packets contain information to locate educational and treatment resources. The kits also contain a pre-stamped envelope to voluntarily report test results. No personal information is collected.
The testing kits are provided through a partnership with the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. The kits will be distributed at the following locations in Ohio County:
1. Ohio County Sheriff’s Department • 1500 Chapline Street #103 • Wheeling, WV 26003
2. Wheeling Police Department • 1500 Chapline Street #101 • Wheeling, WV 26003
3. Triadelphia Police Department • 4453 National Road • Triadelphia, WV 26059
4. Ohio County Health Department • 1500 Chapline Street #106 • Wheeling, WV 26003
5. The Medicine Shoppe • 620 National Road • Wheeling, WV 26003
6. Elm Grove Pharmacy • 102 E. Bethlehem Boulevard • Wheeling, WV 26003
7. YWCA Wheeling • 1100 Chapline Street • Wheeling, WV 26003
8. Wheeling Park High School • 1976 Park View Road • Wheeling, WV 26003
9. Ohio County Board of Education Office • 2203 National Road • Wheeling, WV 26003In addition to distributing the free drug testing kits, several other programs were discussed on Tuesday:
- The “Handle with Care” program will be implemented in Ohio County. This program involves a formal system to notify school officials whenever police officers respond to a dangerous or drug-involved situation where a child is present. School officials will know that a child has been involved in a potentially traumatic situation and that he or she should be handled with care.
- The Appalachia HIDTA educational trailer will be coming to Northern West Virginia in the near future. The trailer is designed to inform students about substance abuse in an interactive manner.
- High schools in Ohio County will participate in the inaugural prevention competition to be held among schools throughout West Virginia. This competition will involve students designing educational programming that addresses substance abuse prevention. Students will then present their ideas at a regional competition.
Three Clarksburg residents convicted of heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three individuals were convicted of heroin trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Billy Cunningham, Sr., 62, of Clarksburg, sold heroin in January 2015 near an elementary school and a playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. He 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.
Robert Goy Emerson, 40, and Waneta K. Cunningham, 35, both of Clarksburg, sold heroin in Harrison County, West Virginia throughout 2014. Emerson pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Cunningham pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.” They each face 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 defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted Billy Cunningham and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted Emerson and Waneta Cunningham on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated each of the defendants.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Pennsylvania man sentenced for heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy Lamon Cavender, Jr., 26, of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Cavender was discovered in possession of heroin in December 2014 in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in June 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley and 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, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Morgantown man sentenced for unlawful possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Sheriff Scott, 35, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 77 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
As a result of two previous felony convictions in Maryland for concealing a dangerous weapon and drug trafficking, Scott is prohibited from possessing firearms. He was discovered in unlawful possession of a firearm in November 2014 in Monongalia County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in May 2015 to one count of “Felon in Possession of Firearm.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley 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.
Wheeling man sentenced for cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Sharod Hodge, 37, of Wheeling, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Hodge was discovered in possession of cocaine in April 2014 near a public housing authority facility, known as Riverview Towers, in Ohio County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in May 2015 to one count of “Possess Cocaine with Intent to Distribute Near a Protected Location.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McWilliams prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, both HIDTA-funded initiatives, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Pennsylvania sex offender sentenced for failure to update registrationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Weirton, West Virginia resident Henry Lee Cutler, 24, originally of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for failing to update his sex offender registration, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In 2010, Cutler was convicted of “Indecent Assault” in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. As a result of that conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. In late 2014 or early 2015, Cutler relocated across state lines from Pennsylvania to the Weirton, West Virginia area. He failed to update his sex offender registration to reflect his new residence in West Virginia. He pled guilty in June 2015 to one count of “Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Northern West Virginia law enforcement, pharmacies to participate in national drug take-back dayRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Law enforcement and community leaders from across the Northern District of West Virginia will participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back event scheduled for Saturday, September 26 2015, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
From 10:00AM until 2:00PM local time, law enforcement agencies, pharmacies, and community organizations across the country will establish and staff a variety of locations where local residents can return unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal.
“West Virginia has the third highest number of narcotic painkiller prescriptions per person in the nation,” noted U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “These medications are easily diverted and can be extremely dangerous when not used as directed by a medical professional. The national prescription take-back event is an important step to ensure that unused medications are disposed of properly.”
Between 2010 and 2014, the Drug Enforcement Administration sponsored nine national prescription drug take-back events and collected 4,823,251 pounds, or 2,411 tons, of prescription medications.
Individuals interested in finding local participating locations or obtaining additional information regarding the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Prescription Drug Take-Back initiative are encouraged to visit www.dea.gov, call 1-800-882-9539, or contact your local law enforcement agency.
Hancock County, WV man sentenced for possessing stolen firearmRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy J. Jackson, 56, of Newell, West Virginia, was sentenced today twelve months and one day in prison for possession of a stolen firearm. United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Jackson was discovered in Hancock County, West Virginia in December 2014 in possession of a stolen .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol. He pled guilty in August 2015 to one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hancock, Brooke, Weirton Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.Federal charges dismantle Chicago-to-Ohio Valley heroin trafficking operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Seven individuals from Ohio and West Virginia have been charged in federal court in connection with a drug trafficking operation that caused large quantities of heroin to be transported from Chicago to the Ohio Valley, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld of the Northern District of West Virginia and United States Attorney Carter M. Stewart of the Southern District of Ohio announced today.
Frederick Allen McShan, 35, of Steubenville, Ohio, led an extensive, multi-state drug trafficking operation through which large quantities of heroin were transported from Chicago, Illinois into Northern West Virginia and Southern Ohio for redistribution and sale. McShan coordinated an intricate network of individuals to transport and distribute the drugs, including Perrier Duvall Coleman, 19, David McShan, 37, Donae F. Grier, 37, Terrence Lamont Smith, 26, all of Steubenville, along with Christopher Joshua Bishop, 31, and Kerris Deuntay Moncreace, 30, both of Weirton, West Virginia. The investigation involved the use of sophisticated surveillance techniques, undercover operations, and the execution of multiple federal search warrants, including the search of a business in Bellaire that was allegedly operated by one of the defendants.
Proceeds from the illegal drug transactions were used to purchase a variety of luxury items including vehicles and real estate. A large portion of those assets have been seized as part of the investigation.
The defendants will be prosecuted in federal courts in either the Southern District of Ohio or the Northern District of West Virginia. Each of the defendants is presently charged by federal criminal complaint with “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute More Than One Kilogram of a Controlled Substance – Heroin.” They all face between 10 years and life 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 defendants.
Agencies involved in the investigation include the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hancock, Brooke, Weirton Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, all HIDTA-funded initiatives, the Jefferson County, Ohio Drug Task Force, the Belmont County, Ohio Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the City of Weirton Street Crimes Unit, the Toronto, Ohio Police Department, the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department, and the Steubenville, Ohio Police Department.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Martinsburg man sentenced for lying on loan applicationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven A. Crites, 44, of Martinsburg, was sentenced to one day in prison followed by one year of supervised release for making a false statement on a loan application, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Crites applied for a loan with Wells Fargo Bank and falsely indicated that his monthly income was $29,000. In fact, his monthly income was $2,833.33. He pled guilty in March 21015 to one count of “False Statement on Loan Application.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Six convicted of heroin, cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBIRG, WEST VIRGINIA – Six individuals were convicted of heroin and cocaine trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Larry Dustin Saunders, 40, of Clarksburg, sold heroin in April 2015 near Broadway Playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the 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.
Tevin L. White, 24, of Clarksburg sold heroin in January 2015 near a public housing authority facility, known as Locust View Apartments, in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the 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.
Davina Bland, 21, of Clarksburg, sold cocaine near Monticello Avenue Playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pled guilty today 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.
Robert Sean Hott, 30, of Fairmont, West Virginia, sold heroin in April 2015 near a public housing authority facility, known as Oakmound Apartments, in Harrison County, West Virginia. He 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.
Brian K. Wilson, 30, of Boothsville, West Virginia, allowed his residence to be used to store and distribute heroin. He pled guilty today to one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
Sabree L. Clevenger, 20, of Salem, West Virginia sold heroin in January 2015 in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin – Aiding and Abetting.” 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 serious sness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted Bland, Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted Saunders, Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted Wilson and Clevenger, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner prosecuted Hott and White on behalf of the government. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan also prosecuted each of the defendants on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated each of the defendants.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided in the Wilson and Clevenger plea hearings. U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided in the remaining plea hearings.
Ohio man sentenced for heroin, crack cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Devon J. Ball, 29, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for heroin and crack cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Throughout October and November 2014, Ball repeatedly conspired with others to possess and distribute heroin and crack cocaine in Marshall County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in May 2015 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ohio man sentenced for heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen Mynatt, 32, of Garfield Heights, Ohio, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Mynatt sold heroin in Marshall County, West Virginia in April 2014. He pled guilty in April 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Bernard prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, both HIDTA-funded initiatives, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Martinsburg man sentenced to 15 years in prison for cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gary Vincent Whorley, 32, of Martinsburg, was sentenced to 188 months in prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Whorley sold cocaine base near an elementary school in Jefferson County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in June 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a School.” Whorley has multiple previous drug trafficking convictions. As a result, he was classified as a Career Offender and his advisory sentencing guideline range was enhanced pursuant to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
One of Whorley’s co-defendants, Dawn Marie Wiley, 26, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, pled guilty to the same offense and was sentenced to 21 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Charles Town, West Virginia Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Marshall County, WV woman sentenced for cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Alicia D. Duerr, 30, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Duerr repeatedly conspired with other individuals to possess and to distribute crack cocaine in Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia. She pled guilty in June 2015 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Crack Cocaine.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Marshall County woman sentenced for stealing from local non-profitRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Richelle D. Blair, 37, of Glen Dale, West Virginia, was sentenced today for embezzling money from a local non-profit organization, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Blair was formerly employed by Marshall County Starting Points Center, Inc., a non-profit social services organization in Marshall County, West Virginia. Starting Points receives federal grants from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Blair repeatedly utilized the organization’s funds to purchase items for her own personal use.
Blair pled guilty in June 2015 to a criminal Information charging her with one count of “Theft from an Organization Receiving Federal Funds.” She was sentenced today to probation for a period of two years and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $23,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Taylor County, WV man sentenced for possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terry V. Austin, Sr., 50, of Grafton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for possession of child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Austin was discovered in possession of multiple images and videos of child pornography in Barbour County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in May 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.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Six charged in federal cigarette smuggling indictmentRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging six individuals with unlawful cigarette smuggling, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced today.
Mohamed Abdo Elbarati, 30, of Winchester, Virginia, Farouk Mohamed Aldaylam, 28, of Queens Village, New York, Amir Mohamed Alsaidi, 37, of Baltimore, Maryland, Fahd Hamood Aljahaf, 37, of Bronx, New York, Galal Hameed Kassim, 29, and Muneer Kaid Khaled, 25, both of Brooklyn, New York, are alleged to have conspired to profit from the unlawful sale of contraband cigarettes. The indictment charges that 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.
Tobacco retailer Smoke Palace, LLC, of Winchester, Virginia, which was owned and operated by defendant Elbarati, was responsible for the acquisition of the contraband. Smoke Palace and Elbarati are alleged to have purchased millions of dollars worth of cigarettes from various wholesalers in the region, primarily with cash, before reselling them to out of state smugglers for a profit.
"We will not allow the Commonwealth of Virginia to become a home base for this kind of large, organized criminal enterprise," said Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring. "This case is a textbook example of how collaboration and cooperation, even across state lines, can get results, and I'm proud that my team was able to help out."
Each of the six defendants is charged with one count of “Conspiracy.” Elbarati is further charged with four counts of “Transportation of Contraband Cigarettes.” Aldaylam is further charged with two counts of “Transportation of Contraband Cigarettes.” Alsaidi is further charged with two counts of “Transportation of Contraband Cigarettes.” Each of the defendants faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 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 defendants.
"The New York State Tax Department has a vigorous and coordinated effort to battle the sale of untaxed cigarettes," said New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Jerry Boone. "As we see in this case, working closely with our law enforcement partners is, more and more, leading to success."
“Organizations that attempt to systematically defraud state and local governments and profit through crime are sorely mistaken,” said Glenn Sorge, acting special agent in charge HSI New York. “HSI’s El Dorado Task Force and its law enforcement partners are committed to investigating financial crime and contraband smuggling activities that pose a threat to our public safety and the economic well-being of the United States.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Stein and Shawn Adkins are prosecuting 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.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Maryland man sentenced for failing to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Shawn Edwards, 40, of Cumberland, Maryland, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for failing to register as a sex offender, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Edwards was previously convicted of “Second Degree Rape” in 1993 in the Circuit Court of Allegany County, Maryland. As a result of that conviction, he was required to register as a sex offender. Further, Edwards has been convicted on three separate occasions in Mineral County, West Virginia for failing to register as a sex offender.
An investigation by the United States Marshals Service, the Ridgeley, West Virginia Police Department, and the Cumberland, Maryland Police Department, revealed that in late 2014, Edwards moved from Ridgeley, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland without updating his sex offender registration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Four convicted of heroin, cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four individuals were convicted of heroin and cocaine trafficking offenses today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Amanda Dawn Arth, 34, of Lost Creek, West Virginia sold heroin in April 2015 near the Clarksburg, City Park – Broadway Playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin 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.
Stacy Michelle Hitt-Snyder, 36, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, sold heroin near Glen Elk Park in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pled guilty today to Distribution of Heroin 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.
Brian K. Dixon, 47, of Clarksburg, 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.
Craig J. Singleton, 32, of Clarksburg, conspired with other individuals to possess and sell heroin and cocaine in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin and 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 defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted Dixon and Singleton, Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted Arth, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins prosecuted Hitt-Snyder on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated each of the defendants.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided in the Hitt-Snyder plea hearing. U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided in the remaining plea hearings.
Two Maryland residents charged with illegal gun traffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Jarrud Michael Dixon, 26, of New Market, Maryland, and Robert Sales, 32, of Mt. Airy, Maryland, with unlawful firearms trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
An investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives revealed that Dixon and Sales conspired with a licensed firearms dealer in Pocahontas County, West Virginia to unlawfully transport firearms across state lines. The firearms dealer was prohibited from transporting firearms across state lines except for sales to certain authorized individuals. Throughout 2013 and 2014, Dixon and Sales are alleged to have repeatedly unlawfully transferred firearms from West Virginia into Maryland. The defendants falsely reported that Dixon’s girlfriend was the intended recipient of the firearms because she had a West Virginia ID card. In fact, Maryland residents Dixon and Sales were the true purchasers of the firearms.
"This investigation was partnership between ATF offices in West Virginia, Baltimore, and the Baltimore Police Department," said Stuart Lowrey, ATF Special Agent in Charge of the Louisville Field Division, which covers West Virginia and Kentucky. "Illegal gun trafficking has direct and devastating results on our communities, as is obvious from the number of firearms in this case that have already been recovered in crimes. The public entrusts Federal Firearms Licensees with significant responsibility for preventing firearms trafficking, and ATF will aggressively pursue those who breach that trust."
Dixon and Sales are each charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Illegally Traffic Firearms.” 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 defendants.Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two convicted in multi-state heroin trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Shanley-Sexton, 23, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and James R. Dove, 30, of Keyser, West Virginia, were convicted in federal court for their role in a multi-state heroin trafficking operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
The defendants were among 41 defendants named in a 163-count federal heroin trafficking indictment in June 2015. The indictment stemmed from a drug trafficking scheme in which heroin was transported across state lines from Baltimore, Maryland into surrounding states, including West Virginia.
Shanley-Sexton pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Dove pled guilty to one count of “Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” 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 defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
North Central West Virginia leaders announce action plan to combat drug abuseRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Community leaders in North Central West Virginia are taking a new approach to combat drug abuse and overdose deaths in the region, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced today.A diverse group of local community leaders recently gathered at Robert C. Byrd High School to present the United States Attorney’s Addiction Action Plan, an innovative strategy designed to address substance abuse through innovative prevention initiatives, increasing access to treatment, and effective enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld coordinated the working group, which has been meeting since March 2015. The working group included nine subcommittees, led by the following individuals:
• Prevention. Jo Anne McNemar • Harrison County Family Resource NetworkNorth Central West Virginia leaders announce action plan to combat drug abuse
• Education. Superintendent Frank Devono • Monongalia County Schools
• Law Enforcement. Chief Ed Preston • Morgantown Police Department
• Medical. Pat Ryan, MA • CEO • William R. Sharpe, Jr. Hospital
• Treatment. Dr. Carl Sullivan • WVU Healthcare • Chestnut Ridge Center
• Treatment. Dr. James Berry • WVU Healthcare • Chestnut Ridge Center
• News Media. Aaron Williams • News Director • WBOY-TV
• News Media. John Miller • Executive Editor • Exponent Telegram
• Community Corrections. Ted Offut • Director • Marion County Day Report Center
• Recovery. Lou Ortenzio • Celebrate Recovery Clarksburg
• Business & Legislation. Barbara Evans Fleischauer • West Virginia House of DelegatesThe plan released today targets North Central West Virginia and is one part a larger initiative. A similar plan is already in place in the Northern Panhandle, and Ihlenfeld plans to create similar working groups throughout Northern West Virginia.
Anyone interested in additional information on the effort to combat drug abuse is encouraged to contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia at (304) 234-0100. Updates on the plan will be available through the U.S. Attorney’s official Twitter account @NDWVnews.
A complete copy of the United States Attorney’s Addiction Action Plan for North Central West Virginia is available here: Addiction Action Plan.
Clarksburg woman convicted of heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBIRG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeny Fury, 31, of Clarksburg, was convicted of heroin trafficking in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Fury sold heroin in Harrison County, West Virginia in February 2015. She pled guilty 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.
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. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Clarksburg man convicted of heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terry A. Cross, 33, of Clarksburg, was convicted of heroin trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Cross sold heroin in Harrison County, West Virginia in October 2014. He pled guilty today to one count of “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 Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Berkeley County man charged with oxycodone traffickingRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Earl Ferguson, 46, of Inwood, West Virginia, with prescription painkiller trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Ferguson sold oxycodone in Berkeley County, West Virginia throughout 2015. He is charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone,” and three counts of “Distribution of Oxycodone.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 on each of the four counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski is prosecuting 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, are leading the inquiry.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Clarksburg woman convicted of selling cocaine near Harrison County playgroundRead the Press Release
CLARKSBIRG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jessica A. McCracken, 32, of Clarksburg, was convicted of cocaine trafficking today in federal court, 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 today to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” She will face 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 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. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Two Harrison County, WV men sentenced for unlawful possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Wade Highland, 45, of Lost Creek, West Virginia, and Darius Henning, 24, of Clarksburg, were sentenced today in federal court for unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Highland was sentenced today to 57 months in prison. He was previously convicted in February 2009 of “Grand Larceny” in the Circuit Court of Harrison County, West Virginia. As a result of the conviction, he is prohibited from possessing firearms. In August 2014, Highland was discovered in unlawful possession of thirteen firearms. He pled guilty in May 2015 to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
Henning was previously convicted in January 2011 of “First Degree Robbery” in the Circuit Court of Harrison County, West Virginia. As a result of that conviction, he is prohibited from possessing firearms. He was discovered in January 2015 in possession of a stolen .45 caliber pistol in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in May 2015 to one count of “Felon in Possession of Firearm” and one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm.” He was sentenced today to 63 months in prison on each count. These sentences will run concurrently for a total of 63 months of incarceration. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clarksburg Police Department investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted Highland and Wesley and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted Henning on behalf of the government.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Florida man convicted of oxycodone traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBIRG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathaniel Walker, 33, of Miami, Florida, was convicted of oxycodone trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Walker was discovered in possession of oxycodone in Monongalia County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to a criminal Information charging him with one count of “Possession with Intent 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. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation led the inquiry.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Arizona man sentenced for cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kwane Baker, 39, of Buckeye, Arizona, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
An investigation by the Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force revealed that Baker sold crack cocaine in Monongalia County, West Virginia in July 2014. He pled guilty in May 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Two convicted of heroin, oxycodone traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Zora D. Parks, 29, of Boothsville, West Virginia, and Brittany Wodzinski, 25, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, were convicted of heroin and oxycodone trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In early 2015, Parks allowed her Taylor County residence to be used to store and distribute heroin. She pled guilty today to one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises.” She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Wodzinski was among 21 individuals charged in a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Morgantown, West Virginia heroin and oxycodone trafficking operation in November 2014. She pled guilty today to one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Oxycodone.” She faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
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 Zelda Wesley prosecuted Wodzinski, and Wesley and Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted Parks on behalf of the government.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Two convicted of cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Eulogio Rodriguez-Fernandez, 58, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and Santos Macedoni Barragan, 31, of Moorefield, West Virginia, were convicted of cocaine trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Barragan sold cocaine near an elementary and secondary school in Hardy County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of a School.” He faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000.
Rodriguez-Fernandez was discovered in possession of cocaine in Hardy County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.” 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 defendants.
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, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Six convicted in Baltimore to West Virginia heroin trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Six individuals were convicted in federal court this week for their role in a multi-state heroin trafficking operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
The defendants convicted this week participated in a drug trafficking scheme in which heroin was transported across state lines from Baltimore, Maryland into West Virginia. The operation was disrupted in June 2015 by a 163-count federal indictment encompassing 41 defendants.
Shawn Bowers, 27, of Braddock Heights, Maryland, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. James Francis Hansen, Jr., 48, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Darla Kinser, 30, of Martinsburg, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” She faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000.
Michelle Lynn Warnick, 33, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” She faces up to four years in prison on the telephone count and up to five years in prison on the interstate travel count. They each face a fine of up to $500,000 on each count.
Steward Eugene Whitehead, Jr., 29, of Inwood, West Virginia, and William Wasson, 38, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, each pled guilty to one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” They each face up to four years in prison on the telephone count and up to five years in prison on the interstate travel count. They each face a fine of up to $500,000 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 defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Racketeering indictment returned against former WV Division of Highways officialRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned a racketeering indictment today against the former director of the West Virginia Division of Highway’s Equipment Division, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Robert Glen Andrew, II, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, has been charged in a 29-count indictment which alleges violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Andrew is alleged to have used his position to create a culture of corruption within the Division of Highways, and to have used the Division of Highways as a vehicle to engage in racketeering activity.Andrew allegedly abused his position of trust in order to use state resources, including employees and equipment, to engage in political activity on state time. He is also alleged to have engaged in bid-rigging by creating non-competitive bid specifications that favored particular vendors and that did not seek to obtain the best value for the State of West Virginia. Andrew is also alleged to have violated, and to have directed others to violate, the statutes and regulations which govern the use and disposition of federal excess property. Andrew is also accused of having tampered with a witness and with documents.
Ohio corporation Mo-Trim, Inc., a business engaged in the building of large commercial mowers, was named in the indictment along with Andrew. Mo-Trim is a vendor which held a mower parts contract with the Division of Highways and which is alleged to have been involved in the preparation of non-competitive bid specifications which did not seek to obtain the best value for the State of West Virginia but instead specifically benefitted Mo-Trim.
Both Andrew and Mo-Trim, Inc. are charged with seven counts of “Wire Fraud,” and one count of “Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act Conspiracy.” Andrew, age 77, is further charged with eight counts of “Mail Fraud,” seven counts of “Causing Theft of Government Property,” four counts of “Wire Fraud,” one count of “Document Tampering,” and one count of “Witness Tampering."
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod Douglas and Sarah Montoro, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parr, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations, the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the inquiry.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Five convicted, sentenced in steroid distribution ringRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Five individuals have been convicted and sentenced in federal court for unlawful steroid distribution, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Carl R. Benedict, 50, Anthony F. DiDomenico, III, 29, both of Morgantown, West Virginia, Richard J. Pinelli, Jr., 28, of Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, Joseph B. Greco, 27, of New Castle, Pennsylvania, and Derek S. Starn, 34, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, each pled guilty to a criminal Information charging them with one count of “Possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance – Testosterone.” They were each sentenced to probation for a period of six months.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parr prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Service, the Food and Drug Administration, the Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Clarksburg man charged with producing and distributing child pornographyRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Joshua Hood, 33, of Clarksburg, with production and distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In August 2015, Hood allegedly produced and distributed images depicting a minor engaged in explicit conduct. Hood is charged with one count of “Distribution of Child Pornography” for which he faces between five and twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He is further charged with one count of “Production of Child Pornography by a Guardian” for which he faces between 15 and 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 Zelda Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the inquiry.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Leader of Philadelphia to Morgantown heroin, oxycodone trafficking scheme sentencedRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Juwan Robert Woods, 32, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for his leadership role in a multi-state heroin and oxycodone trafficking operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Woods was among 21 individuals charged in a 65-count federal indictment in November 2014. The indictment disrupted an extensive drug trafficking operation in which heroin and oxycodone were transported across state lines from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Morgantown, West Virginia for redistribution and sale throughout the region.
Woods pled guilty in April 2015 to a criminal Information charging him with one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Oxycodone within 1000’ of Protected Location.” Specifically, Woods admitted that he distributed oxycodone near Wiles Hill playground in Monongalia County, West Virginia in May 2014.
Another participant in the trafficking operation, Terri Shuttlesworth, 25, of Fairmont, West Virginia was sentenced to 10 months in prison for selling oxycodone in Monongalia County in late 2013 and early 2014. He pled guilty in February 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda 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 Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Seven convicted in Baltimore to West Virginia heroin trafficking operationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Seven individuals were convicted in federal court this week for their role in a multi-state heroin trafficking operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
The defendants convicted this week participated in a drug trafficking scheme in which heroin was transported across state lines from Baltimore, Maryland into West Virginia. The operation was disrupted in June 2015 by a 163-count federal indictment encompassing 41 defendants.
Bonnie Hanna, 34, of Martinsburg, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
James Ross, 32, of Martinsburg, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
Harmony Hahn, 32, of Martinsburg, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” for which she faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. She also pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in aid of Racketeering,” for which she faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Javier Howard, 32, and Cassandra Riggs, 26, both of Martinsburg, each pled guilty to one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in aid of Racketeering.” They each face up to four years in prison for the telephone charge and five years in prison for the racketeering charge. They each also face a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.
Jessica Kesecker, 33, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, and Teddy Edward Threadgill, 46, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia each pled guilty to one count of “Interstate Travel in aid of Racketeering.” They each face up to five years in prison and 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. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Morgantown woman sentenced in multi-state heroin, oxycodone trafficking schemeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Loren Delaney, 24, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for her role in a multi-state heroin and oxycodone trafficking operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Delaney was among 21 individuals charged in a 65-count federal indictment in November 2014. The indictment disrupted an extensive drug trafficking operation in which heroin and oxycodone were transported across state lines from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Morgantown, West Virginia for redistribution and sale throughout the region.
Delaney, also known as “Lo,” sold oxycodone in Monongalia County, West Virginia. She pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone.”
The leader of the drug trafficking operation, Juwan Robert Woods, 32, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pled guilty in April 2015 to a criminal Information charging him with one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Oxycodone within 1000’ of Protected Location.” Specifically, Woods admitted that he distributed oxycodone near Wiles Hill playground in Monongalia County, West Virginia in May 2014. He is currently scheduled to be sentenced on August 28, 2015.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda 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 Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Federal law enforcement leaders collaborate in Detroit to combat regional heroin, painkiller traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld, II, joined federal law enforcement leaders this week at a summit in Michigan to finalize plans for an initiative designed to enhance interstate collaboration in order to slow the southward flow of drugs from Detroit to the Appalachian Region.
Federal agents and prosecutors, led by Barbara L. McQuade, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, met on Wednesday to develop a strategic initiative designed to disrupt the flow of heroin and opioids from the Detroit region to West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Tennessee. Under the initiative, law enforcement and prosecutors across the region will identify key transportation routes and concentrate resources to target the criminal organizations that use those routes, sometimes referred to as the “Southern Pipeline.” The goal of the initiative is to dismantle drug trafficking organizations by enhancing coordination, data gathering, targeting and information sharing.
“We need to take more of a data-driven approach to the investigating heroin and painkiller trafficking in West Virginia and elsewhere,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “The demand for illegal drugs does not stop at arbitrary borders between jurisdictions. As long as drug dealers can profit from this demand, they will continue to find creative ways to transport drugs cross state lines using intricate distribution networks. Collaboration among law enforcement agencies across the Midwest will allow us to more clearly understand and quickly respond to drug trafficking patterns.”
United States Attorneys from Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia participated in the summit. The meeting was also attended by Directors of the Ohio, Appalachia, and Michigan High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, as well as Special Agents in Charge from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Hardy County, WV man charged with manufacturing methamphetamineRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Johnny Biggs, 36, of Moorefield, West Virginia, with methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Biggs allegedly attempted to manufacture methamphetamine in May 2015 in Hardy County, West Virginia. In May and June 2015, Biggs was discovered in Hardy and Pendleton Counties in possession of materials commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine. These materials included bottles, jars, coffee filters, drain cleaner, lithium batteries, cold medicine, acid, a cold pack, and a hot plate. Following an investigation by the West Virginia State Police, Biggs is charged with:
• One count of “Attempted Manufacture of Methamphetamine,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000, and
• Two counts of “Possession of Material used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” He faces up to 10 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. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.