Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Harrison County Man Sentenced for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Kevin Glover, 62, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 327 months in prison for fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking.
A federal jury convicted Glover in March 2024 of seven counts of drug trafficking and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises. According to the evidence introduced at trial, Glover was working with others to sell fentanyl and methamphetamine, using his Clarksburg residence as a hub. Investigators searched Glover’s home, seizing fentanyl, various pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and cash.
Glover was previously convicted of murder in Upshur County in 1984. Glover was on parole when he committed the federal offenses. Glover has a long history of criminal convictions dating back to the age of 21, including convictions for grand larceny, drug possession, wanton endangerment, and criminal trespass.
Glover will report for three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Three other Clarksburg residents pled guilty in 2023 to charges related to the operation and were sentenced. They are Stacy Elaine Russell, age 50, sentenced to nine months; Robert Anthony Brockington, age 41 sentenced to six months; and Jerri Rena Lucente, age 35, sentenced to 46 months.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Flower and Christie Utt prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The case was investigated by the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Grant County Man Sentenced for Firearms, Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Glen Vance, age 34, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for possession of a machine gun and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, as a part of another investigation, West Virginia State Police searched Vance’s home and storage unit, finding several firearms, including an unregistered machine gun, methamphetamine, and cash.
Vance will report for three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Four Charged with Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has indicted four people on firearms charges.
Todd M. Houston, 35, of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Kayla N. Taylor, 33, of Montrose, West Virginia, are facing charges involving a conspiracy to straw purchase firearms in Monongalia County. Christopher S. Damson, 27, of Kernersville, North Carolina is charged with unlawful possession of ammunition. According to court documents, Taylor falsified documents to purchase firearms for Houston, who is prohibited from having firearms because of prior robbery and burglary convictions in the Circuit Court of Monongalia County. Damson and Houston were arrested while attempting to pawn boxes of ammunition. Damson is prohibited from having firearms because of a domestic violence protective order issued in Lee County, Florida.
In a separate case, Jonathon Wade Cochran, 42, of Shinnston, West Virginia, has been indicted for the unlawful possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, Cochran was found in Harrison County with a 9mm pistol. Cochran is prohibited from having firearms because of prior methamphetamine, burglary, and firearms convictions in Monongalia, Marion, and Harrison Counties.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rhee is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.
Investigative agencies include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Preston County Man Charged with Federal Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen David Seeger, 45, of Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, has been indicted on charges of coercion and enticement of a minor for sex and child pornography.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Seeger was allegedly communicating with a 13-year-old girl online and persuaded her to produce sexually explicit images and videos. Seeger had contact with another victim, a 15-year-old female, from whom he also requested images and videos.
“This case serves as a reminder to parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s online activity,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Tonight is a good night to look at your child’s phone and determine if they are in contact with anyone who could cause them harm.”
Seeger was arrested in California and will soon be returned to West Virginia to answer to the charges. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography, and additional prison time for the charges of enticement and possession of child pornography. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Preston County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Michigan Man Sentenced to Decade for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kalen Daevon Lee, age 31, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Lee, also known as “Tay,” was involved with a drug trafficking operation in Harrison, Monongalia, and Taylor Counties. Lee was using a motel room in Morgantown to sell narcotics, supplied out of Detroit, Michigan. Investigators searched the hotel room, a storage unit, and conducted a traffic stop, seizing nearly two pounds of fentanyl.
Lee will report for four years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
New Jersey Woman Convicted of Investment FraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A New Jersey woman pled guilty today to an investment scheme in which victims from West Virginia and elsewhere lost more than $300,000.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Diana Mae Fernandez, age 38, of Bergenfield, New Jersey, admitted to wire fraud.
According to court documents, Fernandez, also known as “Diana Fernandez Koporan,” “Dana Fernandez,” and “Dajana Ko,” operated purported investment firms known as “The Self Made Success” and “Diana Mae K., LLC.” Fernandez used social media and email to solicit investors, claiming she offered “no-risk” and “guaranteed” investment opportunities. Multiple victims, including a victim from Marion County in West Virginia, were defrauded of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Fernandez used the money she stole for her personal benefit and made false claims about why returns on investments could not be provided to her clients.
“We should always approach investment opportunities that promise high returns and no risk with skepticism,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “One way to protect yourself before investing is to use the FINRA BrokerCheck, a valuable tool that’s free and allows you to research the background and experience of financial brokers, advisers, and firms.”
Fernandez faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The FBI investigated the case.
U.S. Magistrate James P. Mazzone presided.
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Seventeen Plead Guilty in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Seventeen people have pled guilty to drug distribution charges following an investigation into a Baltimore-based trafficking organization.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that since an indictment was returned in January against Gary Brown, Jr. and eighty-one others, many of those charged in the conspiracy have admitted to their role in an operation that caused substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to be distributed in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.
“Thanks to the excellent work of federal prosecutors and local, state, and federal investigators, numerous defendants in this case have accepted responsibility for their crimes and will be held accountable for endangering our communities through the distribution of illicit drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “There’s more work to be done, but significant progress has been made.”
Those who have entered pleas of guilty thus far are as follows:
- Zachary Thomas Doman, age 24, of Martinsburg;
- Marissa Huntoon-Gregory, 34, of Summit Point;
- Connor James McLaughlin, 31, of Ranson;
- Alyssa Rose McIntyre, 28, of Harpers Ferry;
- Daniel Lee Corbin, Jr., 35, of Martinsburg;
- Eric Lyn Custer, 38, of Charles Town;
- John Wesley Yates, 36, of Bunker Hill;
- Haile Madalynn Speaks, 21, of Charles Town;
- Kimberly Ann Barrett, 44, of Harpers Ferry;
- Brenda Henry, 57, of Charles Town;
- John Ernest LeCluse, 39, of Harpers Ferry;
- Michael Lee Engle, 46, of Harpers Ferry;
- Joshua Paul Barrett, 44, of Harpers Ferry;
- Gregory O’Brien Long, Jr. 26, of Charles Town;
- Jeffrey Scott Main, 53, of Harpers Ferry;
- Eva Louise Ashbaugh, 25, of Harpers Ferry; and
- Kayleigh Nicole Beavers, 38, of Winchester, Virginia.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Trumble has presided over the plea hearings.
The trial for the remaining defendants is scheduled for February 4, 2025, before Judge Gina M. Groh.
Investigative agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Pittsburgh Field Division and Baltimore Field Division); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office; Ranson Police Department; Martinsburg Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Maryland); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Winchester Police Department; and the Clarke County Sheriff's Office (Virginia).
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Wheeling Man Admits to Selling CocaineRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Chad Askew, 48, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to the distribution of cocaine.
According to court documents, Askew was selling cocaine in Wheeling in October 2023.
Askew faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Three Admit to Roles in Philadelphia Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three West Virginia residents have admitted to their roles in an organization that was supplying large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to North Central West Virginia.
Jordan Spadafore, 33, of Morgantown; Stephanie Miller, 47, of Charleston; and Olivia Gibson, 21, of Ona, pled guilty this week to federal drug charges. According to court documents, the three were working with Rodney Johnson, age 46, of Philadelphia, who was allegedly supplying significant quantities of illicit drugs to Monongalia County.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; the WVU Police Department; the Granville Police Department; and the Star City Police Department.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
U.S. Magistrate Michael John Aloi presided.
Michigan Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bacarre H. Curtis, age 23, of Eastpointe, Michigan, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Curtis, also known as “TJ,” was transporting methamphetamine from Michigan to Harrison County, West Virginia, and selling it with a network of others. A search of his vehicle yielded methamphetamine and a firearm. The investigation connected 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine to Curtis.
Curtis will serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
New York Man Admits to Passing Counterfeit Cash in Marshall CountyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Travis Bayne, 32, of Brooklyn, New York, has admitted to using counterfeit money at several businesses in Marshall County.
According to court documents, Bayne passed several $20 counterfeit bills for purchases in October 2023.
Bayne faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
Texas Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nolan Eugene McCray, age 39, of Bay City, Texas, was sentenced today to 87 months for aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, McCray was selling methamphetamine in Wetzel County. A search of the place in which McCray was staying yielded methamphetamine and nearly $15,000 cash.
McCray will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Wetzel County Sheriff’s office investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
New York Woman Admits to Counterfeit Purchases in Wetzel CountyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tanisha Bynoe, 36, of Brooklyn, New York, has admitted to uttering counterfeit obligations.
According to court documents, Bynoe was passing counterfeit bills at businesses in Wetzel County.
Bynoe faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
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Marion County Man Admits to Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn Allen Burns, 46, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Burns, also known as “Shawn Fain,” is prohibited from having firearms because of a prior cocaine conviction in the Northern District of West Virginia. During a supervised release check on another defendant, U.S. Marshals found Burns in possession of a 9mm pistol in Marion County, WV.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the United States Marshals investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Georgia Residents Charged with $1 Million Wire FraudRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Georgia residents have been charged with causing a Gilmer County business to send them three fraudulent wires totaling over $1 million as part of a business email compromise scheme.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Chisom Okonkwo, age 27, and Prince Boateng Adjei, age 30, both of Lawrenceville, Georgia, have been indicted on 18 counts of wire fraud. According to the indictment, Okonkwo and Adjei created an email address which spoofed that of an employee at a Gilmer County business, causing a vendor to send more than $1 million to a bank account controlled by the defendants in Georgia. Before investigators uncovered the crime, Okonkwo and Adjei are alleged to have expended more than $600,000 of the stolen funds.
“Business email compromise fraud continues to be a problem in West Virginia and throughout the country,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “The good news is that it can be prevented with the training of employees, the implementation of email authentication protocols, and verifying the sender of the email through another form of communication.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The United States Secret Service investigated the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Twenty-Six for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Federal grand jury has indicted 26 people in seven cases for the trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, and methamphetamine.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Quavonte Pugh, also known as “Q,” “Q Man,” and “Brother,” age 28, of Wheeling, West Virginia, and 11 others were named in a 16-count superseding indictment charging them with the operation of a fentanyl, cocaine base, and cocaine trafficking enterprise that spanned from Las Vegas, Nevada to the Ohio Valley. The indictments were the result of a comprehensive investigation that included the execution of five federal search warrants at locations in West Virginia and Ohio on March 29. During the searches, officers seized controlled substances, firearms, and cash.
The others charged in the Pugh indictment are Dalen Cage, 30, of Las Vegas, Nevada; James Galloway, 28, of Bellaire, Ohio; James Kidder, also known as “Jamey,” 47, of Martins Ferry, Ohio; Brady McKinley, 45, of Adena, Ohio; and Maria Cunningham, 46, Quamya Pugh, 25, Steven Aldridge, 26, Caviezz Cunningham, 29, Daryl Smith, 50, Tyrique Anthony Davis, 28, and Matthew Clemont, 31, all of Wheeling.
“The Pugh organization caused significant amounts of illicit drugs to be trafficked throughout the region,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force worked closely with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s office and together they dismantled the group and disrupted the supply of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs to the area.”
According to Ihlenfeld, the same grand jury returned six additional indictments alleging fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking, as follows:
Indictment Two: Rodrican M. Pavlick, also known as “Smooth” and “Rico”, of Cleveland, Ohio, Seanelle P. Whorton, of Benwood, West Virginia, and Josie M. Midcap, of Moundsville, West Virginia, for fentanyl trafficking in Marshall County;
Indictment Three: Lawrence “Larry” Reagan and Jennifer Ann Miller, also known as Jennifer Reagan, both of Colliers, West Virginia, for methamphetamine trafficking in Brooke County and Hancock County;
Indictment Four: Amanda Leigh Bush, James Adam Vipperman, Noah Andrew Blake, and Joseph Lee Wells, all of Moundsville, West Virginia, for methamphetamine trafficking in Marshall County;
Indictment Five: Arrests pending of two individuals for methamphetamine trafficking in Marshall County;
Indictment Six: Arrests pending of two individuals for methamphetamine trafficking in Marshall County;
Indictment Seven: Arrest pending of one individual for methamphetamine trafficking in Wetzel County.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carly Nogay and Clayton Reid and U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the United States.
Investigative agencies include the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office; the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office; the Wheeling Police Department; the Benwood Police Department; and the Belmont County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Individual Sentenced to over Ten Years for Elder Financial FraudRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Samuel Kristofer Bunner, 51, formerly of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced today to a total of 121 months in federal prison for defrauding a Jefferson County man who suffered from dementia.
Bunner pled guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in February 2024. According to court documents, Bunner defrauded the victim of $1,906,229 by selling his real estate, emptying his investment and bank accounts, and opening a credit card in his name. Bunner used the money taken from the victim for his benefit, purchasing homes, campers, cars, and hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of consumer goods.
Bunner was ordered to pay $1,906,229 in restitution to the victim. He will serve 5 years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. The Jefferson County, WV Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Florida, and FBI-Tampa assisted with the matter.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
West Virginia Men Admit to Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two West Virginia men have pled guilty to charges involving methamphetamine distribution and illegal possession of a firearm.
John Marshall Jones, III, 37, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, pled guilty today to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. David Allen Starkey, 36, of Flemington, West Virginia, pled guilty today to the unlawful possession of a firearm. Starkey had prior felony convictions in Barbour County, preventing him from having firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, officers were executing an arrest warrant for Jones for a parole violation at a home in Barbour County. Jones and Starkey were hiding inside the home, where officers also found an assault rifle, a handgun, and methamphetamine.
Jones faces at least 5 and up to 40 years in prison. Starkey faces up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the United States Marshals Service; and the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Ohio Man Admits to Sex Offender Registry ViolationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Scott Allen Schafer, 54, of Millersburg, Ohio, pled guilty today to failing to update his sex offender registration.
According to court documents, Schafer is required to register as a sex offender because of a prior conviction involving a minor in Ohio in 2018. Schafer was living in Ritchie County, West Virginia, and failed to update his registration.
Schafer faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Harrison County Man Admits to Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brock Corel Pearson, 42, of Meadowbrook, West Virginia, pled guilty today to the possession of a short-barreled shotgun.
According to court documents, Pearson was found with an unregistered short-barreled shotgun in Harrison County.
Pearson faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
U.S. Attorneys to Host Financial Crimes ConferenceRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Financial professionals throughout West Virginia will gather next week to learn about the latest trends in economic crimes and how to prevent them from occurring.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld of the Northern District and United States Attorney Will Thompson of the Southern District will host the Mountain State Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering Conference on Tuesday, June 11. Federal prosecutors and agents will make presentations during the day-long event about romance schemes, elder financial abuse, and how drug traffickers and human traffickers launder money.
“Criminals use our nation’s financial systems to move the money generated by their illegal acts,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “This conference will provide those on the frontlines with the information needed to identify suspicious activity and with guidance on how to respond.”
“West Virginia has one of the nation’s oldest populations per capita and we tend to be trusting and take others at their word. That makes the state a target-rich environment for financial scams,” said United States Attorney Thompson. “This is an excellent opportunity to educate financial professionals so they can recognize fraudulent schemes and financial abuse and help us prevent this form of harm to West Virginians.”
The conference will take place at WesBanco Bank in Wheeling, City National Bank in Charleston, and virtually on WebEx. It is open to all employees of financial institutions subject to the Bank Secrecy Act, including banks, credit unions, casinos, securities dealers, and money service businesses. Registration is required and may be completed by emailing [email protected] on or before June 7.
Harrison County Man Admits to Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Todd Eugene Haynes, 48, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, pled guilty today to the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Haynes sold more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Clarksburg in September 2022.
Haynes faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Maryland Man Sentenced for His Role in a Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marcus Deon Longus, age 44, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 168 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base, and cocaine hydrochloride.
According to the evidence established through court documents and statements made in court, Longus worked with others to distribute the drugs from a Hagerstown, Maryland appliance store named Top 3 Sources. Longus supplied a number of drug dealers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. As part of the drug enterprise, Longus traveled to New York where he picked up the drugs and transported them back to Hagerstown for redistribution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The large scale investigation included the following agencies: FBI-Pittsburgh Division; the U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative (which includes the West Virginia State Police, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, the Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg City Police Department); the West Virginia State Police; Customs and Border Protection; the Hagerstown Police Department; the National Resources Police Department; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; the New York City Police Department; the New Jersey State Police; the Washington County (Maryland) Drug Task Force; the Maryland State Police; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Morgan County Man Admits to Firearms Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Russell Allen Perry, 44, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, pled guilty today to his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy.
According to court documents and statements made in court, the scheme involved another defendant purchasing firearms at licensed dealers in Morgan and Berkeley Counties and distributing those firearms for resale. Perry and others assisted in illegally selling nearly 50 firearms.
Perry faces up to 5 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Morgantown Business Owner Admits to Fraud of Federal Broadband FundingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy Chad Henson, the owner of Clearfiber, Inc., an internet service provider in Monongalia County, has admitted to defrauding the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Henson, 35, of Morgantown, West Virginia, pled guilty today to money laundering. According to court documents and statements made in court, the USDA’s Community Connect Program offered grants to eligible applicants providing broadband services to rural areas. As owner of Clearfiber, Henson applied and was awarded $1.96 million in USDA funding to offer high-speed internet services in Monongalia and Marion Counties. Henson then submitted false invoices to the USDA to receive more than $340,000, transferring $322,900 into another bank account for his personal use.
Henson faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and the USDA Office of the Inspector General.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Harrison County Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Having More than 500 Grams of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Herbert Hobbs, 42, of Reynoldsville, West Virginia, was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements in court, an investigation in Harrison County found Hobbs was a major source of methamphetamine in North Central West Virginia. Hobbs worked with a network of distributors to sell methamphetamine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
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U.S. Attorney Recognizes Public Servants and Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld honored 22 public servants and law enforcement officials today for their exceptional work. The annual United States Attorney Awards were held today in Wheeling to recognize outstanding criminal investigations and community service work in the Northern District of West Virginia. Through their service and dedication, the recipients have made a transformational impact in the communities they serve.
Those recognized and honored were as follows:
Distinguished Law Enforcement Lifetime Achievement Awards
Scott Smith, Ohio County Prosecuting Attorney, Wheeling, WV,
George Swartwood, Chief (retired), Martinsburg, Police Department, Martinsburg, WV,
Dean Olack, Sergeant (retired), West Virginia State Police, Martinsburg, WV,
U.S. Attorney’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement Leadership
Clayton Amsler, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent, FBI, Clarksburg, WV,
U.S. Attorney’s Champion of Children Award
Wesley Frederick, Deputy U.S. Marshal, United States Marshals Service, Clarksburg, WV,
Outstanding Community Volunteer
Jody Miller, Wheeling WV,
Outstanding Investigative Effort
Ellen Duffy, Special Agent, FBI, Martinsburg, WV,
Outstanding Drug Investigations
Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, Wheeling WV,
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins, Canonsburg, PA,
Marshall County Drug Task Force, Moundsville, WV,
Jeffrey H. Cisar, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent, FBI, Martinsburg, WV,
U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Firearms Trafficking Investigations
Seth Cox, Special Agent, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Martinsburg, WV,
Outstanding Identity Theft Investigation
Dale Forrester, Assistant Inspector, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Washington, D.C.,
Salman Farooqui, Special Agent, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles, CA,
Victor Vanacore, Special Agent, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles, CA,
Outstanding Hate Crime Investigation
Matthew Messich, Special Agent, FBI, Wheeling, WV,
Grant Polson, Special Agent, FBI, Pittsburgh, PA,
Madisyn Moore, Special Agent, FBI, Pittsburgh, PA,
Stephanie Sikinger, Intelligence Analyst, FBI, Pittsburgh, PA,
Outstanding Elder Fraud Investigation
Dontuwee Boykin, Supervisory Special Agent, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Bridgeport, WV,
J.W. Smith, Corporal (retired), West Virginia State Police, Clarksburg, WV,
Loretta Phillips, Des Moines, WA.
Berkeley County Business Owners Admit to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – The owners of three Inwood, West Virginia businesses have admitted to failing to pay $300,000 in income taxes.
Mark L. Peters, 55, and Aimee Michelle Peters, 52, the owners and operators of Pizza Oven; Dragonfly Health, LLC; and Allied Light and Sound, pled guilty to conspiracy to obstruct or impede the Internal Revenue Service. According to court documents, Mark and Aimee Peters failed to declare nearly $1.3 million in income to the IRS for four years.
Mark and Aimee Peters each face up to five years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
As a part of their plea agreements, the defendants agreed to pay $672.286.59, which includes the tax loss, penalties, and interest.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
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Randolph County Man Admits to Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald Ray Cantrell, Jr., 48, of Mill Creek, West Virginia, pled guilty today to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Cantrell was on supervised release after serving time for a drug charge. U.S. Probation officers searched Cantrell’s home during a visit and found 220 grams of methamphetamine.
Cantrell faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Maryland Man Charged with Fentanyl and Cocaine OffensesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald McDuffin Williams, age 49, of Baltimore, Maryland, was indicted on federal fentanyl and cocaine charges.
Williams is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. According to court documents, investigators suspected Williams of trafficking drugs in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. They obtained a search warrant for a property where Williams was staying and found fentanyl and cocaine.
Williams faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Eastern Panhandle Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Virginia Man Admits to Online and Sexual Contact with MinorRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Eliazar Ramos Rosa, 24, of Manassas, Virginia, has admitted to the coercion and enticement of a 10-year-old Jefferson County girl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Rosa, also known as “Jay,” exchanged over 1,000 messages, photos, and videos with the victim via Snapchat, later traveling to the victim’s Harpers Ferry home and engaging in sexual activity with her. Rosa recorded the encounter on his phone.
Rosa faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The FBI and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Federal Prisoner Sentenced for Mailing Threats to Government OfficialsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen Elbert Boykin, age 52, a federal prisoner at Federal Correctional Institution Gilmer, was sentenced today to an additional 51 months in federal prison for mailing threats directed at government officials and family members.
According to court documents and statements made in court, prison staff intercepted several threatening letters Boykin attempted to mail while incarcerated. In a few of the letters, the threats were directed at President Barrack Obama and Michelle Obama, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Other letters threatened an Assistant U.S. Attorney in South Carolina, where Boykin was last prosecuted.
At the time of the crime, Boykin was serving a 125-month sentence for mailing threatening communications to federal officials.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Grant County Man Admits to Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Wesley Shane Haggerty, 35, of Cabins, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Pendleton County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a home on a report of a man waiving a gun. When officers arrived, Haggerty fled on foot with a pistol and was arrested after a short chase. Haggerty is prohibited from having firearms because of seven prior felony convictions and two misdemeanor domestic battery convictions.
Haggerty is facing up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine SaleRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sean Christopher Adams, age 35, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 175 months in federal prison for the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, a cooperating individual advised law enforcement officers that Adams was selling methamphetamine. Investigators tasked the individual with making a purchase of drugs from Adams. The transaction took place in a retail parking lot in Buckhannon while officers provided surveillance. Once the transaction took place, officers intercepted the drugs and arrested Adams, seizing more than $14,000 in cash and a one-pound bag of methamphetamine.
Adams will serve eight years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Federal Inmate Sentenced for Assaulting Correctional OfficerRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dwight Foster, age 50, a federal inmate formerly housed at United States Penitentiary Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for assaulting a correctional officer.
After a two-day trial in October 2023, a jury found Foster guilty of assault of a correctional officer involving physical contact and possession of a weapon. According to court documents and statements made in court, during a search of Foster’s cell, officers found a prison-made weapon. When a correctional officer attempted to seize the object, Foster struck the officer with his fist.
Foster will serve three years of supervised release once his prison sentence is complete.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Flower and Christie Utt prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Prisons investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Berkeley County Man Admits to Federal Domestic Violence ChargesRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Nicholas Munroe, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, pled guilty today to federal domestic violence charges.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Munroe pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a person subject to a domestic violence protective order, and interstate violation of a protective order. According to court documents and statements made in court, West Virginia State Police were investigating a shooting that led to Munroe, who had an active domestic violence protective order against him filed in Los Angeles, California. Munroe, prohibited from having firearms, was found in Martinsburg with the person who filed the protective order and a .45 caliber revolver.
“Those who violate protective orders will be held accountable, regardless of where the order was issued,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Due to the excellent work of the West Virginia State Police, Mr. Munroe faces a long prison sentence for violating an order issued on the other side of the country.”
Munroe faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the firearms charge and up to five years for the protective order violation. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was prosecuted as a part of the Northern District of West Virginia’s Domestic Violence Reduction Initiative, formed in early 2023 to protect domestic violence victims, take dangerous criminals off the streets, and enhance community safety. The program focuses on keeping firearms out of the hands of violent offenders.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Michigan Man Sentenced for a Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan Cortez Duncan, age 43, of Highland Park, Michigan, was sentenced today to 117 months for the acquisition of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, officers were conducting a search at a home when Duncan fled from a first-story window. When Duncan was apprehended, he was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm pistol. A search of the home also resulted in the seizure of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, additional firearms, ammunition, and cash.
Duncan will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
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Marion County Woman Sentenced for Federal Firearms ViolationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Rachel Sara Hardesty, age 39, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for the unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, West Virginia Parole officers were conducting a home visit for Hardesty, who was on parole supervision. A .32 caliber semi-automatic pistol was found during a search. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were also found. Hardesty is prohibited from having firearms because of prior felony convictions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
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Berkeley County Man Sentenced for Fentanyl ChargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Derrick Dwayne Myers, age 46, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 150 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Myers was selling controlled substances from a motel in Martinsburg. Investigators searched several rooms at the motel and Myers's vehicle. During the searches they located and seized fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, eutylone, and cash.
Myers will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Wheeling Man Gets 13 Years for COVID Fraud, Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Anton Demetrius Matthews, age 40, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for wire fraud, cocaine trafficking, and a supervised release violation.
According to United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld, Matthews obtained nearly $50,000 in CARES Act loans after misrepresenting his income and occupation while he was incarcerated. Matthews submitted a loan application in which he claimed to have established a food truck business in Wheeling in January 2019 even though he was in federal prison from November 2016 until October 2020. Following his release from prison in 2020, Matthews sold cocaine both inside and outside of the Third Alarm Bar on Wheeling Island in Ohio County.
“We have noticed an uptick in drug traffickers who are also engaging in white collar crime, committing acts such as COVID fraud or income tax fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Mr. Matthews is a good example of this trend, and he will pay a steep price for committing two serious, but very different, crimes.”
Matthews was ordered to pay $54,999 in restitution and a money judgment of $49,999. He will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennie Conklin and Carly Nogay prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.
The investigations were conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Morgantown Man Charged with Theft of Federal Broadband FundingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – The owner of Clearfiber, Inc., an internet service provider in Monongalia County, has been charged with money laundering.
Timothy Chad Henson, 35, of Morgantown, West Virginia, allegedly defrauded the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). According to court documents, the USDA’s Community Connect Program offered grants to eligible applicants providing broadband services to rural areas. On behalf of Clearfiber, Henson applied and was awarded $1.96 million to offer high-speed internet services in Monongalia and Marion Counties. Henson submitted false invoices to the USDA to receive more than $340,000. Henson then transferred $322,900 into another bank account for his personal use.
Henson faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Henson is scheduled for an initial appearance on May 29 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations.
An information is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Georgia Man Sentenced for Stealing Identities, Cash from Credit Union CustomersRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon Rayshawn Watkins, 30, of Douglasville, Georgia, was sentenced today to 13 months in federal prison for bank fraud.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Watkins made unauthorized transactions from accounts at Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union in New Martinsville. Watkins obtained the personal identifying information and account numbers for numerous credit union customers, withdrawing cash from those accounts. Watkins also engaged in similar acts in South Carolina and the loss related to his criminal acts was over $70,000.
Watkins was ordered to pay $70,750 in restitution to Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union and a personal money judgment of $10,050. He will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
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Two Men Admit to Federal Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Two West Virginia men have admitted to firearms charges.
Mustafa A. Baker, age 54, of Wheeling, West Virginia, pled guilty today to the unlawful possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, Baker was wanted on outstanding warrants of brandishing and destruction of property. Wheeling Police officers pulled over Baker’s vehicle and found a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol and 10 rounds of ammunition. Baker is prohibited from having firearms because of eight prior felony convictions in Virginia, including drug possession, 3rd offense DUI, felony domestic assault, and felony assault and battery.
Michael Douglas Murphy, Jr., age 38, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, pled guilty to making a false statement in applications for a firearm. According to court documents, Murphy falsified a form when purchasing a firearm at the licensed dealer in Martinsburg, claiming the firearm was for his personal use, when in fact, the firearm was for another individual who was prohibited by law from possessing firearms.
Investigative agencies include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; and the Wheeling Police Department.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kyle, also with the Brooke County Prosecutor's Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.
Morgantown Man Guilty of Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Morgantown, West Virginia man has been convicted of possessing and receiving child pornography.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Christopher Harp, age 39, was found guilty by a jury on multiple counts of receiving and possessing child pornography. According to the evidence introduced at trial, FBI agents identified an Internet Protocol (IP) address in Morgantown that appeared to be active in the distribution and receipt of illegal images and videos via a peer-to-peer network. Agents determined that the IP address was associated with Mr. Harp and executed a search warrant, seizing his computers, tablets, phones and thumb drives. Agents discovered hundreds of downloads to Harp’s devices, with many of the videos and images including children under the age of 12.
“Protecting young people is one of our most important responsibilities at the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Whenever we identify someone who is engaged in this type of activity, we devote all resources necessary to hold the offender accountable and prevent further victimization of the children involved.”
Harp faces a sentence of five to twenty years in federal prison for each of the receipt charges and up to twenty years for the possession charge when sentenced. Harp was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service following the guilty verdicts where he will remain pending his sentencing hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Conklin and David Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
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Career Criminal Convicted of Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Washington, D.C. man with three prior felony convictions has been convicted of illegally possessing a firearm.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Mario Adonte Crawley, age 51, was convicted by a jury of the unlawful possession of a firearm. The evidence at trial established that Crawley’s vehicle was stopped in Kearneysville, West Virginia, by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office in September of 2023. During the traffic stop, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun hidden in a laundry basket in the back of Crawley’s automobile. Crawley is prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions for Armed Robbery in the District of Columbia, Attempted Robbery in Petersburg, Virginia, and Receiving Stolen Property in Chesterfield County, Virginia.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Salem and Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
Crawley faces up to fifteen years in prison when he is sentenced.
U.S. District Court Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
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Brooke County Man Admits to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Harry Fred Wells, age 53, of Follansbee, West Virginia, has admitted to possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Wells was under investigation for inappropriate contact with a minor through social media. Officers searched his home and his phone, finding child pornography.
Wells is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Department of Homeland Security investigated.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.
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Ohio Man Sentenced for Fentanyl and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyler Jordan Sands, age 23, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for fentanyl and firearms offenses.
Sands pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and unlawful possession of a firearm in November 2023. According to court documents and statements made in court, Sands was under investigation for traveling from Akron to sell drugs in the Clarksburg area. A search warrant was executed on a home being used by Sands in Clarksburg, along with his vehicle and hotel room. Officers found 500 fentanyl pills, powdered fentanyl, cash, and a semi-automatic pistol. Because of a prior conviction, Sands is prohibited from having firearms.
Sands will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
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Federal Inmate Sentenced in Death of InmateRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen C. Crawford, age 45, an inmate formerly housed at United States Penitentiary Hazelton, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for the death of a fellow inmate.
Crawford was found guilty by a jury of assault of voluntary manslaughter, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily harm in December 2023. According to court documents and statements made in court, Crawford used a handmade weapon to stab another inmate multiple times. The inmate later died of his injuries.
Crawford will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Flower and Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
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Harrison County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine ChargesRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Antwann Terrance Horton, age 29, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison and six years of supervised release for the distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location.
According to court documents, Horton was selling methamphetamine in Harrison County. One of the sales was done near a public playground in Clarksburg.
The case was prosecuted on behalf of the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley.
The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
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Twelve Indicted for Drug Trafficking in Northern PanhandleRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Twelve people from Ohio and West Virginia have been charged with distributing cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that ten individuals from the Greater Cleveland area plus two more from the Ohio Valley have been indicted on federal drug trafficking charges. The cases were investigated by multi-jurisdictional drug task forces based in Weirton, Wheeling, and Moundsville which are comprised of local, state, and federal agents.
“We have recently experienced a surge of drug traffickers from Northern Ohio traveling to West Virginia to sell drugs and engage in violence,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Our drug task forces responded swiftly to this influx and as a result, we were able to build cases, obtain indictments, and push back against the threat.”
The individuals charged and the allegations each face are as follows:
- Deangelo Smith, age 45, Cleveland (cocaine distribution in Ohio County);
- Derrick Leflore, 35, Cleveland (cocaine distribution in Ohio County);
- Dontrell Ivery, 46, Cleveland (cocaine distribution in Ohio County);
- Alexander Davis, 43, Cleveland (methamphetamine distribution in Ohio County);
- Tiajuana Sharnna Greer, 29, Cleveland (cocaine distribution in Ohio County);
- Ahmere Williams, 20, of Akron (methamphetamine distribution in Marshall County);
- Demarcus R. Brown, 21, Akron (methamphetamine/fentanyl distribution in Marshall County);
- Michael J. Lloyd, Jr., 21, Akron (methamphetamine/fentanyl distribution in Marshall County);
- Sirvonte R. Suggs, 18, Akron (methamphetamine/fentanyl distribution in Marshall County);
- Stephan G. Ward, 32, Akron (methamphetamine/fentanyl distribution in Marshall County);
- Carol Hope Lucscious, 36, Wheeling, WV (cocaine distribution in Ohio County); and
- David Bushovisky, 47, Moundsville, WV (methamphetamine distribution in Marshall County)
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton Reid and Carly Nogay are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the United States.
The matters were investigated by the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, and the Marshall County Drug Task Force, each one a HIDTA-funded initiative.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.