Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Wood Co. Crack Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Task Force agents seized loaded and stolen firearms, cash and illegal drugs during investigation
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A Wood County man was sentenced today to almost six years in federal prison for his role in an illegal crack cocaine distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Samuel Shae White, 26, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.
White’s two co-defendants, Brandon Mykel Perdew, 21, and Sarah Nichole Miller, 21, both of Parkersburg, were previously sentenced earlier this year to 87 months and 70 months in federal prison, respectively. Both defendants previously pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.
Perdew and Miller admitted that no later than the summer of 2011 until April 2012, they sold crack cocaine in and around Wood County, W.Va. Perdew and Miller brought crack cocaine from Columbus to Parkersburg and provided it to other sellers, including Samuel White, to distribute in and around Parkersburg. White took part in the conspiracy in January 2012.
On January 20, 2012, the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force used a confidential informant to purchase 1.09 grams of crack cocaine from Perdew. On March 13, 2012, the Task Force used an informant to purchase 1.13 grams of crack cocaine from White. Law enforcement agents also used an informant to buy crack cocaine from Perdew in April 2012. All of the drug transactions took place at 1330 Staunton Avenue in Parkersburg.
As part of the scheme, Miller rented the Staunton Avenue residence and knew that it would be used to store and sell crack cocaine.
Also, on March 8, 2012, Miller drove White to a residence located on Hill Street in Parkersburg where White sold approximately 1.77 grams of crack cocaine to a police informant. On April 18, 2012, officers observed Miller leave her Staunton Avenue residence in a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. Officers executed a search warrant on the vehicle and seized approximately 59.4 grams of crack cocaine, two sets of digital scales, and a .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol that contained a loaded magazine with 12 rounds of ammunition.
Members of the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at the 113 Staunton Avenue residence and seized several items including a stolen .22 caliber semiautomatic rifle and a G&P WASR semiautomatic rifle. Agents arrested Perdew and White at the time the search warrant was executed. Officers found a door key to the Staunton Avenue residence and $1,005 cash on Perdew’s person at the time of the arrests.
The sentences were imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
The investigation was conducted by the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution.
Fayette Co. Pill Dealer Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Police found 17 firearms, hundreds of marijuana plants at defendant’s residence
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Fayette County pill dealer who sold approximately 250 powerful prescription painkillers over a two-year period pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Vernon Peters III, 35, of Kincaid, Fayette County, W.Va., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to distribution of oxycodone. On March 20, 2012, Peters sold three 30-milligram oxycodone tablets to a police informant. The pill transaction occurred at the defendant’s Fayette County residence.
On March 19, 2012, members of the West Virginia State Police seized approximately 17 firearms and 236 marijuana plants from the defendant’s residence. A number of firearms at the residence were located in close proximity to the marijuana plants.
In total, Peters illegally sold approximately 250 30-milligram oxycodone pills in and around Fayette County.
Peters faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on August 22, 2013 by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
The West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Federal Jury Convicts Clay County Man for Dealing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Late WV State Police members Corporal Marshall Bailey and Trooper Eric Workman played pivotal role in building case against known meth dealer
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Clay County man faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison after a federal jury sitting in Charleston convicted him on May 16 of methamphetamine distribution, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Raymond Hersman, 47, of Wallback, Clay County, W.Va., was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Hersman was charged in a one-count superseding indictment in April.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “This is perhaps the last investigation on which the late Trooper Eric Workman and the late Corporal Marshall Bailey worked. The work of these heroes paid off yet again with another bad guy behind bars. It's also worth noting that this is National Police Week--a time to honor all of our men and women in uniform for their sacrifices and to honor those who, like Corporal Bailey and Trooper Workman, made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe.”
Evidence at trial proved that on September 22, 2012, Hersman possessed and intended to distribute approximately 400 grams of actual methamphetamine near Gauley Bridge in Fayette County.
According to evidence revealed during the three-day trial, law enforcement agents began investigating Hersman’s suspected meth distribution scheme in and around Clay County in August 2012. At the time, agents were aided in the investigation by West Virginia State Troopers Cpl. Marshall Bailey and Trooper Eric Workman. Troopers Bailey and Workman, both of whom patrolled the Clay County area, provided essential details to fellow law enforcement agents which outlined Hersman’s methamphetamine operation in August 2012. The information provided by Bailey and Workman assisted the investigation and culminated with the conviction of Hersman yesterday.
Cpl. Marshall Bailey and Trooper Eric Workman were shot and killed in the line of duty following a traffic stop near Clay County in late August 2012.
Hersman was previously convicted in April 1993 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Hersman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced.
The West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Monica D. Coleman and John Frail handled the prosecution.
Click here to listen to an audio clip provided by U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin
Raleigh Co. Pedophile with Hundreds of Pictures, Videos of Child Pornography Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Third pedophile sentenced this week in Southern District of W.Va.
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A 21-year-old Raleigh County pedophile who collected hundreds of images of child pornography was sentenced today to five years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Steven Russell Helton, of Beaver, Raleigh County, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty to child pornography charges in January. Helton’s sentencing was handed down today by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger in Beckley.
On December 29, 2010, Helton possessed on his computer more than 600 pictures and videos of children having sex or performing sexual acts. Helton is the third defendant to be sentenced on child pornography charges this week in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.
In similar federal court cases this week, Tracey E. Cooper, 38, of Giles, Kanawha County, W.Va., was sentenced on Tuesday to three years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for possessing more than 600 images of child pornography and trading the images with other pedophiles over the Internet. Also, 54-year-old Charleston pedophile Jonathan Douglas Layne was sentenced on Wednesday to 10 years in federal prison on child pornography charges. Layne similarly collected more than 600 pictures and videos of children having sex or performing sexual acts.
Since January 2012, twenty-two defendants have been convicted as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia. Twenty-one defendants have been sentenced to a total of more than 95 years (1153 months, to be exact) in federal prison. The remaining defendant currently awaits sentencing.
The West Virginia State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation West Virginia Cyber Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution.
Charleston Pedophile Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney’s initiative to fight child exploitation has surpassed 1,000 months of total prison time for convicted pedophiles since January 2012
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a 54-year-old Charleston pedophile was sentenced on May 15 to ten years in federal prison on child pornography charges. Jonathan Douglas Layne’s prison sentence will be followed by 20 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. Layne previously pleaded guilty in January.
Layne collected more than 600 pictures and videos of children having sex or performing sexual acts. Layne lived in St. Albans, West Virginia, at the time the crime occurred.
“Pedophiles who download and share child pornography are exploiting children, plain and simple,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “My office will continue to spare no effort in prosecuting these types of cases.”
In October 1987, Layne committed two or more crimes involving sexual abuse of a minor. Layne was previously convicted in June 1989 in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, of first degree sexual abuse involving a minor.
Since January 2012, twenty-two defendants have been convicted as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
Twenty defendants have been sentenced to a total of more than 90 years (1093 months, to be exact) in federal prison. The remaining two defendants currently await sentencing.
The U.S. Marshals Service, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation West Virginia Cyber Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution.
Goodwin: “another Pedophile Headed to Prison”Read the Press Release
Kanawha Co. man sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – “We’ve taken another pedophile off the streets. He is now on his way to prison,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today in the wake of a Kanawha County man’s federal sentencing on child pornography charges. Tracey E. Cooper, 38, of Giles, Kanawha County, W.Va., was sentenced today to three years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release. The sentence was handed down today by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. Cooper previously pleaded guilty in January.
Cooper collected more than 600 pictures and videos of children having sex or performing sexual acts. The child pornography was found on Cooper’s computer after he downloaded it from the Internet. Cooper used the peer-to-peer file sharing programs Shareaza and Aires to download, receive and share child pornography. Cooper possessed more than 600 images of child pornography and traded the images with other pedophiles over the Internet.
“This kind of crime is downright sickening,” Goodwin said. “Behind every piece of child pornography traded over the Internet, there is a child somewhere who has been exploited in the most heinous way imaginable. People who download and share these pictures encourage that exploitation. My office will continue to be relentless in prosecuting these cases.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s West Virginia Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Kanawha Bureau of Investigation and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution.
Cooper entered into a stipulation agreeing to pay $10,000 in restitution to a known victim in the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia. Since January 2012, twenty-two defendants have been convicted as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia. Seventeen defendants have been sentenced to a total of more than 82 years (987 months, to be exact) in federal prison. The remaining five defendants currently await sentencing.
Goodwin Urges West Virginians to Join in Observance of National Peace Officers Memorial Day WednesdayRead the Press Release
Police Week salutes our heroic members of law enforcement
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - United States Attorney Booth Goodwin today asked West Virginians to join in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. Peace Officers Memorial Day is a daylong observance held nationwide to honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice of our nation’s police officers. Peace Officers Memorial Day is held in conjunction with national Police Week, which is observed the entire week of May 12-18, 2013.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “The selfless and unsung work that our men and women in uniform do each day is remarkable. Members of law enforcement give their all – 24 hours a day, seven days a week - to keep us safe. And, tragically, thousands of brave peace officers throughout our nation’s history have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their fellow citizens. Peace Officers Memorial Day gives us a chance to honor them.”
Goodwin continued, “Police officers do much more than just catch the bad guys and put them in jail. They are community problem solvers. They do it all: whether it’s helping a stranded motorist, apprehending a gun-wielding robbery suspect, stopping drug traffickers from ravaging our communities, or serving as role models to our children. We can always count on them.”
“I encourage all West Virginians: if you see a member of law enforcement on Wednesday or at any time this week, take a few seconds to say ‘thank you.’”
In accordance with a proclamation issued by the President this week, all United States flags at federal facilities will be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. The presidential proclamation similarly encourages all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on Wednesday.
Click on the links below to listen to audio clips provided byU.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin
Goodwin audio clip part 1
Goodwin audio clip part 2
Goodwin audio clip part 3
Detroit Man Who Sold Thousands of Oxycodone Pills Sentenced to Almost 16 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Robert Smith sold more than 11,000 oxycodone tablets in and around Huntington
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who illegally sold thousands of powerful prescription painkillers in and around the Huntington area was sentenced on May 13 to 15 years and eight months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Robert Louis Smith, 40, of Detroit, previously pleaded guilty in February to distribution of oxycodone.
“Every time we put a law-breaking pill dealer out of business, it’s a big step toward getting this problem under control.” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “I hope this conviction sends a clear message: There are consequences when you peddle poison in our communities."
On March 12, 2010, Smith met a confidential informant at a McDonald’s restaurant parking lot located on Hal Greer Boulevard in Huntington to complete a prearranged pill transaction. After arriving at the location, Smith entered the police informant’s vehicle and distributed 229 80-milligram oxycodone pills and 257 oxycodone 40-milligram oxycodone pills in exchange for cash that was contained in a white paper bag. Afterward, Smith returned to his vehicle with the bag containing the cash and drove out of the McDonald’s parking lot. A short time later, Smith’s vehicle was stopped by HPD officers. Police arrested Smith and recovered the bag of cash that he received from the pill transaction.
At sentencing, the Court found that Smith had distributed a total of 11,820 80-milligram oxycodone tablets. The Court also found that the oxycodone tablets were brought to the Huntington area and sold by the defendant between June 2009 and March 2010.
The Huntington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Federal Jury Finds Logan Man Guilty of ArsonRead the Press Release
Michael White conspired with couple to set fire to Boone rental duplex for insurance payout
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A federal jury sitting in Charleston today found a Logan County man guilty in connection with an October 2009 arson that was organized in an effort to collect more than $80,000 in insurance claims, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. A federal jury found Michael L. White, 58, of Chapmanville, Logan County guilty on all three counts: conspiracy to commit arson, arson and accessory after the fact. Evidence at trial determined that White conspired with acquaintance, Kimberly Dawn Kinder, and her now deceased husband to set fire to a residential rental unit owned by White that was located in Van, Boone County, W.Va.
Kimberly Dawn Kinder, 46, of Chapmanville, Logan County, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy in June 2012. White and the Kinders conspired together to set fire to the duplex in order to collect insurance claims.
Late in the evening on October 15, 2009, the Kinders arrived at the Van Duplex. After entering through one of the rental units, Mr. Kinder poured gasoline on a pile of clothes in the living area of one of the units. Mr. Kinder lit the pile of clothes on fire and Mrs. Kinder drove the getaway vehicle.
The Van Volunteer Fire Department later responded to the incident and extinguished the fire, but the property suffered widespread damage. Afterward, White filed an insurance claim with Nationwide Insurance Company (“Nationwide”) as a result of the fire. Nationwide in turn paid White $80,716.51. Evidence at trial determined that White subsequently paid the Kinders a total of approximately $2,000 in small increments as payment for their role in the conspiracy.
White faces up to five years in prison on Count One (conspiracy); five to 20 years on Count Two (arson); and up to two and a half years on Count Three (accessory after the fact) when he is sentenced in August by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
Kinder faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced.
The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ryan and Larry Ellis handled the prosecution.
Federal Guilty Plea from Roane Felon Who Illegally Possessed FirearmsRead the Press Release
Robert Starcher traded six stolen firearms for an SUV
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Roane County man who broke into a camper van and stole several firearms pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of firearms. Robert Allen Starcher, 29, of Spencer, W.Va., entered into a guilty plea in federal court in Charleston. On January 1, 2012, Starcher broke into a camper van that was located in Walton, Roane County, W.Va., and took four rifles and two shotguns that were inside. Following the burglary, Starcher took the firearms that he had stolen from the camper, along with other stolen goods, and traded the items for an SUV.
Starcher was prohibited from possessing firearms because of multiple prior felony convictions. Starcher was convicted in September 2007 in the Circuit Court of Ritchie County of transferring stolen goods. Starcher was also convicted in January 2007 in the Circuit Court of Calhoun County of grand larceny. Starcher also had prior felony convictions in Gilmer and Braxton counties from 2006.
Starcher faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 15, 2013 by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
Nicholas Co. Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
Brian Crouse doled out up to 1500 grams of methamphetamine from his residence in Belva, W.Va.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nicholas County man faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty today to conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Brian Craig Crouse, 50, of Nicholas County, W.Va., sold methamphetamine and other controlled substances from his Belva, Nicholas County residence from at least January 2011until being arrested on January 29, 2013. Crouse pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston.
During the scheme, Crouse obtained methamphetamine from various suppliers. Crouse received the methamphetamine “on the front” with the expectation that he would pay his suppliers after the methamphetamine was sold.
Crouse sold a total of between 500 grams and 1500 grams of methamphetamine during the distribution scheme.
Crouse is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20, 2013 by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
The Central West Virginia Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.
Pedophile Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison on Child Porn ConvictionRead the Press Release
Andrew Oldaker collected more than 600 pictures and videos of child pornography
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg pedophile who possessed hundreds of pictures and videos of child pornography was sentenced today to 14 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Andrew Tracy Oldaker, 37, of Parkersburg, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty to the child pornography charges in December 2012.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “Pedophiles like Mr. Oldaker are logging into the Internet to steal the innocence of children. It’s absolutely despicable and it’s infuriating.”
Goodwin continued, “I will continue to spare no effort to make sure that the perpetrators who exploit children are brought to justice.”
Oldaker collected more than 600 pictures and videos of children having sex or performing sexual acts. The child pornography was found on Oldaker’s computer after he downloaded it from the Internet. Oldaker used the peer-to-peer file sharing program Frostwire to download, receive, and share the child pornography.
Oldaker was previously convicted in August 1999 in the Circuit Court of Barbour County, West Virginia of first degree sexual abuse.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation West Virginia Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Nitro Police Department, the Parkersburg Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution. The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.
Since January 2012, twenty-two defendants have been convicted as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia. Sixteen defendants have been sentenced to a total of more than 51 years (819 months, to be exact) in federal prison. The remaining six defendants currently await sentencing.
Federal Guilty Plea from Cabell County Man Who Illegally Sold Oxycodone and Multiple FirearmsRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Cabell County man who illegally sold prescription painkillers and several firearms pleaded guilty today to federal charges, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Kenneth Lee Sergent, 40, of Huntington, entered a guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm and distribution of oxycodone before Chief U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers.
On May 18, 2011, Sergent possessed and sold a .22 caliber revolver to a confidential informant working in cooperation with the Huntington Police Department in exchange for $50. The illegal firearm transaction took place at Sergent’s Huntington residence that was located at 914 27th Street. Sergent also sold the confidential informant two 30-milligram oxycodone pills in exchange for $60.
Sergent also illegally sold firearms to a confidential informant on June 5, 2011 and on August 21, 2011. The two firearms, both .38 caliber revolvers, were possessed and sold by Sergent in exchange for $300 and $125, respectively. Sergent was arrested by officers with the Huntington Police Department on March 21, 2012.Sergent was previously convicted in November 1990 in the Circuit Court of Cabell County, West Virginia of grand larceny. The defendant did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored.
Sergent faces up to 10 years in prison on Count One (firearm possession), up to 20 years in prison on Count Two (oxycodone distribution) and a $1,250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 5, 2013.
The Huntington Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
This case is also being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Mercer County Man on Mine Safety ViolationsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W. Va. – A Mercer County man who allegedly falsified mandatory mine safety reports while employed at several West Virginia mining operations was indicted on April 30 by a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston for violating mine health and safety laws, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Craig Belcher, 36, of Bluefield, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with four counts of providing a false statement, representation and certification in a Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) document.
In January 2009, Belcher was hired to work as an underground mine foreman at Spartan Mining Company’s Road Fork No. 51 mine located in Wyoming County, W.Va. Additionally, in February 2009 Belcher was hired to perform mine foreman duties at Frasure Creek’s Mine No. 15 located in Fayette County, W.Va. Belcher was also hired to perform similar foreman duties in May 2009 at Pay Car’s Mine No. 58 in McDowell County, W.Va., and, in July 2010 at Double Bonus’s Mine No. 65 in Wyoming County, W.Va.
The indictment alleges that between January 27, 2009 and July 13, 2010, Belcher signed pre-shift and on-shift reports, indicating that he had properly examined particular sections at each mining operation. The indictment further alleges that Belcher was not certified as a foreman when the reports were completed. Belcher also allegedly falsified foreman’s certificate numbers on the pre-shift and on-shift reports, using foreman’s numbers that did not belong to him.
Belcher faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count if convicted.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Blaire Malkin is in charge of the prosecution.
Note: The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty
Federal Grand Jury IndictsRead the Press Release
FCI MCDOWELL INMATE FOR ALLEGED ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A federal grand jury sitting in Charleston indicted Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell inmate Milton Rawling, 36, for allegedly escaping federal custody from December 19, 2012 through February 19, 2103. The indictment returned on April 30 alleges that Rawling failed to report to Hope Village, Inc., a residential reentry center located in Washington, D.C. Rawling was in custody due to his conviction of a federal felony offense. Rawling was ordered to report to the reentry center, also known as a halfway house, but failed to do so.
Rawling faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney William King is in charge of the prosecution.
Note: The charge contained in the indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Detroit Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Possessing HeroinRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A federal grand jury sitting in Charleston indicted a Detroit man on Tuesday, April 30 for allegedly possessing heroin. According to the indictment, Jalin Tyref McArn, 19, allegedly possessed with intent to distribute heroin on April 24, 2013 near Huntington, W.Va.
McArn faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine if convicted.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution.
Note: The charge contained in the indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Goodwin Announces Record Total in Prescription Drug Take-back EventRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney’s Office and DEA announce success in sixth Prescription Drug Take-Back Day; over 2 tons of drugs collected
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Resident Agent in Charge John Ryan jointly announced today that as a result of the April 27th Prescription Drug Take-Back event, a total of 4,642 pounds of unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs were collected from citizens and households across West Virginia. The April 27th collection results surpassed the previous Take-Back record of 4572 pounds collected last year, in April 2012.
U.S. Attorney Goodwin said, “This year’s record total is another milestone in the fight against prescription drug abuse. West Virginians understand how devastating the prescription drug problem is for our families, and they’re responding in the most effective way they can: by getting rid of potentially dangerous medicine that they don’t need any more.”
DEA Resident Agent in Charge Ryan said, “Prescription drug abuse has plagued so many of our communities. When people voluntarily take prescriptions out of their homes and dispose of them properly, it truly helps our fight against prescription drug abuse. I commend all of the federal, state and local partners in West Virginia for their assistance, which has made this sixth Take-Back a success.”
The April Take-Back designated more than 100 sites throughout West Virginia, providing citizens with several locations to drop off expired, unused and unwanted medications. Nationwide, more than 5,100 sites participated.
In the five previous Take-Back events, the Drug Enforcement Administration and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement partners have collected more than 2 million pounds (1,018 tons) of prescription medications nationwide.
Former Beckley Police Dept. Evidence Technician Sentenced to Four Years’ Probation for Stealing Prescription PainkillersRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Gabriella Brown, the former Beckley Police Department evidence technician, was sentenced today to four years’ probation for stealing oxycodone pills from the Department’s evidence storage room in August 2012. Brown was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber. Brown, 31, of Beckley, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in December 2012 to obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception and subterfuge.
Brown’s crime prompted the dismissal of a number of drug prosecutions that involved evidence stored in the Beckley Police Department evidence room.
The Drug Enforcement Agency Tactical Diversion Squad was in charge of the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Steven I. Loew handled the prosecution.
This case was being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Charleston Pill Dealer Pleads Guilty to Federal Oxycodone Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
Police seize hundreds of prescription painkillers, more than $35,000 and firearms during search of defendant’s home
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston pill dealer faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty today in federal court to distribution of oxycodone, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. On October 3, 2012, law enforcement officers with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at the Charleston residence belonging to Eric Simmons, 27. During the search of Simmons’ residence, police seized approximately $35,410 in cash, two rifles, two handguns and 872 30-milligram oxycodone pills.
Simmons had previously sold 10 30-milligram oxycodone pills to a confidential informant working with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department in exchange for $300. The illegal pill transaction occurred at the parking lot of the Ivy Motel located on MacCorkle Avenue in Charleston.
Simmons regularly sold prescription painkillers in and around Charleston for $30 to $35 per pill. The cash seized from the defendant’s residence was proceeds collected from illegal prescription pill transactions.
Simmons is scheduled to be sentenced on August 5, 2013 by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, remain committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Goodwin Urges West Virginians to Join Prescription Drug Take-back on SaturdayRead the Press Release
Saturday’s event is the sixth national prescription drug collection of its kind
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - United States Attorney Booth Goodwin today asked West Virginians to reach into their home medicine cabinets and pull out any unused, unwanted or expired prescriptions and turn them in at a drop-off site as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Saturday, May 27, 2013. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 100 locations across the state will serve as designated drop-off sites for Saturday’s event.
“Prescription drug abuse remains a terribly serious problem in West Virginia and around the country,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said. “For many people, especially teenagers, the road to addiction starts with pills they find in their parents’ or grandparents’ medicine cabinets. Worse than that, our region has seen a wave of terrifying home invasions by prescription drug addicts looking for pills or for money to buy pills.”
Goodwin continued, “Our previous Take-Back events have been striking successes. This ongoing initiative has played an important role in fighting prescription drug abuse. I urge everyone to clean out their medicine cabinets and drop off unneeded medications at a take-back site on Saturday the 27th.”
Saturday’s Take-Back event provides an opportunity for people who missed previous events, or who have accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs since the last Take-Back, to safely dispose of those medications.In the five previous Take-Back events, the Drug Enforcement Administration and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement partners have collected more than 2 million pounds (1,018 tons) of prescription medications nationwide.
For more information about take-back locations in West Virginia, please visit www.dea.gov and follow the link for National Prescription Take-Back Day.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin Recognizes 56 West Virginia High School Juniors as Ambassadors for JusticeRead the Press Release
Second annual ceremony lauds students for exceptional character, commitment to social justice
*Click here to view the group photograph*
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin today recognized 56 high school juniors as U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice during an afternoon ceremony at the Culture Center in Charleston. The U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice program is an initiative led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. It honors high school juniors who have shown outstanding leadership skills and a commitment to social justice.
Today’s ceremony marked the second time U.S. Attorney Goodwin has recognized young leaders from high schools in the Southern District of West Virginia as Ambassadors for Justice.
“I am very pleased to honor the second class of high school juniors from throughout the Southern District as my Ambassadors for Justice,” U.S. Attorney Goodwin said. “These 56 students have each demonstrated a powerful ethical compass. They’ve exemplified tremendous leadership.”
Goodwin continued, “Their ideas and perspectives are invaluable. These are students who are willing to step forward and do something if one of their peers makes a self-destructive decision or bullies someone else.”Goodwin said that his office is deeply concerned about problems facing young people in his district. “This isn't just an award or a title. This is an ongoing mission for me, my office, our schools, our communities, and for each of these Ambassadors for Justice, so that together we can exert positive influences in our schools and communities,” said Goodwin.
The U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice program was created by U.S. Attorney Goodwin last year in response to rising school bullying and social media threats involving young people. The program was also spurred by a February 2012 school shooting at Chardon High School in Chardon, Ohio, in which a student opened fire on his classmates, killing three and wounding two others. Other episodes involving planned violent attacks by young people that were prevented due to the swift actions of students and school Prevention Resource Officers here in the Southern District of West Virginia have also encouraged U.S. Attorney Goodwin's initiative.
Nominations to be U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice are made by school principals and administrative leaders. Goodwin said that outstanding character, devotion to citizenship, and a commitment to serving others are fundamentals for nomination. This year, 56 out of 59 high schools in the 23-county Southern District of West Virginia nominated outstanding students to be Ambassadors for Justice.
The 2013 U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice are as follows (by student name/high school/county)
Please note: Individual photos of each student are available here.
Boone County
Sydney Burdette, Sherman High School (Boone Co.)
Haleigh Foxx, Van Jr./Sr. High School (Boone)
Kendyl Ryan, Scott High School (Boone Co.)Cabell County
Anthony Jaime, Huntington High School (Cabell Co.)
Jaime Schussler, Cabell Midland High School (Cabell Co.)Clay County
Elizabeth Remias, Clay County High School (Clay Co.)Fayette County
Bradley Higginbotham, Valley High School (Fayette Co.)
Jonathan Hildebrand, Midland Trail High School (Fayette Co.)
Felicia Pomeroy, Meadow Bridge High School (Fayette Co.)
Hali Zink, Oak Hill High School (Fayette Co.)Greenbrier County
Taylor Gilkeson, Greenbrier West High School (Greenbrier Co.)
Heather Vallandingham, Greenbrier East High School (Greenbrier Co.)Jackson County
Talia Martinez, Ravenswood High School (Jackson Co.)
Nathan Tucker, Ripley High School (Jackson Co.)Kanawha County
Hunter Chandler, Herbert Hoover High School (Kanawha Co.)
Camden Elliott, George Washington High School (Kanawha Co.)
Matt Jarvis, Nitro High School (Kanawha Co.)
Dakota Kelly, St. Albans High School (Kanawha Co.)
Morgan King, Capital High School (Kanawha Co.)
Derek Nelson, South Charleston High School (Kanawha Co.)
Cody Taylor, Sissonville High School (Kanawha Co.)Logan County
Joey Buchanon, Man High School (Logan Co.)
McGinnis Dalton, Logan Senior High School (Logan Co.)Lincoln County
Logan Miller, Lincoln County High School (Lincoln Co.)Mason County
Ayla Edwards, Point Pleasant Jr./Sr. High School Point (Mason Co.)
Wynston Lloyd, Hannan Jr./Sr. High School (Mason Co.)
Paige Stanhope, Wahama Jr./Sr. High School (Mason Co.)McDowell County
Ryan Blankenship, River View High School (McDowell Co.)Mercer County
Vaughn Campbell, Pike View High School (Mercer Co.)
Will Hickman, Princeton Senior High School (Mercer Co.)
Molly Lovern, Bluefield High School (Mercer Co.)
Robert Punturi III, Montcalm High School (Mercer Co.)Mingo County
Julius Hatcher, Mingo Central High School (Mingo Co.)
David Runyon, Tug Valley High School (Mingo Co.)Monroe County
Elliott Judy, James Monroe High School (Monroe Co.)Nicholas County
Jesse Borrell, Nicholas County High School (Nicholas Co.)
Benjamin Weber, Richwood High School (Nicholas Co.)Putnam County
Cory Hoshor, Buffalo High School (Putnam Co.)
Carla Haikal, Winfield High School (Putnam Co.)
Sarah Lawrence, Hurricane High School (Putnam Co.)
Kyle McClanahan, Poca High School (Putnam Co.)Raleigh County
Adam Pack, Independence High School (Raleigh Co.)
Luke Stover, Liberty High School (Raleigh Co.)
McKenna Williamson, Shady Spring High School (Raleigh Co.)
Aniket Zinzuwadia, Woodrow Wilson High School (Raleigh Co.)Roane County
Kennedy Roberts, Roane County High School (Roane Co.)Summers County
Lindsay Ryan, Summers County High School (Summers Co.)Wayne County
Payton Fetty, Wayne High School (Wayne Co.)
Kristen Griffith, Tolsia High School (Wayne Co.)
Meredith Hall, Spring Valley High School (Wayne Co.)Wirt County
Leah Haines, Wirt County High School (Wirt Co.)Wood County
Shalin Gandhi, Parkersburg High School (Wood Co.)
Allison Walker, Parkersburg South High School (Wood Co.)
Matthew Zlatkind, Williamstown High School (Wood Co.)
Wyoming County
Anna Davis, Westside High School (Wyoming Co.)
Savannah Lusk, Wyoming East High School (Wyoming Co.)Wood Co. Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Shaun Linko opened fire at a Lynn Street residence in Parkersburg
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced that a Wood County man who opened fire at a Parkersburg residence in September 2012 pleaded guilty in court to a federal firearm violation. Shaun Michael Linko, 25, of Parkersburg, W.Va., pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On September 19, 2012, police in Parkersburg responded to a report of shots fired in the vicinity of 1122 Lynn Street. Upon their arrival, officers with the Parkersburg Police Department observed a large quantity of spent shell casings from a semi-automatic rifle in the street, along with apparent bullet holes in the exterior of the residence at 1122 Lynn Street. A short time later, Wood County deputy sheriffs observed a vehicle at the 7th Street Park and Ride, which is located a short distance from Lynn Street. As deputies approached the vehicle, they observed an ammunition box on the ground beside the driver’s side door. Police officers ordered the driver, Shaun Michael Linko, and a female passenger to exit the vehicle. Both individuals informed police that they were on Lynn Street earlier that same day.
Linko, who was arrested, told police he shot at the 1122 Lynn Street residence using his rifle. Officers recovered an assault rifle and loose ammunition from the defendant’s vehicle.
Linko was previously convicted in March 2010 in the Circuit Court of Wood County, West Virginia of conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance. The defendant did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored.
Linko faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 27, 2013 by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
The investigation was conducted by the Parkersburg Police Department, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is also being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
South Charleston Man Sentenced to More Than 2 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Prescription PainkillersRead the Press Release
Detectives found a loaded .38 caliber pistol hidden in toddler’s bed at the defendant’s home
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A 40-year-old man who possessed thousands of dollars in cash, hundreds of powerful prescription painkillers, and a loaded firearm inside a toddler’s bed at his South Charleston residence was sentenced today to 27 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Thomas Henry Banks, Jr., also known as “Fat Cat,” 40, of South Charleston, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in June 2012 to possession with intent to distribute oxymorphone hydrochloride, also known as “Opana,” and oxycodone, also known as “Roxicodone”. Law enforcement agents from the Metro Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) received a tip that the defendant possessed illegal prescription painkillers and went to his South Charleston home to investigate. At the residence, law enforcement officers found a fully loaded .38 caliber pistol hidden in a toddler’s bed, as well as 165 40-milligram Opana pills and 81 30-milligram oxycodone pills in the defendant’s bedroom.
The $2,851 in cash seized from the defendant’s bedroom was proceeds from illegal drug transactions.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, remain committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Goodwin: Logan Doctor Pleads Guilty in Federal Pill-mill ProsecutionRead the Press Release
So-called doctor’s office lacked running water, medical equipment; doctor faces up to six years in federal prison
*Audio Clip included*
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Logan County doctor has pleaded guilty to federal drug charges in connection with a Logan County pill mill. Dr. Fernando Gonzales-Ramos, 47, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose. Gonzales-Ramos was charged earlier this month in a legal filing known as an information.
“Dr. Gonzales-Ramos wasn’t operating a doctor’s office, he was running a drug den,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “His so-called office had no exam table, no running water, and not even so much as a stethoscope. For thousands of dollars in cash, he was pumping out prescriptions for thousands of units of powerful narcotics.”
Gonzales-Ramos traveled from El Paso, Texas to Logan, West Virginia every three months to illegally dispense prescription painkillers from a Logan County office. Gonzales-Ramos also hired a commercial security guard who was armed with a firearm to protect his makeshift Logan County doctor’s office.
On March 2, 2013, an individual cooperating with the FBI entered the building that the defendant used as an office and paid $450 cash in exchange for a prescription for the painkiller hydrocodone. Prior to obtaining the prescription, the cooperating individual had not been examined or questioned by anyone. The cooperating individual obtained the prescription from Gonzales-Ramos’s office in less than three minutes.On March 3, 2013, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on the building located at 2130 Old Logan Road in Logan, W.Va. During the execution of the warrant, agents found several individuals waiting inside to get written prescriptions for controlled substances from Gonzales-Ramos.
From September 2011 through March 3, 2013, Gonzales-Ramos ran a cash-only business at the Logan County office where he charged patients $450 for Schedule III controlled substance prescriptions and $500 for Schedule II controlled substance prescriptions. After collecting the cash payments, Gonzales-Ramos directed a known associate to make cash deposits into his personal bank accounts.
Gonzales-Ramos faces a minimum of 57 months and up to 71 months in prison when he is sentenced on August 14, 2013 by U.S. District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.As part of his plea agreement, Gonzales-Ramos has agreed to surrender his Drug Enforcement Administration Certificate of Registration.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, and the Logan County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Loew is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
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Click here listen to an audio clip from U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin
Federal and State Officials Talk to Greenbrier, Mercer Students About Drugs and BullyingRead the Press Release
Officials also caution students about posting personal information on the Internet
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin, U.S. Marshal John Foster and West Virginia National Guard Major Gen. James Hoyer today met with faculty members and students from Western Greenbrier Middle School in Greenbrier County, W.Va. and Bluefield Middle School in Mercer County, W.Va., to talk about the dangers of illegal drug abuse, and especially prescription drugs. The three officials also spoke to students and faculty at both schools about safely using the Internet and social media, as well as school bullying.
Prescription drug abuse is one of the leading causes of crime in the Southern District of West Virginia and the leading cause of death among the nation’s teen population.
Greenbrier and Mercer Counties have been particularly hard-hit by the prescription drug crisis.
“As a prosecutor, I see hundreds of people every year who’ve thrown away their lives over drugs,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said. “If we can persuade even one of these kids to stay off that path, it’ll make all the difference in the world to that person’s life. It’s vitally important to get out the message about the tragic consequences of drug abuse.”
Goodwin continued, “My paramount goal as a prosecutor is to prevent crimes from happening in the first place. Educating students about positive choices is essential to making our communities safer.”
The officials also noted that roughly 60% of school bullies end up in prison by the time they reach their twenties.
U.S. Marshal John Foster, who spoke to students about the harmful effects of bullying, said, “The point that I continually re-emphasize to students is that choices in life matter.”
Foster continued, "A person being put down or bullied today could very well grow up to work in a position to help others later in life.”West Virginia National Guard Major Gen. Jim Hoyer said, “The students have to understand the importance of making wise choices. Making poor choices or getting involved in illegal drugs will most certainly inhibit success and opportunities.”
U.S. Attorney Goodwin, U.S. Marshal Foster and Maj. Gen. Hoyer have visited numerous schools in the 23-county Southern District of West Virginia over the past year as part of ongoing awareness initiative led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to educate faculty and students about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and other issues.
Fayette County Felon Sentenced to More Than 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Brian Koch struck police dog with barrel of his rifle during arrest; suffers gunshot wound
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A Fayette County felon who failed to comply with repeated orders to drop a firearm during the execution of a warrant for his arrest in January 2012 was sentenced today to three years and five months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm. Brian L. Koch, 31, of Fayette County, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in February to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On January 10, 2012, members of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department arrived at a cabin located near Chestnutburg Road in Fayette County to execute an arrest warrant on the defendant.
After entering the cabin, law enforcement officers discovered Koch holding a rifle. Law enforcement ordered the defendant to drop the firearm. At the time, Koch repeatedly failed to comply with orders to drop the firearm and also struck a police dog with the barrel of his rifle. As Koch turned toward responding officers, a Fayette County Sheriff’s deputy fired two shots, one of which struck the defendant in the arm. Koch was placed under arrest.
Officers also found at least seven additional firearms inside of the cabin that belonged to Koch.
Koch was previously convicted in March 2005 in the Circuit Court of Fayette County, West Virginia of grand larceny. Koch was also previously convicted in October 2004 in the Circuit Court of Fayette County, West Virginia of uttering. The defendant did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored.The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
Multifest Executive Sentenced to Nearly 2 Years in Federal Prison for Income Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Starks failed to report more than half a million dollars of income on her taxes
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A former Charleston festival executive director who failed to report more than half a million dollars of income on her taxes was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison on income tax fraud charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Deborah S. Starks, 55, of Cross Lanes, W.Va., previously admitted that she filed a false tax return in connection with an embezzlement scheme that drained more than $300,000 from MultiCultural Festival of WV, Inc. (“MultiFest”), a Charleston-based non-profit organization.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, "Ms. Starks failed to report more than half a million dollars of income on her taxes. More than $300,000 of that unreported income was money she stole from Multifest.”
Goodwin continued, “Stealing $300,000 from a small business or charity could easily put that organization out of business. That's why my office has focused on investigating and prosecuting cases like these, to protect small businesses and charities and to send a clear message that stealing from them won’t be tolerated."Starks was the treasurer of MultiFest at the time of the scheme. MultiFest sponsors a music, arts and crafts, and dance festival held annually in Charleston. As treasurer, Starks was in charge of revenue and expenses for MultiFest and maintained the organization’s bank accounts.
Starks admitted that beginning in or about 2005 and continuing until 2010, she embezzled approximately $306,000 from MultiFest. She also admitted additional unreported taxable income of approximately $200,000. Starks further admitted that she wrote personal checks to herself and to other people, withdrew cash in the form of checks, and made ATM transactions from MultiFest bank accounts during the scheme. Starks also admitted that the embezzled funds were used primarily to support her personal gambling activities.
In addition to the embezzlement scheme, the defendant admitted that she prepared, signed and filed a joint U.S. Individual Income Tax Return for each of the calendar years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and did not report the embezzled funds as income.
The Court ordered Starks to pay restitution to MultiFest in the amount of $306,872.04 and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the amount of $128,626.
The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Cophenhaver, Jr.
This matter was investigated by the IRS. Assistant United States Attorney Eumi L. Choi handled the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia’s Small Business Protection Initiative. U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced the Small Business Protection Initiative in November 2010. Small Business Protection is a key initiative of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia that focuses on the prosecution of individuals who defraud small West Virginia businesses located in the Southern District.
Kanawha Co. Resident Who Collected and Traded Child Pornography Gets Federal Prison TimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A Kanawha County resident who collected more than 600 images of child pornography was sentenced on April 15 to two years in federal prison followed by 15 years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Michael Lee McCormick, 42, of Winifrede, Kanawha County, W.Va., pleaded guilty in November 2012. McCormick admitted that he possessed more than 600 images of child pornography. McCormick also admitted that he downloaded the images on his computer. McCormick further admitted that he shared the images with other individuals using the Internet.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “Pedophiles like this defendant who download and trade child pornography encourage the abuse and exploitation of children. Behind every piece of child pornography traded over the Internet, there is a child somewhere who has been exploited in the most heinous way imaginable. I will continue to spare no effort in prosecuting these crimes against children.”
Goodwin continued, “This sentencing underscores the fact that sexual exploitation remains a serious problem.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/wvs/PSCpage.html. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and follow the link named “Resources.”
Federal, City, and Local Officials Unveil Decal for Sexual Assault Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
Law enforcement vehicles to display “End Sexual Abuse” teal decals throughout the month of April
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin, members of the law enforcement community, and REACH Rape Crisis Program advocates gathered today at the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse in Charleston to unveil a special magnetic decal in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The ceremony was held in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, which is recognized nationally during the month of April.
“Sexual assault and rape are terrible crimes that affect people of every age and background,” said U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, “These acts damage the lives of their victims irrevocably. Entire families can be turned upside down in the blink of an eye. Victims often spend the rest of their lives trying to pick up the broken pieces.”
During today’s ceremony, U.S. Attorney Goodwin said that the magnetic decals are small, yet enormously symbolic. “The magnetic decals symbolize our collective commitment to fighting sexual assault.”
According to statistics, nearly 1 in 5 women (18.3%) and 1 in 71 men (1.4%) in the United States have been raped at some time in their lives, representing approximately 22 million women and 1.6 million men. When all types of sexual violence are included, the number grows to nearly half of all women and one in five men experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime.
Statistics further reveal that child sexual abuse affects over one quarter of the national population. It is estimated that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused by age 18.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia is committed to prosecuting individuals who sexually exploit children, and also works diligently to identify and rescue victims as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.
U.S. Attorney Goodwin said, “Behind every piece of child pornography traded over the Internet, there is a child somewhere who has been exploited in the most heinous way imaginable. People who download these pictures encourage that exploitation, and I will be relentless in prosecuting them.”
The magnetic decals unveiled at today’s ceremony will be prominently displayed on law enforcement vehicles and cruisers throughout the month of April.
For more information on the “End Sexual Abuse” magnetic ribbons or how they can be obtained, please contact REACH director Marla Willcox Eddy at: [email protected] or 304-340-3676.
Photo: U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin led today's unveiling ceremony held at the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse. The teal decal was created in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness month.
Click here to view photo
Federal Jury Convicts Bluefield Man on Multiple Crack Cocaine ChargesRead the Press Release
Seized drugs exceed $250,000 street value -- largest ever for Southern Regional Drug Task Force
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced that a Mercer County man was convicted by a federal jury sitting in Bluefield on federal drug and firearm possession charges. Brady Woods, 37, of Bluefield, W.Va., was found guilty on all counts of a five-count indictment: two counts of distributing crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 280 grams of crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Evidence at trial proved that on January 31, 2011, the Woods sold crack cocaine near Bluefield. Trial evidence also revealed that in February 2011, Woods sold crack cocaine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The illegal drug transaction took place near Bluefield. Woods was also convicted of possessing a .44 caliber firearm in relation to a drug crime.
The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force seized more than three pounds of crack cocaine as a result of this investigation. The drug seizure marks the largest of its kind that the Southern Regional Task Force has recorded. The illegal drugs seized by law enforcement have an estimated street value that exceeds $250,000.
Woods faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced on August 26, 2013 by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Haley Bunn and Miller Bushong handled the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
Federal Inmate Sentenced to A Year in Prison for Escaping Fci Prison CampRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley inmate Randy Fay Prentice was sentenced on April 10 to a year in federal prison for escaping a satellite prison camp, announced U. S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Prentice, 47, pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment that was returned by a federal grand jury in October 2012.
On September 19, 2012, Prentice knowingly escaped the satellite prison camp at FCI Beckley. A short time after his escape from the prison camp, Prentice was apprehended by prison officials.
The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger. The Court ordered the sentence to run consecutive to the defendant’s current prison term. Prentice was previously sentenced in September 2011 in the United States District Court in North Carolina to 81 months in federal prison.
A number of Federal Bureau of Prison institutions have a small, minimum security camps that are in close proximity to the main facility. These camps, often referred to as Satellite Prison Camps, provide inmate labor to the main institution and to off-site work programs.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The investigation was also assisted by the West Virginia State Police and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution.
Pedophile Sentenced to 6 ½ Years in Federal Prison on Child Porn ConvictionRead the Press Release
Wood County man admits collecting child pornography
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – “We’ve taken another pedophile off the streets,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced, in the wake of a Wood County man’s federal sentencing on child pornography charges. Terry David McVey, 60, of Parkersburg, W.Va., was sentenced on April 8 to six and a half years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.
McVey admitted he collected at least 300 but fewer than 600 pictures of children having sex or performing sexual acts. The child pornography was found on McVey’s computer after he downloaded it from the Internet. McVey previously pleaded guilty to the federal charge in December 2012.
“April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said. “This sentencing is yet another reminder that sexual exploitation remains a terribly serious problem in West Virginia and around the country.”
Goodwin continued, “People who download, possess and trade child pornography perpetuate the abuse and exploitation of children. I will be relentless in prosecuting them.”
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada handled the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/wvs/PSCpage.html.
Bluefield Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison; Shot and Wounded Confidential Police InformantRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. –A Bluefield man who admitted to shooting a confidential police informant was sentenced on April 8 to ten years in federal prison on illegal firearm charges. Shawn T. Anderson, 36, of Bluefield, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in October 2012 to carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Anderson admitted that on December 6, 2011, he met near Bluefield with an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. Anderson confronted the informant about cooperating with law enforcement and displayed a gun, attempting to scare the informant out of any further police cooperation. Anderson fired several rounds from the weapon, and one of the rounds struck the confidential informant in the hand.
The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
The case was prosecuted as part of the Bluefield Pill Initiative (BPI). BPI is a collaborative, multi-agency regional law enforcement effort designed to halt prescription drug trafficking in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming Counties. The Bluefield Pill Initiative is led by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which includes the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation; the Mercer, McDowell and Wyoming County Sheriff’s Departments, and the Bluefield and Princeton Police Departments.
This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
Raleigh County Pill Addict Admits to Illegally Possessing A .45 Caliber PistolRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Raleigh County man who admitted to having an addiction to prescription painkillers pleaded guilty today in federal court to illegal possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. James David Morris, 34, of Eccles, W.Va., entered a guilty plea to being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm. Morris admitted that he knowingly possessed a .45 caliber pistol near Harper, Raleigh County on March 28, 2012. Morris further admitted that at the time he possessed the firearm, he was an unlawful user of and addicted to the powerful prescription painkiller oxycodone.
Morris faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 1, 2013 by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
The West Virginia State Police and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
This case is also being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Goodwin Charges Texas Doctor in Connection with Alleged Logan County Pill MillRead the Press Release
Dr. Gonzales-Ramos’s Logan, West Virginia office lacked an examination table, medical equipment and running water
*Audio Clip included*
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –United States Attorney Booth Goodwin has charged a Texas doctor who formerly practiced in Logan County, W.Va., in connection with an alleged Logan County pill mill. Dr. Fernando Gonzales-Ramos, 47, of El Paso, Texas, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice. Gonzales-Ramos was charged last week in a legal filing known as an information, which typically signals that a defendant has agreed to plead guilty and is cooperating with prosecutors.
According to the information filed today, from December 2012 through March 3, 2013, Gonzales-Ramos knowingly dispensed controlled substances for illegitimate medical purposes.
Gonzales-Ramos was a practicing physician in and around Logan County, W.Va. until moving to El Paso, Texas.
According to a publicly available criminal complaint made by the FBI, on March 2, 2013, an individual cooperating with law enforcement entered a building located in Logan, W.Va., that the defendant used at the time to distribute narcotics and paid $450 cash in exchange for a prescription for the painkiller hydrocodone. Early the next day, law enforcement agents observed several people waiting outside the same building. Law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on the building. During the execution of the warrant, agents discovered a number of individuals waiting inside to get written prescriptions. Law enforcement agents also discovered that the building did not have an examination table or basic medical equipment such as a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, or scales. The search conducted by law enforcement further revealed no running water in the building.
The investigation also revealed that employees working in the building at the time were an armed security guard, a bodyguard carrying brass knuckles, and a nurse/receptionist.
“As alleged, this doctor’s criminal conduct is shocking,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “He ran a phony medical practice that was really nothing more than a drug den. It’s appalling that a licensed physician would pump illegal pills into our communities like this.”
Gonzales-Ramos faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine as a result of the charge filed by Goodwin. No court date has been set.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, and the Logan County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Steven Loew is in charge of the prosecution.
PLEASE NOTE: The charge contained in the information is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Click here listen to an audio clip from U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin
Click here to view the information
Click here to view the criminal complaint
Goodwin Announces Five Federal Guilty Pleas in Connection with the Bluefield Pill InitiativeRead the Press Release
Anti-pill sweep continues
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – U. S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that four Mercer County residents and a Baltimore, Maryland resident pleaded guilty in federal court on April 1 to charges of illegally distributing prescription drugs. The charges were brought as part an ongoing effort to combat prescription pill abuse in southern West Virginia known as the Bluefield Pill Initiative.
“Criminals like these are poisoning our communities,” said Goodwin. “With these five guilty pleas, our message should be clear: Pill dealers aren’t welcome in southern West Virginia.”
Goodwin continued, “Fighting the pill epidemic has been my office’s leading priority. Pill dealers will be caught and they will be prosecuted.”
Robin Bolton, 43, of Princeton, W.Va., pleaded guilty to distributing hydromorphone, a powerful prescription painkiller commonly known as Dilaudid. Bolton admitted that on October 22, 2012, she sold a quantity of hydromorphone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The defendant also admitted that each of the illegal pill transaction took place near Princeton, W.Va.
Alane McKenzie, 39, of Princeton, W.Va., pleaded guilty to distributing hydromorphone. McKenzie admitted that on October 22, 2012, she sold a quantity of hydromorphone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. She also admitted that each of the illegal pill transactions took place near Princeton, W.Va.
Robin Roope, 39, of Princeton, W.Va., pleaded guilty to distributing hydromorphone. Roope admitted that on November 5, 2012, she sold a quantity of hydromorphone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities.
Earl Inscore, 43, of Princeton, W.Va., pleaded guilty to distributing hydromorphone. Bolton admitted that on March 27, 2012, he sold a quantity of hydromorphone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities.
Robert J. Fleek Jr., 31, of Baltimore, MD, pleaded guilty to distributing hydromorphone and buprenorphine. Buprenorphine, commonly known by the trade name Suboxone or Subutex, is a drug intended to help people overcome opioid addiction as part of a rehabilitation program. Fleek admitted that he sold hydromorphone pills to persons cooperating with law enforcement on five different occasions between January 25, 2012, and March 16, 2012. Fleek also illegally sold buprenorphine to a person cooperating with law enforcement.
Bolton, Inscore and Fleek face up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when they are sentenced on August 5, 2013. McKenzie and Roope each face up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when they are sentenced on August 12, 2013 by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
The Bluefield Pill Initiative is a collaborative, multi-agency regional law enforcement effort designed to halt prescription drug trafficking in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties. The Bluefield Pill Initiative is led by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which includes the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation; the Mercer, McDowell and Wyoming County Sheriff’s Departments; and the Bluefield and Princeton Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorneys Miller Bushong and John File are in charge of the prosecutions.
Detroit Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit drug dealer who stored firearms, illegal narcotics and cash at his Huntington residence pleaded guilty to federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.
Dwjuan Strickland, also known as “Freak” and “Mitch,” 36, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine. Strickland entered into a guilty plea on April 1 in Huntington federal court. On October 14, 2011, members of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force conducted a search of the defendant’s 24th Street residence in Huntington that he shared at the time with convicted felon Lawanna D. Hamlin. During the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement seized various items including: 9.52 grams of crack cocaine, .45 grams of heroin, three digital scales, two .40 caliber handguns, and approximately $577 cash.
Prior to executing a search warrant on the defendant’s residence, Huntington Drug Task Force agents conducted several controlled drug purchases of 50 grams of heroin from Strickland and his associate Hamlin.
Lawanna D. Hamlin, 34, of Huntington, was previously sentenced in July 2012 to 2 ½ years in federal prison for her role in a heroin distribution scheme led by Strickland.
Strickland faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on July 1, 2013 by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
The Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution.
Federal Guilty Plea from Field Auditor Who Organized Major Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Four co-defendants also admit to their roles in a scheme to bilk BrickStreet Insurance out of millions of dollars
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A former workers’ compensation insurance premium field auditor employed by BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Company (“BrickStreet”) admitted to federal charges in connection with his role in orchestrating a multimillion-dollar fraud against the state’s leading workers’ comp provider, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Arville W. Sargent, 52, of Chapmanville, Logan County, W.Va., pleaded guilty to honest services mail fraud and tax evasion on March 27, 2013.
Two other co-defendants involved in the scheme to defraud BrickStreet were the principals of “employee leasing” companies Aracoma Contracting, LLC (“Aracoma”), Jerome Eddie Russell, 50, of Williamson, W.Va., and Frelin Workman, 58, of Belfrey, KY. Russell and Workman each pleaded guilty to honest services mail fraud and tax evasion. Russell and Workman admitted to paying a significant number of their employees in cash as part of a tax evasion scheme to avoid the associated premiums owed to BrickStreet. Both defendants admitted that they paid Sargent approximately $1 million in cash bribes to falsify the audits performed for the Workers’ Comp Commission and then BrickStreet. Russell and Workman estimated that the Workers’ Comp Commission and BrickStreet were defrauded approximately $4 million in lost premiums over the course of the fraud scheme.
Additionally, Randy Workman, 36, of Belfrey, KY, pleaded guilty on March 26, 2013 to aiding and abetting honest mail fraud and tax evasion. Workman admitted that he utilized a similar cash payroll scheme to evade payroll taxes. Workman further admitted that from October 1, 2007 through June 30, 2009, he structured approximately $800,000 in cash out of Community Trust Bank and used the funds to pay employees in cash. Workman also admitted that he underpaid approximately $280,000 in premiums owed to BrickStreet.
A fifth co-defendant, Arthur J. White, Jr., 60, of Lenore, W. Va., pleaded guilty today to tax evasion and structuring in connection with a scheme to defraud BrickStreet. White admitted that he paid a portion of the payroll for T&W Services, LLC through a shell company, thereby evading taxes. According to his plea agreement, White estimated that he skimmed approximately fifteen percent of the premium actually owed to BrickStreet over a four-year period, resulting in a loss of approximately $154,527 to BrickStreet.
Sargent admitted that from its inception in January 2006 until at least February 1, 2011, he led a scheme to defraud BrickStreet by allowing certain policyholders operating in the coal mining industry to drastically underreport their payroll during annual field audits he conducted on behalf of BrickStreet for the intended purpose of confirming those policyholders were paying accurate workers’ compensation insurance premiums. Sargent further admitted that he purposely allowed four “employee leasing” companies, Aracoma, Christian Contracting, Newhall Contracting and T&W Services, LLC, all of whom provided labor on a contract basis to coal companies in southern West Virginia, to falsify documents drastically understating their actual payroll. In exchange for saving those policyholders millions of dollars in insurance premiums rightfully owed to BrickStreeet, Sargent accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash bribes and other things of value, including a Yamaha Rhino all-terrain vehicle.
Sargent faces up to 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine when he is sentenced on July 8, 2013 by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
Russell, Frelin Workman and Randy Workman each face up to 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine when they are sentenced on July 2, 2013.
White faces up to ten years in prison and a $500,000 fine when he is sentenced on July 11, 2013.
The FBI, the IRS, the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Insurance Commission conducted the investigations. This investigation was also handled in coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia and the IRS’s local Abingdon, Virginia Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ryan is in charge of the prosecutions.Goodwin: “another Pedophile Off the Streets”Read the Press Release
Wyoming County man admits collecting child pornography, pleads guilty to federal crime
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – “We’ve taken another pedophile off the streets,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today, in the wake of a Wyoming County man’s federal guilty plea on child pornography charges. David Walter Martin, Jr., 40, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography on March 26, 2013, before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger in Beckley. Martin admitted he collected more than 600 pictures and videos of children having sex or performing sexual acts. The child pornography was found on Martin’s computers after he downloaded it from the Internet.
“This kind of crime is utterly revolting,” Goodwin said. “Behind every piece of child pornography traded over the Internet, there is a child somewhere who has been exploited in the most heinous way imaginable. People who download these pictures encourage that exploitation, and I will be relentless in prosecuting them.”
Martin faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 1, 2013.
The Mullens Police Department, the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department, and the West Virginia State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston is in charge of the prosecution.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/wvs/PSCpage.html. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and follow the link named “Resources.”
Former Charleston-based Chase Bank Executive Admits to Major Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
McCoy stole more than a half-million dollars from Chase; created unauthorized cashier’s checks to purchase a Cadillac SUV and a ’68 Chevy Camaro
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A former Charleston-based J.P. Morgan Chase Bank (“Chase Bank”) executive who admitted embezzling more than a half-million dollars from his employer pleaded guilty today in federal court, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Mark Alan McCoy, 46, of Charleston, W.Va., pleaded guilty to embezzlement by a bank officer. McCoy was employed as the vice president of private client banking services at the bank’s Charleston branch from September 2008 until June 2012.
“Bank employees are given a tremendous position of trust,” said U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. “Customers trust bankers with some of life’s most important matters: their nest eggs, the money they save to send their kids to college, and the money they live on day to day.”
“To abuse that trust is unconscionable,” Goodwin continued. “It’s a crime not only against the bank, but against everyone who counted on this defendant to keep their money safe and sound. I hope this prosecution sends a strong message that this kind of crime will not be tolerated.”
McCoy admitted that from November 30, 2009, and continuing until April 19, 2012, during his employment at Chase Bank, he stole monies belonging to Chase Bank, from approximately nine separate personal and corporate bank clients’ accounts. McCoy admitted that he created cashier’s checks for himself or would use the proceeds from the original cashier’s checks to create additional unauthorized checks. McCoy further admitted that on January 19, 2011, he created an unauthorized cashier’s check from a client’s corporate bank account for $59,000, with the check made payable to Moses automotive dealership. McCoy admitted that he took the cashier’s check and purchased a Cadillac Escalade with the proceeds. Similarly, on October 19, 2011, McCoy created an unauthorized cashier’s check from a client account for $22,000. McCoy caused that check to be deposited into another client’s account for payment for a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro.
In total, McCoy admitted that he took approximately $532,395.59 of monies from Chase Bank. The actual loss to Chase Bank, after accounting for funds that the defendant deposited into client accounts and other funds that the bank was able to recover, is $447,784.45.
McCoy faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million when he is sentenced on July 17, 2013 by United States District Judge Irene Berger.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution.
Two Columbus Men Sentenced to A Total of 27 Years in Federal Prison on Crack and Heroin Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that two Columbus men were sentenced on March 25 to a total of 27 years in federal prison in connection with an illegal drug conspiracy in Huntington, West Virginia. Kevin Luthor Robinson, also known as “KK” 44, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison. Jermaine D. Dickerson, also known as “Chris” and “G,” 36, was sentenced to 15 years and nine months in federal prison. Both defendants previously pleaded guilty in December 2012 to conspiracy to distribute heroin and 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.
Robinson and Dickerson admitted that during the fall of 2010 until July 2011, they conspired together to transport and distribute heroin and 28 grams or more of crack in and around the Huntington area. Both defendants admitted that they arranged frequent trips to Columbus to purchase heroin and cocaine. The illegal drugs were then transported to Huntington by the defendants. Robinson and Dickerson also admitted that during the scheme, they converted powder cocaine into crack cocaine for distribution. The defendants admitted that they worked with multiple co-conspirators and utilized several Huntington residences to store, prepare and package illegal drugs during the conspiracy.
Robinson and Dickerson further admitted that they directed co-conspirators to set up and complete numerous illegal drug buys.
The cases were investigated by the DEA, the Huntington Police Department and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecutions. The sentences were imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
Goodwin Charges Former Alpha Employees and Alpha Supplier in A Major False Billing SchemeRead the Press Release
Investigation Uncovers Extensive Fraud at Massey Legacy Mines Operated in Boone and Raleigh Counties
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced charges in connection with a false billing scheme orchestrated by former employees of Alpha Natural Resources (“Alpha”) and certain companies that supplied supplies, equipment, and services to Alpha. Edward Ellis Mullins, 41, of Peytona, West Virginia, Joey R. Phalin, 36, of Crab Orchard, West Virginia, and Nicholas R. Coleman, 29, of Lester, West Virginia, are former local “sourcing agents” for Massey Energy (“Massey”) legacy mines operated along WV Route 3 in Boone and Raleigh counties. Donald Bryan Steele, 43, of Barboursville, West Virginia, is the owner of M&S Hydraulics, a major Alpha supplier with offices in Barboursville and a rebuild shop in Switzer, West Virginia. Each has been charged by information with wire fraud and aiding and abetting. All four have agreed to plead guilty and are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
An investigation revealed that several mine sourcing agents, generally responsible for ordering goods and services for mining operations from Alpha suppliers, participated in an illegal scheme to obtain goods for their own personal benefit. The investigation further revealed that the sourcing agents, working in conjunction with the suppliers, hid numerous illegal transactions by creating false invoices. The false invoices, prepared by the supplier, were intended to look like legitimate purchases, but were really used to provide cash, gifts and other things of value to the sourcing agents and other Alpha employees.
“Today’s announcement is the first step in an ongoing criminal investigation,” U.S. Attorney Goodwin said. “People who accept bribes or who cheat their employers by approving fake bills are committing fraud, plain and simple, and my office will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Schemes like this create unfair obstacles for suppliers who want to do business honestly,” Goodwin continued, “and they drive up prices for everyone. There’s no place for that in the American economy.”
Mullins was employed as the sourcing agent for the Shonk Powellton #1 mine, operated by the Elk Run Coal Company, an Alpha subsidiary. Around November 2011, Mullins approached a supplier, who generally provided tires, wheels and other vehicle-related materials to Massey and now Alpha, about supplying him and other Alpha employees tires and wheels for their personal vehicles. In exchange, Mullins agreed to allow the tire seller to submit false invoices for payment to Alpha reflecting that tires used in the mining operations had been delivered. For its participation, the tire seller was told to “pad” the false invoice. The tire seller immediately provided this information to Alpha corporate security, who, in turn, contacted the FBI and West Virginia State Police. Over the course of the next six months, the criminal investigation revealed that not only Mullins, but other sourcing agents, including Phalin and Coleman, who were employed by another Alpha subsidiary, Marfork Coal Company, were also engaged in the false billing scheme.
Through the sourcing agents’ cooperation and other information, the agents identified an even more prominent supplier involved in the false-billing scheme. In February 2013, the FBI and the State Police confronted Steele, the owner of M&S Hydraulics, a major Alpha supplier. The significant evidence uncovered by the FBI and the State Police led Steele to agree to cooperate immediately in the investigation.
Mullins, Phalin, Coleman and Steele each face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the West Virginia State Police with cooperation from Alpha Natural Resource’s internal security team. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ryan is in charge of the prosecutions.
In June 2011, Alpha Natural Resources finalized the purchase of Massey, including the mining divisions located along WV Route 3 in Boone and Raleigh counties.
Note: A sourcing agent refers to the individual located at each mine site who is responsible for ordering goods and services from vendors to ensure the continuation of mining operations.
Federal Guilty Plea from Landlord Who Accepted Drugs as Rent PaymentsRead the Press Release
Jerry Lowe rented apartment to Huntington pair now serving federal prison sentences for drug felonies
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Huntington landlord pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of a quantity oxycodone. Jerry A. Lowe, 46, admitted that on March 16, 2012, he sold three 30-milligram oxycodone tablets in exchange for $90. Lowe also admitted to receiving an additional $210 from a prior drug-related debt. Lowe was the former landlord of convicted felons Rafael Cee-Erwin Solomon, 31, of Detroit and Shawna Danielle Lee, 26, of Huntington.
Lowe admitted that he typically received heroin or prescription painkillers from Solomon and Lee as payment for monthly rent expenses. Lowe also admitted that he purchased oxycodone pills from another individual who lived at the Highlawn Avenue residence at the time.
Solomon was previously sentenced in December to 11 years and three months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. Solomon’s co-defendant Lee, was also previously sentenced in September 2012 to one year and six months in federal prison for maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing crack cocaine, cocaine, oxycodone and oxymorphone
On June 13, 2012, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of the defendant’s vehicle. During the stop, officers found the defendant in possession of 1.1 grams of heroin.
Lowe faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on June 24, 2013 by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
The Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Kanawha County Man Gets Federal Prison Time for Illegal Possession of an Ak-47 Assault Rifle and Other FirearmsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A Kanawha County man who previously admitted to illegally possessing numerous firearms including an AK-47 assault rifle was sentenced today to four years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Mark Daniel Davis, 52, of Rand, Kanawha County, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty to a charge contained in an indictment returned in May 2012.
On April 30, 2012, Deputy U.S. Marshals arrived at the defendant’s Rand residence to execute an arrest warrant. During the execution of the warrant, law enforcement officers observed the defendant standing inside of the residence. Davis failed to comply with law enforcement’s order to open the front door. As a result, deputy U.S. Marshals entered the residence through the back door and arrested the defendant. Deputy U.S. Marshals recovered a loaded 7.62 millimeter pistol from a bedroom night stand and a fully-loaded semi-automatic rifle with an attached bayonet.
Deputy U.S. Marshals also obtained a search warrant for a gun safe located at the residence. During the execution of the search warrant on the gun safe, law enforcement found six rifles, including an AK-47 rifle with a bayonet, magazines for each firearm and ammunition. Law enforcement also recovered body armor, which included a bulletproof vest, from the defendant’s living room area.
Davis was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction in March 2003 in the Circuit Court of Wayne County, Michigan for assault.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney William King handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime
Goodwin Announces Guilty Plea from Mingo Pill Mill OperatorRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced that a Williamson woman has pleaded guilty in connection with her role in operating a Mingo County pill mill. Myra Sue Miller, 49, of Williamson, Mingo County, W.Va., pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to misusing a Drug Enforcement Administration registration number that did not belong to her. Miller admitted that beginning on February 17, 2010 until February 19, 2010, she and other known individuals used the DEA registration number assigned to former Mingo County doctor William F. Ryckman to illegally distribute the painkiller hydrocodone, as well as the prescription drug alprazolam, also known as “Xanax.”
Miller was employed as the office manager at Ryckman’s principal medical practice formerly located in Williamson, W.Va. Miller admitted that on February 17, 2010, she faxed several blank “doctors lists” from Ryckman’s Williamson office to Dr. Ryckman who, at the time, was at his Pennsylvania residence.
“This pill mill did enormous harm across a wide swath of our state and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “Every time we put a law-breaking doctor or clinic out of business, it’s a big step toward getting this problem under control.”
Ryckman previously admitted that he signed and faxed the list back to Miller and other known individuals who were at his Williamson office. Ryckman also previously admitted that under his authorization, the blank lists were then improperly used to prescribe controlled medications for individuals that he did not evaluate or see as patients.
Miller further admitted that during the scheme, she directed other known individuals to fill in the blank doctor’s list with information that included patients' names, dates of birth and prescription type, strength, and quantity. The improperly authorized lists were then faxed to local pharmacies in order to be filled and dispensed. Miller also admitted that while Dr. Ryckman was absent from his Williamson office on February 18 and 19, 2010, she accepted cash fees from known individuals who arrived at the office and then directed them to one of at least two pharmacies located in Mingo County, W.Va., to obtain prescription painkillers that included hydrocodone and Xanax.
William Ryckman, 66, was previously sentenced in March 2012 to six months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for conspiracy to misuse his Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number.
Miller faces up to four years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on June 18, 2013 by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
The matter is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is in charge of the prosecution.Two Men Indicted by Federal Grand Jury on Prescription Drug and Firearm Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that two men were indicted on March 13 by a federal grand jury sitting in Beckley in connection with illegal prescription drug distribution and firearm possession offenses. According to a two-count indictment, Jody Lowell Sowder, 36 of Scarbro, Fayette County, W.Va., allegedly distributed oxycodone on September 25, 2012 near Oak Hill, W.Va. The indictment also alleges that also on September 25, 2012, Sowder possessed a semi-automatic pistol during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
According to a separate six-count indictment filed yesterday, Bobby White, 66, of Gordon, W.Va., allegedly sold a quantity of alprazolam, also known as “Xanax,” on July 5, 2010 near Danville, Boone County, W.Va. The indictment also alleges that White sold quantities of hydrocodone and oxycodone in August 2012 near Boone Co., W.Va. The indictment further alleges that White possessed a .32 caliber pistol during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime on February 12, 2013.
Sowder faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine on Count 1; and up to five years to life in prison on Count 2 if convicted.
White faces up to life in prison, a $1 million fine on each drug charge and a $250,000 fine on the firearm charge if convicted.
The investigations were conducted by the Oak Hill Police Department, the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hanks and Steven Loew are in charge of the prosecutions.
The matters are being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
The matters are also being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Note: The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Charleston Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Opana PillsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Charleston man was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison for distribution of oxymorphone, also known as “Opana.” Maurice Minter, also known as “Mo,” 26, previously pleaded guilty in December 2012. Minter admitted that on August 5, 2011, he sold eight 40-milligram Opana pills to an individual in exchange for $400. Minter was arrested following the pill transaction. Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) officers obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s Charleston residence. During the execution of the search warrant, officers found 180 oxycodone and 109 Opana pills at the residence.
Minter was sentenced as a career offender because of two prior felony controlled substance convictions in the Circuit Court of Cabell County, West Virginia.
The investigation was conducted by MDENT. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Boone County Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced that a Boone County man was sentenced to three years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. James Franklin Platt, 57, of Whitesville, Boone County, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty to charges contained in an indictment returned in October 2012. Platt admitted that on July 20, 2010, he possessed a .22 caliber revolver near Whitesville, W.Va.
Platt was prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction in February 1992 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for conspiracy to distribute marijuana and aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Platt was also previously convicted in June 1999 in the Circuit Court of Boone County, West Virginia of conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica Coleman handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
Former Pineville Official Pleads Guilty in Connection with Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
Phillips-Ellis admits to stealing more than $80,000 from the Town of Pineville
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A former Pineville, West Virginia official pleaded guilty in connection with an embezzlement scheme that took more than $80,000 from the Town of Pineville, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Brandee Denise Phillips-Ellis, 30, of Pineville, Wyoming County, W.Va., pleaded guilty to theft concerning programs receiving federal funds. Phillips-Ellis admitted that between March 2009 and December 27, 2011, she stole a total of more than $80,000 from the Town of Pineville. Phillips-Ellis was employed as the city manager and recorder for the Town of Pineville at the time of the scheme.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “When people abuse a position of trust and steal from public coffers, they’re not just breaking the law---they’re ultimately hurting citizens who count on public services.” Goodwin continued, “People who attempt to steal from the public till will be caught and they will be punished.”
During January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010, the Town of Pineville received benefits in excess of $10,000 under the Safe Routes to Schools Program, a federal aid program administered by the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.
Phillips-Ellis admitted that she used twelve Town of Pineville checks totaling $14,649.83 to pay her husband’s personal credit card bills. The defendant further admitted that she wrote and cashed fraudulent reimbursement checks on Town of Pineville accounts, keeping $3,295.56 for herself. Additionally, Phillips-Ellis wrote eleven Town of Pineville payroll checks to herself totaling $20,427.50. Phillips-Ellis further admitted that she cashed a Town of Pineville check for $4,569.58 and used the proceeds in connection with the personal purchase of a car.
Phillips-Ellis also admitted that during her employment at SAFE Housing and Economic Development, Inc. (SHED) in McDowell County, West Virginia, she falsified documents in order to receive $36,380 in payments as a vendor that she was not entitled to receive. Phillips-Ellis was a full-time employee at SHED from about April 2006 through May 2009. Phillips-Ellis also worked part-time for the organization from May 2009 until December 2011. SHED is a non-profit organization that provides housing opportunities to low income first-time homebuyers.
In total, Phillips-Ellis admitted that she embezzled $80,489.96 from the Town of Pineville and SHED.
Phillips-Ellis faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on June 25, 2013by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Eumi Choi is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the U.S. Attorney's Initiative to Combat Theft of Government Benefits launched in June 2008. The Initiative is designed to protect public funds and to prosecute those who steal benefits from public programs or agencies.
Fayette County Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Defendants are 4th and 5th convictions this year in connection with an investigation in Fayette Co.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Fayette County couple was sentenced to federal prison for selling oxycodone. Gary Stover, 34, of Kincaid, Fayette County, W.Va., was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison. Stover previously pleaded guilty in November 2012 to distribution of oxycodone. Stover admitted that on March 21, 2012, he sold three 30-milligram oxycodone pills to an individual cooperating with law enforcement authorities. Stover further admitted that he is responsible for distributing a total of approximately 1000 30-milligram pills. Stover’s co-defendant, Jamie L. Foster, 26, was sentenced today to three months in federal prison followed by nine months of home confinement for aiding and abetting the distribution of oxycodone. Foster previously pleaded guilty in October 2012. Foster admitted that on April 16, 2012, she sold two 30-milligram oxycodone pills to an individual cooperating with law enforcement authorities. Foster and Stover shared a residence near Kincaid, Fayette County, at the time the illegal pill transactions occurred.
Stover and Foster are the latest defendants to be sentenced this year in connection with an ongoing drug investigation in Fayette County, W.Va. Earlier this month, Kenneth James Taylor, 32, Page, Fayette County, W.Va., was sentenced to five years in federal prison for distribution of oxycodone. In January, Gerald Wayne Hopkins, 52, of Fayetteville, W.Va., was sentenced to three years’ probation for cocaine distribution. Also in January, Michael Terry Coleman, 48, of Page, Fayette County, W.Va., was sentenced to two years in federal prison for selling oxycodone.
The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigations. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecutions. The sentences were imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
The cases were prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.