Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Ohio man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime.
On February 25, 2019, Maurice Lavelle Miller, Jr., 31, sold approximately one gram of heroin to a confidential informant at a residence on Davis Street in Huntington.
Miller pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin and faces a up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on October 12, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI’s Southern West Virginia Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) West Task Force.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-00155.
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Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime. Jaishawn Harris, 19, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, on March 11, 2021, law enforcement officers were conducting criminal interdiction and surveillance at a motel on Route 60 for possible drug activity. The officers observed numerous individuals associated with at least two different rooms interacting with each other. During the surveillance, officers observed a gold Honda pull up to the hotel room. An unknown black male, later identified as Harris, exited a room with a female and placed a bag in the trunk. Officers following the vehicle attempted a traffic stop, however, the Honda failed to stop. Eventually, Harris fled from the Honda on foot and was apprehended shortly thereafter. Law enforcement officers searched the Honda and found approximately nine grams of fentanyl in the bag that Harris had placed in the trunk.
Harris faces up to 20 years imprisonment when sentenced on October 12, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Huntington Violent Crime Drug Task Force, the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-00059.
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Charleston Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Multi-State Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Charleston woman who conspired with multiple individuals to distribute methamphetamine in 2018 and 2019 was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in federal prison.
According to court documents, between the fall of 2018 and September 2019, Melanie Lynne Curnutte, 58, conspired with multiple individuals to distribute methamphetamine in the Huntington and Charleston areas. During the conspiracy, Curnutte repeatedly obtained quantities of methamphetamine which were transported from Akron to Huntington. Curnutte relied on multiple individuals from Akron to deliver the methamphetamine to her and Curnutte would in turn distribute the methamphetamine to various customers. Curnutte admitted that she was aware that some of her customers intended to distribute the methamphetamine she provided to them.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, the United States Marshals Service, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Akron, Ohio Police Department and the Brecksville, Ohio Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-00245.
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Three Appear in Federal Court for Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three individuals appeared in federal court today for gun crimes.
Eddie Lee Conley, 45, of Logan County, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Conley admitted that during the early morning hours of May 15, 2020, he possessed a .38 caliber Cobra derringer-style handgun in his motel room at the Roadway Inn in Chapmanville, West Virginia. Conley was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2016 conviction for conspiracy to operate a clandestine drug laboratory in Logan County Circuit Court. Conley further admitted that he also possessed a different .38 caliber handgun in Madison, West Virginia, on January 29, 2020. The West Virginia State Police and Madison Police Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich is handling the prosecution.
In another case, John Leach, 55, formerly of St. Albans, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on November 25, 2018, Leach was driving an improperly registered truck and was pulled over by the West Virginia State Police. In the truck, the Trooper found a loaded .25 caliber pistol. Leach was prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple, prior felony convictions, including a 2006 conviction for malicious wounding in Kanawha County Circuit Court. The West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Steve Loew handled the prosecution.
Also, Kayla Slater, 29, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. According to court documents, on August 27, 2020, officers with the Charleston Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Slater was a passenger. Officers knew that Slater had several outstanding municipal arrest warrants. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and sped away from the scene. Officers later located Slater walking on Beech Avenue in Charleston and could see a Beretta Px4 Storm 9mm semi-automatic pistol in plain view in Slater’s handbag. Slater admitted to the officers that the gun was hers and that she was addicted to heroin. Slater is prohibited from possessing firearms due to being an habitual user of a controlled substance. Slater faces up to 10 years in prison when she is sentenced on October 14, 2021. The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Negar Kordestani is handling the prosecution.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police, the Madison Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearings.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00172 (Leach), 2:21-cr-00035 (Conley) and 2:21-cr-00079 (Slater).
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Boone County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man pleaded guilty today to a federal child pornography crime.
According to court documents, Gregory Weymes, 58, of Ridgeview, admitted that on February 23, 2021 he possessed child pornography on his cell phone. After receiving a cybertip through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, law enforcement investigators obtained a search warrant for Weymes’ residence. While executing the search warrant, investigators seized the cell phone from Weymes. In an interview, Weymes admitted that he used various social media platforms, including MeWe, to view and trade child pornography and that investigators would find child pornography on his phone. A forensic review of Weymes’ cell phone uncovered numerous videos depicting child pornography on the device.
Weymes pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography and faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on October 14, 2021. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is handling the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00080.
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Logan County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan County man pleaded guilty today to two federal gun crimes.
According to court documents, Clifford Lee Griffin, 38, of Bruno, admitted that on the evening of September 30, 2019, members of the West Virginia State Police executed a search warrant at a residence in the Gilman Bottom area of Logan County where he had been selling drugs. Troopers arrested Griffin and recovered two loaded handguns, over 75 grams of methamphetamine and over 100 grams of heroin. Griffin admitted that he possessed the guns to protect his drugs and money.
Griffin pleaded guilty to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of firearms. He faces up to life in prison when sentenced on October 4, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00163.
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Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston woman pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 10, 2017, Drema Setliff, 37, sold a fentanyl and heroin mixture to an individual in South Charleston which resulted in the individual dying from a drug overdose.
Setliff pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin and fentanyl and faces up to 20 years in prison when she is sentenced on September 29, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Charleston Police Department.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Monica Coleman is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-00077.
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St. Albans Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Antoine Louis, 37, of St. Albans, was sentenced today to 100 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and eight months in prison, to run consecutively, for violating his supervised release from a previous federal drug conviction.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Louis was stopped by law enforcement in St. Albans on October 19, 2020. A police K-9 alerted to the presence of controlled substances and Louis admitted to officers that he had hidden controlled substances on his person. Louis also gave his consent for law enforcement officers to search his residence. During the search of Louis’ home, law enforcement officers located two firearms, six rounds of ammunition, approximately 27.1 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 47.3 grams of heroin. At that time, Louis was on supervised release for a previous federal drug conviction. Louis also admitted that on October 6, 2020, he sold over five grams of heroin to a confidential informant that was working with law enforcement.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:20-cr-00195 and 3:11-00049-01.
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Owner of Two Pharmacies Pays $300,000 to Resolve Controlled Substances Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced today that Jawed Ali Khan Sherwani, Beckley Pharmacy and Bee Well Pharmacy have agreed to pay $300,000 in civil monetary penalties to resolve allegations that the pharmacies violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by filling illegitimate prescriptions. Beckley Pharmacy has two locations in the Beckley, West Virginia area. Bee Well Pharmacy is located in South Charleston, West Virginia. Sherwani is a pharmacist who owns and operates the pharmacies. The settlement provides that from on or about March 1, 2015 to in or about March 2020, both Beckley Pharmacy locations and Bee Well Pharmacy violated the CSA by filling prescriptions the pharmacies knew or should have known were not issued for a legitimate medical purpose. Bee Well Pharmacy also agreed to surrender its Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration which will result in the pharmacy being unable to fill prescriptions for controlled substances. As part of the settlement, Beckley Pharmacy has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with DEA which imposes heightened regulatory and reporting obligations but will allow both Beckley Pharmacy locations to retain their respective DEA registrations. The CSA prohibits the distribution or dispensing of a controlled substance without a valid prescription. A valid prescription for a controlled substance must be issued for a legitimate medical purpose by an individual practitioner acting in the usual course of his or her practice. Based on the investigation, the United States maintains that the pharmacists at the Beckley Pharmacy locations and Bee Well Pharmacy knew or had reason to know that patients had presented illegitimate prescriptions that should not have been filled.
“There has been a tremendous amount of damage caused by prescription drug abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “In response, we have made it a priority to target different components of the opioid supply chain for their contributing roles to the crisis. Pharmacies must keep accurate records and maintain strong controls when handling controlled substances. Those that fail to do so open the door to the potential diversion of drugs, the illegal distribution, and abuse of these drugs.”
Assistant United States Attorneys Alan G. McGonigal and Gregory P. Neil handled the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Diversion Group and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) investigated the case.
Congress passed the CSA to combat the illegal distribution and abuse of controlled substances, including prescription medications. Under the CSA, entities registered with the DEA who purchase, distribute, dispense, transfer or sell controlled substances must comply with strict inventory and documentation requirements. Regulations promulgated under the CSA require that each DEA registrant, including pharmacies, maintain complete and accurate records of each substance manufactured, received, sold, delivered, dispensed or otherwise disposed of by the registrant for two years. These requirements play a vital role in ensuring the appropriate handling, accounting and distribution of controlled substances.
The settlement is a result of the United States Attorney’s Healthcare Fraud Abuse, Recovery and Response Team (ARREST), an innovative approach linking civil and criminal enforcement efforts together in a comprehensive attack on the opioid epidemic and healthcare fraud.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
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Huntington Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Michael Stanley Wright, 34, of Huntington, was sentenced today to 72 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
According to court documents, on March 4, 2020, law enforcement officers searched Wright’s house located on Washington Avenue in Huntington and seized approximately 194.3 grams of methamphetamine mixture and approximately 4.7 grams of fentanyl. Wright also had methamphetamine and fentanyl on his person when he was searched following his arrest. In addition to the controlled substances, law enforcement officers also seized two firearms - a Colt, Model CF1911, .45 caliber pistol and a Taurus, “Judge” .45/.410 revolver – and approximately $5,536 in cash, which was money Wright had made from selling drugs. Wright admitted that he intended to sell the fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney Cremeans and Greg McVey handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-00103.
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Huntington Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for a federal drug crime. Aaron Howell, 46, previously pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Howell previously admitted that on November 12, 2020, he was being transported to the Huntington Police Department and removed heroin and methamphetamine from his person and left it in the back of the police cruiser.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-00006.
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Shawn E. Gilkerson, 40, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute heroin.
According to court documents, from at least December 2018, to on or about October 15, 2020, Gilkerson worked with other persons to sell heroin in Huntington. At first, Gilkerson and Lynndell Nicola Boling ran drugs to customers for their source of supply. Later, they began meeting a drug runner at the Greyhound bus station who was working for their source. The runner would provide them with approximately 500 grams to 800 grams of heroin to sell. Gilkerson and Boling received heroin in this manner several times. During a search of their residence, law enforcement officers seized over 300 grams of heroin and $17,960 in cash that was made from selling heroin. A Ruger 9-millimeter pistol seized during that search was used by Gilkerson to protect the heroin and drug proceeds. Boling pleaded guilty earlier this year and is awaiting sentencing.
Gilkerson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison when he is sentenced on September 27, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-00188.
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge.
According to court documents, on October 14, 2020, Cecil Monroe Bowman, 66, was pulled over by the West Virginia State Police. After giving Troopers consent to search his vehicle, Troopers found 23 grams of heroin under the driver’s seat. Bowman admitted he intended to sell the heroin.
Bowman pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 27, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West and the West Virginia State Police.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-00081.
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Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston woman pleaded guilty today to distributing methamphetamine while on supervised release for a previous federal conviction.
According to court documents, Tiffany Shaffer, 32, admitted that on October 5, 2020, she distributed 53.88 grams of pure methamphetamine to a confidential informant in return for $1500 in United States currency. Shaffer also admitted, as part of her relevant conduct of ongoing drug dealing, that she distributed methamphetamine several other times in September, October, and December 2020, in and around the Dunbar area. Shaffer conducted the recent drug sales while on supervised release for a 2017 federal conviction on a firearms charge for which she was sentenced to four years in prison and three years of supervised release.
Shaffer faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to 40 years in prison when she is sentenced on September 22, 2021. She also faces consecutive prison time as a result of violating her supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00076.
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Hinton Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Hinton man pleaded guilty today to a federal child pornography charge – his second federal child pornography conviction in seven years.
According to court documents, David Alan Hunt, 39, admitted that on January 22, 2021, he possessed child pornography of prepubescent minors on an iPad at his residence in Hinton. Hunt also admitted that at the time he possessed the child pornography, he was on supervised release for a 2014 federal child pornography conviction. Hunt’s supervising United States Probation Officer recovered the iPad containing the child pornography during a home visit.
Hunt faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on October 18, 2021. He also faces consecutive prison time as a result of violating his supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Probation Office.
United States District Court Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin F. Scott and Jennifer Rada Herrald are handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-00075.
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Nicholas County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Michael Walker, 41, of Craigsville, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime. A federal grand jury indicted Walker in February 2021.
According to statements made in court, in August 2019, an officer with the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department arrived at Walker’s residence in response to a domestic battery in progress call. Two witnesses informed the officer that Walker had gotten into an altercation and threw an object at his girlfriend that missed her and struck a juvenile. Walker then assaulted the juvenile by choking him with both hands and later striking the juvenile in the face. Walker, who had a prior conviction for domestic battery of a household member, was arrested at the scene for domestic battery of the juvenile. A search warrant was executed and a loaded firearm was located inside the residence where the altercation occurred.
Walker pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and faces up to ten years in prison when sentenced on October 7, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation and received assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Tessman is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00018.
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Columbus Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Jackson County Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Columbus, Ohio man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about October 2018 until November 2019, Lewis Von Burks, Jr., 51, was selling black tar heroin to several individuals from Jackson County, West Virginia, and elsewhere. These individuals were regularly travelling to Columbus in order to meet Burks and complete the transactions. Burks had knowledge at the time that several of the individuals were taking the heroin back to Jackson County, and that at least one of the individuals was re-selling the heroin in Jackson County. During the period of the conspiracy, at least 100 grams of black tar heroin were re-sold within Jackson County.
Burks pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and faces up to 40 years in prison when sentenced on October 7, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is handling the prosecution.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00114.
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Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime.
According to court documents, on June 12, 2019, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at locations on 26th and 27th Streets in Huntington pursuant to a shooting investigation. Inside the 26th Street residence officers located Jacob Benjamin Loper, 20, a baggie of 7.9 grams of heroin as confirmed by the DEA Laboratory and digital scales. Loper admitted that his fingerprints would be on the baggie of heroin and that he had possessed it at the 27th Street residence.
Loper pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and he faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on September 20, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan A. Keefe and Stephanie S. Taylor are handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00106.
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Kanawha County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man pleaded guilty today to a child pornography charge.
According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, Steven Alfred Bennett, 56, of Montgomery, admitted that in October 2020, he contacted a woman via Craigslist who was allegedly located in Beckley, West Virginia. During those conversations, he arranged to meet the woman in Beckley and to pay $150 to engage in sexual activity with an 11-year-old girl that the woman had stated was her daughter. However, Bennett did not meet at the arranged time after he saw a local news story about a man getting arrested for responding to the same Craigslist ad. A subsequent search of Bennett’s home found computers that contained suspected child pornography, including an image of a prepubescent female he had received via a Skype conversation in 2016.
Bennett pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography and faces at least 10 years and up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on October 18, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is handling the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-00020.
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Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Anthony Tevan Tyner, 24, was sentenced today to 26 months in prison for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on August 29, 2019, law enforcement officers were conducting an investigation into the purchases of multiple firearms that led them to a Huntington address where Tyner lived. Tyner admitted to law enforcement that he was a daily user of marijuana. Tyner also admitted that in a nearby vehicle he had in his possession a loaded I.O. Inc. model 10-15, multi-caliber rifle.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-00259.
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Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Florida man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime.
According to court documents, on January 19, 2021, law enforcement officers were conducting surveillance on a residence on 8th Street in Huntington in order to locate Christopher Michael Adkins, 37, who had warrants out for his arrest. When Adkins left the residence, a traffic stop was conducted and officers located 29.8 grams of suspected heroin, 21.3 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales and multiple cell phones in Adkins’ vehicle. Adkins admitted that the items in the vehicle were his.
Adkins pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine and he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison when sentenced on September 20, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-00031.
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Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime.
Pursuant to the plea agreement and statements made in court, on January 9, 2020, Greg Anthony Waters, Jr., 27, sold approximately 3.5 grams of heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Waters admitted to meeting the informant in Beckley to sell the drugs. Waters also admitted to selling heroin and fentanyl on several other occasions between January 9, 2020 and September 18, 2020. As further part of the plea, Waters agreed to abandon to the United States and the State of West Virginia multiple firearms that were recovered by law enforcement during a search of Waters’ apartment. Waters admitted that he was prohibited from possessing the firearms due to a prior felony conviction in Illinois.
Waters pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin and he faces up to 20 years in federal prison when sentenced on October 18, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which is comprised of officers from the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, the Beckley Police Department and the West Virginia State Police.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-00012.
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Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two men were sentenced to prison today for federal gun crimes.
Jonathan Fields, 38, of Fayette County was sentenced to 78 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms. According to court documents, Fields admitted that during the early morning hours of November 6 and 7, 2019, he was illegally hunting deer in Nicholas County and shot two deer without a license and out of season. While doing so, he possessed two rifles: a Bushmaster Firearms 5.56 caliber rifle with a 30-round capacity magazine; and a Remington .243 caliber rifle. On November 12, 2019, Fields left the two firearms at the home of a friend in Summersville where they were later recovered by law enforcement officers with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Fields admitted that he knew he had a 2013 felony conviction in Nicholas County Circuit Court for voluntary manslaughter and was prohibited from possessing the firearms. The West Virginia DNR conducted the investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich handled the prosecution.
Derrick Clark, 30, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms. According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, Clark admitted that on April 13, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his Cross Lanes residence and found three handguns: a semi-automatic 9mm Taurus; a .32 caliber semi-automatic Savage; and a 9mm semi-automatic C9 Highpoint. Officers also located assorted ammunition inside Clark’s residence. Clark admitted that he knew he had a 2013 conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for fleeing in a vehicle with reckless indifference to the safety of others and was prohibited from possessing the firearms. The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia DNR, the ATF, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:20-cr-00128 (Fields) and 2:18-cr-00103(Clark).
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U.S. Attorney's Office Launches Campaign in Conjunction with World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia launched a public messaging campaign today in conjunction with the observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), announced Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston.
A video entitled “Financial Scams -- Deceit and Devastation” is accessible through the office website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv. Additional messages will soon be broadcast on radio and television stations throughout the district.
The outreach campaign is designed as part of the District’s Elder Justice Initiative (EJI) to highlight various types of schemes that individuals are using to target older Americans and warns the elderly and their family members to be on guard. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to both preventing and prosecuting fraud on our seniors through outreach and enforcement. Raising public awareness is an important step in preventing potential victims from engaging and falling victim to fraudsters.
For more information about the Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative (EJI), please go to https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10am-6pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
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Kanawha County Woman Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County woman was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, Raechel Cooper, 30, admitted that on April 9, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at her East Bank residence and found Cooper in her vehicle along with eight bags of methamphetamine hidden in a hollowed-out teddy bear. Officers found an additional amount of methamphetamine inside Cooper’s residence. In total, Cooper was found to be in possession of over 350 grams of methamphetamine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Miller handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00036.
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Charleston Couple Plead Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston couple pleaded guilty this week to federal gun and drug charges. Larry James Williams, 66, and Mary Ann Coon, 44, were indicted on the charges in August 2020.
According to court documents, during a traffic stop conducted on MacCorkle Avenue in the early morning hours of May 8, 2020, law enforcement officers found Williams and Coon to be in possession of seven firearms, as well as large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl and methamphetamine, digital scales, plastic baggies and $3,882 in U.S. currency. Williams admitted that he and Coon possessed over 79 grams of methamphetamine, nine grams of heroin, acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl mix and over six grams of a methamphetamine and fentanyl mixture with the intent to distribute those controlled substances. Williams pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute those substances, as well as being a felon in possession of firearms and faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 13, 2021.
Coon admitted that she intended to distribute the controlled substances found in the vehicle on May 8, 2020. Coon admitted that she possessed multiple firearms to protect herself, the drugs and the drug proceeds. She pleaded guilty to using and carrying firearms in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Coon faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life in prison when she is sentenced on September 13, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie White and Greg McVey are handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00129 (Williams, et al.).
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Detroit Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Lamont Thomas, 42, of Detroit, Michigan was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine and a quantity of heroin.
According to court documents, Thomas traveled from Detroit to Charleston by Greyhound bus on May 14, 2020. After leaving the Greyhound Bus Station, the vehicle in which Thomas was a passenger was stopped by officers with the Charleston Police Department. When a drug K-9 alerted on Thomas’s backpack, officers searched it and found approximately eight pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 61 grams of suspected heroin. Thomas admitted that the drugs were his and that he intended to distribute the controlled substances.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Monica Coleman handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00198.
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Upshur County Man Convicted of Sex Offense Against MinorRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A federal jury convicted an Upshur County man yesterday of attempted sex trafficking of a minor. George Albert Romer, Jr., 63, of Buckhannon was charged by a single-count Indictment in November 2019.
Evidence at trial revealed that on October 31, 2019, Romer began communicating via a dating application with a person he understood to be a 15-year-old girl in Lewisburg, West Virginia. During the messages, Romer offered to pay the girl $100 to engage in sexual intercourse. On November 1, 2019, Romer drove from Buckhannon to Lewisburg and rented a hotel room in order to meet the minor. He was placed under arrest shortly thereafter.
Romer faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison when he is sentenced on October 18, 2021. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
“The work of the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is critical in our efforts to combat child sexual exploitation,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “I congratulate all those who worked on this case, including Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Courtney Cremeans, and the rest of the trial team for bringing this sex offender to justice.”
The Honorable United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the trial.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:19-cr-00293.
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Roane County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Foster Allen Ray, 71, of Gandeeville pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 9, 2020, Ray shot a loaded Savage Model 99 300 caliber level action rifle at two individuals in a vehicle stopped near his residence in Gandeeville, West Virginia. Ray is prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions in Roane County Circuit Court for unlawful assault and child abuse by a custodian resulting in injury.
Ray pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on September 23, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigation work of the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani is handling the prosecution.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00024.
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Logan County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan County man pleaded guilty today to receipt of child pornography.
According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, Marvin Wayne Akers, 40, admitted that on December 21, 2016, he used his Facebook account to communicate with a person living in the Philippines and asked to see “her.” In response, Akers received two images and a video that he knew were child pornography or images depicting children under the age of 18 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Akers faces at least five years and up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 16, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Blackwell and Jennifer Rada Herrald are handling the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-000174.
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Three Charleston Men Plead Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three Charleston men pleaded guilty this week to federal drug charges. Dante Williams, 24, Darius Coles, 23, and Joshua Lawson, 31, were indicted in February 2021 in connection with a long-term investigation dubbed the “Woo Boyz.”
According to court documents, Williams admitted that on January 14, 2021, he sold two ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Williams arranged to first meet the informant in the parking lot of the Family Dollar store on Charleston’s West Side, but then directed the informant to follow him to Swinburn Street where the transaction took place. Williams also admitted that he fronted the informant an additional two ounces of methamphetamine for which Williams would be paid later. Williams pleaded guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison when he is sentenced on September 23, 2021.
Coles admitted that on January 27, 2021, he met a confidential informant at the Go-Mart near Bigley Avenue in Charleston to collect $1,200 for an outstanding drug debt. Coles collected the $1,200 and fronted the confidential informant an additional amount of methamphetamine to be paid for later. Coles pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 9, 2021.
According to Lawson’s plea agreement and statements made in court, after Lawson left a meeting with his methamphetamine source of supply on December 27, 2020, officers with the Charleston Police Department conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle in the 600 block of Ruffner Avenue. An officer performed a pat down of Lawson and found an ounce of methamphetamine hidden in his groin area. Lawson admitted he intended to distribute the methamphetamine. Lawson pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 9, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the U.S. Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police. The Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) provided critical support to the investigative agencies.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Monica Coleman is handling the prosecution.
The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00032 (Williams, et al.).
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Operation Second Wave Update: Two More Defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants charged as a result of a long-term investigation known as “Second Wave” were sentenced this week to federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Larry Terrence Martin, 31, of St. Albans and Carol Lynn Belton, 62, of Montgomery were sentenced to 151 months and 15 months in prison, respectively.
According to court documents, Martin previously admitted distributing more than 10 pounds of methamphetamine and 60 pounds of marijuana between January 2018 and August 26, 2020 to both dealers and users in and around Kanawha County, West Virginia. Martin also admitted recruiting a U.S. Postal Service employee to deliver drug packages to him that had been sent to residences along the mail carrier’s route. Belton previously admitted distributing approximately seven ounces of methamphetamine in Montgomery, West Virginia.
This case was part of operation “Second Wave,” a long-term investigation of a drug trafficking ring involved in the distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and THC products. More than a dozen individuals have been charged in federal court as part of the investigation. All have pled guilty.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Charleston Police Department.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00154 (Martin et al).
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Operation Second Wave Update: Montgomery Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Montgomery man charged as a result of a long-term investigation known as “Second Wave” was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Sammy Joe Fragale, Sr., 73, pleaded guilty in December and admitted to working with his son, Sammy Joe Fragale II, also known as “Bubby Fragale,” to distribute methamphetamine in Montgomery and St. Albans. Between February and August 2020, Fragale sold more than 100 grams of ICE methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Earlier this year, Bubby Fragale was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the DEA. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is handling the prosecution.
This case was part of operation “Second Wave,” a long-term investigation of a drug trafficking ring involved in the distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and THC products. More than a dozen individuals have been charged in federal court as part of the investigation. All have pled guilty. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), and the Charleston Police Department conducted the “Second Wave” investigation
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:20-cr-00184 (Fragale, Sr.);and 2:20-cr-00176 (Fragale, II).
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Michigan Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Michigan man caught selling drugs in Huntington last year was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin.
According to court documents, Steven McGee, 51, admitted that on February 24, and March 10, 2020, he directed the distribution of heroin and fentanyl to a confidential informant in Huntington. McGee also admitted that he previously distributed methamphetamine to an informant on June 26, 2019, also in Huntington.
Acting United States Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-00170.
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Hurricane Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Hurricane man pleaded guilty today to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Derrick Lee Racer, 38, admitted that in the early morning hours of March 2, 2020, he was riding a bicycle through St. Albans and had a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver on his person. An officer with the St. Albans Police Department stopped Racer because he was not wearing a helmet, in violation of city ordinances. Racer admitted that he had the firearm and that he knew he should not be carrying it due to a 2005 felony conviction for attempted distribution of marijuana in Putnam County Circuit Court. At the time of the stop, Racer’s rights to possess a firearm had not been restored.
Racer faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 8, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the St. Albans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Court Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00095.
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California Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Los Angeles, California man pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges.
According to court documents and statement made in court, Troyvon Lewis, also known as “B.C.,” 32, traveled from Los Angeles, California to Huntington, West Virginia to sell methamphetamine and marijuana. Lewis also admitted that he arranged the drug deal over the telephone and agreed to deliver approximately seven pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of marijuana to an individual in Huntington. On March 28, 2021, the day the drug deal was to take place, Troopers with the West Virginia State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Lewis was a passenger on I-64 in Cabell County. The Troopers seized seven pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of marijuana from the trunk of the vehicle. Lewis admitted he intended to sell the controlled substances to an individual in Huntington.
Lewis pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and marijuana and aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and marijuana. Lewis faces 10 years to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 7, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West and the West Virginia State Police.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-00054.
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Akron Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Akron, Ohio man pleaded guilty today to distributing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, Lamark Glover, 22, admitted that, on June 20, 2019, he distributed an ounce of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Charleston, West Virginia. Glover admitted that when he was arrested on September 22, 2019 in Charleston, agents located a number of items in his vehicle including methamphetamine, fentanyl and a loaded .40 caliber pistol equipped with a 30 round magazine. Glover admitted that he intended to distribute the drugs and that he possessed the pistol to protect himself from other drug dealers and drug users. Glover further admitted that he and others participated in a conspiracy between July and September of 2019 to distribute methamphetamine that was frequently shipped from Akron, Ohio to various locations in West Virginia. During the conspiracy, Glover received quantities of methamphetamine that he would distribute in the Charleston area. Some of Glover’s customers redistributed the methamphetamine to other drug users throughout the district.
Glover faces a mandatory minimum of at least five years and up to 40 years in federal prison for the drug charge and an additional mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in federal prison for the gun charge when he is sentenced on September 7, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the excellent investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, the United States Marshals Service, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Akron, Ohio Police Department and the Brecksville, Ohio Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:19-cr-000246.
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Project Parkersburg Update: Wood County Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Role in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Aurelius Edmonds, 37, of Vienna was sentenced today to 25 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Edmonds admitted that he and co-defendants Terrence McGuirk and Antoine Terry together agreed to purchase methamphetamine and cocaine from a source of supply in Phoenix, Arizona in August 2018. Edmonds traveled to Phoenix to purchase the drugs and make arrangements with Todd Land and Troy Pastorino to ship them to Dayton, Ohio where he, Terry and McGuirk would take possession of the shipment. Police learned of the deal and intercepted the shipment in a traffic stop of Troy Pastorino in Dayton, Ohio on September 19, 2018. Edmonds, Terry and Land were arrested at a night club where they were awaiting word from Pastorino that the shipment was ready for pickup. McGuirk was arrested in his nearby hotel room. The shipment contained 121 pounds of ICE methamphetamine and 6 kilograms of cocaine. Edmonds admitted his intent to distribute the cocaine in Ohio and return to Parkersburg with the proceeds. For their roles in the drug conspiracy, Terry and McGuirk received sentences of 10 years and 25 years in prison, respectively.
Of the other defendants charged in federal court, Todd Land, Jeffrey Hoyler, Nicholas Easton, T.J. Gibson, Edward Marks, Amy Rake, Marshall Polan, Troy Pastorino, Michael Holley, Colleen Moyle, Amanda Atkinson, and Michael Rhodes have been sentenced.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the excellent investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Parkersburg Police Department, the Dayton (Ohio) Police Department and the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hanks and Jeremy Wolfe are handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:18-cr-00225.
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Parkersburg Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Shaun Price, 41, of Parkersburg pleaded guilty today to federal drug and gun crimes.
According to court documents, on December 7, 2020 an officer with the South Charleston Police Department attempted a traffic stop on Price’s vehicle in Cross Lanes. Price fled and led law enforcement in a high speed pursuit. The pursuit began in Cross Lanes and ended in South Charleston where officers were able to stop Price’s vehicle by using spike-strips. Officers recovered approximately 7.85 grams of meth and a loaded 9mm Taurus PT111 handgun from the vehicle. Price admitted that he intended to sell the methamphetamine and that he possessed the firearm to protect his drugs and money.
Price pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison when sentenced on September 2, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the South Charleston Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Nick Miller is handling the prosecution. Senior United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00051.
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Nine Individuals Charged for Roles in Fraud Scam Involving 200 VictimsRead the Press Release
Victims Defrauded of at Least $2.5 Million
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three indictments returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston have been unsealed that charge nine men for their involvement in illegal schemes alleged to have defrauded at least 200 victims, many of whom are elderly, of at least $2.5 million. The nine defendants are charged with various fraud-related crimes, including mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and receipt of stolen property. As of today, all nine of the defendants have been apprehended in operations executed by the United States Secret Service and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in seven states.
According to the indictments, from 2016 to 2020, the defendants allegedly participated in a series of romance and other online scams designed to coerce vulnerable victims into sending money to various bank accounts controlled by them. The indictments describe romance scams as online schemes that target individuals looking for romantic partners, friendship, and other close personal and business relationships on dating websites and other social media platforms. The defendants created profiles using fictitious names, locations, and images which allowed them to cultivate relationships with the victims. To carry out the schemes alleged in the indictments, victims were often led to believe that the defendants were U.S. residents working abroad. However, the investigation revealed that these defendants were actually located in the United States. At the early stages of the romance scams, defendants frequently requested relatively small gifts, such as gift cards and cell phones from their victims. As the relationships continued, they requested increasingly larger sums of money from their victims. The defendants allegedly opened bank accounts and laundered the proceeds of the romance scams through those accounts. The defendants also occasionally used cryptocurrency and celebrity meet-and-greet scams to obtain money from their victims.
“This investigation and subsequent indictments demonstrate the commitment the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners have in aggressively pursuing those who engage in online fraud scams and prey on vulnerable members of our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “Crimes involving romance scams and other online scams are increasing at an alarming rate. This case is a reminder that users of email, texts and social media should be aware of such scams and exercise extreme caution.”
“The Secret Service is committed to protecting our nation’s financial institutions and the citizens of West Virginia,” said United States Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Robert W. Pyle. “While this does not undo the harm that was brought upon each victim, we feel that our investigative efforts ensure that those who committed this fraud will be held accountable. We would also like to thank the West Virginia State Police, the South Charleston Police Department, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FDIC-OIG for their cooperation and partnership in this case.”
The following individuals were charged in the indictments:
- Kenneth Emeni, 29, a citizen of Nigeria, residing in Martinsburg, West Virginia;
- John Nassy, 27, a citizen of Nigeria, residing in a suburb of Washington, D.C.;
- Kenneth Ogudu, also known as Kenneth Lee, 28, a citizen of Nigeria, residing in Columbus, Ohio;
- Oluwagbenga Harrison, 30, a citizen of Nigeria, residing in Stone Mountain, Georgia;
- Romello Thorpe, 25, a United States citizen, residing in Washington, D.C.;
- Ouluwabamishe Awolesi, also known as Oluwabamise Johnson, 28, a citizen of Nigeria and the United States, residing in Beltsville, Maryland;
- Augustine Amechi, 24, a citizen of Nigeria, residing in Huntington, West Virginia;
- Banabas Ganidekam, 24, a citizen of Ghana, residing in Westerville, Ohio; and
- Abdul Osumanu, 26, a citizen of Ghana, residing in Omaha, Nebraska.
The United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), the West Virginia State Police, the South Charleston Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia conducted the long-term investigation that spanned approximately two years.
The public is encouraged to report potential online fraud activity or scams at https://www.ic3.gov/.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed 10am-6pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 3:21-cr-00068 (Emeni, et al), 3:21-cr-00069 (Amechi) and 3:21-cr-00071 (Osumanu, et al).
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Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Seneca Smith, 36, of Huntington was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.
According to court documents, on January 12, 2021, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence in Huntington. Officers seized approximately 206 grams of heroin, 62 grams of cocaine, four sets of digital scales and a drug press. Smith admitted he intended to sell the heroin and cocaine.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announced and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor handled the prosecution.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-00004.
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Jury Convicts West Virginia Doctor of Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a West Virginia doctor Thursday for prescribing a buprenorphine product in violation of the Controlled Substances Act.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sriramloo Kesari, M.D., 78, of Charleston distributed the drug Suboxone outside the scope of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Kesari, who was at times physically located in California, operated a cash-only operation whereby he would sign prescriptions that his employee would distribute in exchange for cash payments. Although Suboxone is approved as a drug for treating opioid addiction, Kesari provided no meaningful addiction treatment and instead, prescribed Suboxone to an undercover DEA agent who was demonstrating clear signs that the Suboxone was being diverted or sold on the street.
Kesari is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 25, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston of the Southern District of West Virginia; and Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
The DEA investigated the case.
Assistant Chief Kilby Macfadden and Trial Attorneys Dermot Lynch, Andrew Barras and Maryam Adeyola of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force. Since its inception in October 2018, the ARPO Strike Force, which operates in 10 districts, has charged more than 85 defendants who are collectively responsible for distributing more than 65 million pills. Since its inception in March 2007, the Health Care Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for approximately $19 billion. In addition, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Logan Woman Sentenced to Prison for Embezzling More than $200,000 from Federal Credit UnionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Dianne Richardson, 70, of Logan was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for embezzling $222,000 from the Pioneer West Virginia Federal Credit Union in South Charleston. Richardson pleaded guilty to financial institution embezzlement in July 2020 and pursuant to her plea agreement, she will pay $222,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, for more than five years while an employee of the Pioneer West Virginia Federal Credit Union, Richardson embezzled several thousand dollars every month and manipulated the credit union’s account records to hide the embezzlement.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the excellent investigative work of the United States Secret Service and the South Charleston Police Department. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Chris R. Arthur handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00025.
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Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit, Michigan man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 11, 2017 Calvin Allen, 44, sold oxycodone to a person who was working with law enforcement as a confidential informant. The drug sale occurred in Allen’s vehicle in the parking lot of Tractor Supply in Oak Hill, Fayette County.
Allen pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on August 23, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Alex Hamner is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-0116.
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Clendenin Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Terry L. Spradlin, 34, of Clendenin was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on August 31, 2019 officers with the Dunbar Police Department encountered Spradlin before opening hours in Shawnee Park in Dunbar. Spradlin possessed a firearm which he had strapped in a holster. Spradlin admitted he was in possession of the firearm and that he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had a prior felony conviction for first degree robbery in Roane County Circuit Court.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Dunbar Police Department.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani handled the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-0161.
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Operation Second Wave Update: Final Two Defendants Plead Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The final two defendants charged as a result of a long-term investigation known as “Second Wave” pleaded guilty this week and admitted their roles in a drug trafficking enterprise operating in and around Charleston and the Upper Kanawha Valley between 2018 and August 2020. Tonya Simerly, 36, of Montgomery pleaded guilty to traveling in furtherance of a racketeering enterprise. Steven Matthew Bumpus, 31, of Charleston pleaded guilty to theft of mail matter by a United States Postal employee.
According to court records and statements made at plea and sentencing hearings in the case, Simerly traveled with Jason Michael Terrell and Roger Drake from Charleston to Columbus, Ohio in March 2020 where they picked up approximately two pounds of methamphetamine that was later sold in Kanawha County. Simerly drove during portions of the trip.
Bumpus, a United States Postal Service mail carrier, admitted that he hand delivered packages to Larry Martin that were addressed to residences along Bumpus’ route in Rand. During Martin’s plea hearing, he admitted receiving methamphetamine and marijuana through the U.S. Mail and to recruiting Bumpus to make sure the packages were delivered to him instead of the addressees. In June 2020, police intercepted a package containing approximately 13 pounds of marijuana addressed to Elaine Drive in Rand. Law enforcement officers surveilled the two men and observed Bumpus deliver the package to Martin instead of the address on the package.
When they are sentenced on September 8, 2021, both Simerly and Bumpus face up to five years in federal prison.
Of the other defendants charged as a result of the Second Wave investigation, Jason Michael Terrell was sentenced last week to 14 years in prison, Larry Martin, Roger Jarea Drake, Carol Belton, Craig Redman, and Rashawn Miller have entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and are scheduled to be sentenced later this year. Sammy Joe Fragale, Sr. pled guilty in December 2019 to distribution of methamphetamine and is scheduled for sentencing in June 2021. Jimmy Coleman was sentenced last month to three years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Ronald Lee Thomas, III pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Gregory Woods was sentenced in February to 184 months after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and violating the terms of his federal supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the excellent investigative work of all the law enforcement agencies involved in the case. The long-term investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force (CWVDTF), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the United States Postal Service-Office of Inspector General.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:21-cr-00064 (Bumpus) and 2:20-cr-00154 (Terrell et al).
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Georgia Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Brandon Quane Hudson, 36, of Macon, Georgia was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, also known as crack, and methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Hudson will serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence.
According to court documents, on August 20, 2019, members of the Huntington Violent Crime Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Hudson’s residence in Huntington and located approximately 17.41 grams of cocaine base, also known as crack, and four grams of methamphetamine. Hudson, also known as “Blade” and “Blazer,” admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine and crack for money. Officers also located a Ruger EC9s, 9mm pistol and 8 rounds of 9mm ammunition, which Hudson admitted were in his possession. Hudson knew he was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department, the Huntington Violent Crime Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Cremeans handled the prosecution.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:20-cr-00093.
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Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Detroit man pleaded guilty today to federal drug and gun charges.
According to court documents, on October 21, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on the hotel room rented by Darryl Eric Hill, 37, at the Double Tree Hotel in Huntington. Hill was present in the room during the search and officers seized heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine base, over $19,000 and a loaded 9mm pistol. Hill admitted that he had stayed at the hotel for several weeks and that he had been selling the drugs in and around the Huntington area. Hill also admitted that he kept the firearm with him to protect himself based on his status as a drug dealer.
Hill pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the drug charge, and a consecutive sentence of 5 years to life in federal prison on the gun charge, when he is sentenced on August 23, 2021.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-00072.
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Operation Second Wave Update: Four Defendants Appear in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Four men charged as a result of a long-term investigation known as “Second Wave” appeared in federal court this week. Jason Michael Terrell, 37, of Mount Carbon was sentenced to 14 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. Ronald Lee Thomas, III, 29, of Charleston pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Roger Jarea Drake, 32, of Charleston pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and Craig Redman, 42, of Kimberly pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court records and statements made at plea and sentencing hearings in the case, the defendants were part of a drug trafficking organization operating in Charleston and the upper Kanawha Valley from at least August 2018 until the federal arrests on August 26, 2020. Terrell was identified as a multi-pound methamphetamine dealer operating in and around Montgomery. Larry Martin and Roger Drake were multi-pound methamphetamine dealers operating in and around Charleston. Martin also distributed large quantities of marijuana during the time of the conspiracy. Terrell and Drake, accompanied by Tonya Simerly traveled to Columbus, Ohio in March 2020 where they met Rashawn Miller who connected them with a supplier who sold them approximately two pounds of methamphetamine. Martin had other sources of supply and provided methamphetamine or marijuana to Drake and Thomas, among others. Terrell supplied methamphetamine to dealers in the upper Kanawha Valley including Craig Redman, Carol Belton, and Jimmy Coleman.
When they are sentenced in September, Thomas faces up to five years, Redman faces up to 20 years, and Drake faces 10 years to life in federal prison.
Martin, Belton, and Miller have entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and are scheduled to be sentenced later this year. Sammy Joe Fragale, Sr. pled guilty in December 2019 to distribution of methamphetamine and is scheduled for sentencing in June. Jimmy Coleman was sentenced last month to three years in federal prison. Gregory Woods was sentenced in February to 184 months after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and violating the terms of his federal supervised release.
Tonya Simerly and Steven Bumpus are scheduled to plead guilty to their roles in the drug trafficking organization next week.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the excellent investigative work of all the law enforcement agencies involved in the case. The long-term investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force (CWVDTF), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the United States Postal Service-Office of Inspector General.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is handling the prosecution.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:21-cr-00045 (Miller), 2:20-cr-00153 (Woods), 2:20-cr-00184 (Fragale Sr.), 2:20-cr-00176 (Fragale, Jr.), 2:21-cr-00064 (Bumpus), and 2:20-cr-00154 (Terrell et al).
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Ohio Man Sentenced to More than Seven Years in Federal Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ricky V. McLaughlin, 63, of Belpre, Ohio was sentenced to 87 months in prison for wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay over $700,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, McLaughlin operated the McLaughlin Motor Car Museum located in Parkersburg. For more than four years, McLaughlin stole money and defrauded 17 customers of more than $1 million through a wire fraud scheme. McLaughlin sold collector cars, including various Pontiac Trans Am classic cars to individuals. Also, some customers sold their collector cars to McLaughlin for restoration and other customers bought collector cars from McLaughlin and the Motor Car Museum and then ask him to resell these collector cars at a later date on consignment. During his fraud scheme, McLaughlin would sometimes sell individuals Pontiac Trans Am classic cars but refused to provide the customers with either the titles to the vehicles or the vehicles themselves. At times, McLaughlin would sell the same Pontiac Trans Am to multiple customers, while at other times, McLaughlin would sell the Pontiac Trans Am cars on consignment but refused to send the sale proceeds of the collector cars to the car owners.
Acting United States Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Parkersburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson is handling the prosecution.
United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00182.
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