Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Felony in $375,000 Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Leonard Theodore Kern, 64, of Plano, Texas, entered a guilty plea to obstruction of justice for his role in an investment scheme that resulted in the loss of over $375,000 to a West Virginia woman.
“Kern’s scheme resulted in a significant loss to the victim,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “This case serves as a reminder to all of us that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Fortunately, as a result of his plea agreement, Kern will be required to pay restitution.”
Kern faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on March 29, 2021, and he will be required to pay restitution to the victim.
Kern convinced the victim to invest $375,000 in a “Private Placement Platform” with two other individuals by promising a low risk financial transaction for an exclusive group of investors and an abnormally high rate of return over a period of just two months. Several years later, the victim received no return on the investment. As part of a federal grand jury investigation, grand jury subpoenas were served upon a company owned and controlled by Kern requesting documentation and records related to the investment transaction. At the plea hearing, Kern admitted that he intentionally obstructed the grand jury investigation by concealing hundreds of documents responsive to the grand jury subpoenas.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Tessman and Joshua C. Hanks are handling the prosecution.
Individuals should consult with a licensed investment broker prior to responding to solicitations for investments into “Platform” trading investments. The FBI has participated in numerous investigations of fraud activity commonly referred to as Platform Trading, Private Platform Programs (PPPs), Prime Bank Trading, or Medium-Term Note Trading Programs. In these schemes, perpetrators falsely represent their ability to offer above-average market returns with below-market risk through the trading of bank instruments.
Several common characteristics include claims that: (1) investor funds can be placed in a bank account and then used, without risk, to trade bank debentures or other financial instruments; (2) invested funds can be used to lease or rent U.S. Treasury Obligations and then use these same leased securities as collateral for further trading programs; (3) trading Medium Term Notes (MTNs), Prime Bank Notes, or any other bank instruments, on a riskless basis, will yield above market returns; (4) Letters of Credit or Standby Letters of Credit can be discounted or traded for profits; (5) certain high-yield foreign trading programs are sanctioned or supported by the Federal Reserve, International Monetary Fund, International Chamber of Commerce, or other U.S. or international agencies; (6) special connections to the Federal Reserve or some other internationally renowned organization such as the United Nations, the IMF or the World Bank; (7) benevolent, humanitarian, or charitable projects; (8) the need for extreme secrecy and nondisclosure agreements; (9) banking and regulatory officials will deny knowledge of such instruments; (10) these investment opportunities are by invitation only, available to only a handful of special customers, and historically reserved for the wealthy elite; (11) the financial instruments are too technical or complex for non-experts to understand.
In general, investment programs that purport to offer an introduction to secret investment markets, which offer above-market rates of return with below-market rates of risk for privileged customers with special access, are fraudulent. There are no secret markets in Europe or in North America in which banks trade securities.
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. 5:20-cr-00183.
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U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart Issues Statement Regarding Fallen Hero Cassie JohnsonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- United States Attorney Mike Stuart issued the following statement regarding Charleston Police Officer Cassie Johnson, a fallen hero who was shot and killed in the line of duty this week:
“Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies go out to Officer Cassie Johnson's family, friends, the Charleston Police Department and the City of Charleston. Officer Johnson selflessly dedicated herself to protecting the residents of the City of Charleston, and her death is a tragic loss for the entire community. Officer Johnson’s service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Together with our brothers and sisters in law enforcement, we mourn her loss. Cassie Johnson was a reflection of the best of law enforcement and the best of us. Her legacy will live on as we resolve to do all we can to support these public servants, our Guardians of Justice, who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.”
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Wirt County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Melissa Evans, 49, of Palestine, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for bank fraud. She will also pay a total of $145,000 in restitution.
“Evans stole from her employer for four years,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Now, in addition to repaying her employer, she’ll be spending almost two years in federal prison.”
Evans worked as the financial coordinator for a dental practice in Parkersburg. Over the course of four years, Evans stole checks mailed to the dental practice from insurance groups and fraudulently deposited the stolen checks into her bank account, instead of the dental practice’s bank account. Throughout her scheme, Evans fraudulently appropriated more than 300 checks and embezzled more than $120,000.
The United States Secret Service and the Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson 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-00026.
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South Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Clay Dempsey, 37, of South Charleston, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.
“Great work by MDENT and the South Charleston Police Department in nabbing Dempsey and Banks,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The work of law enforcement ended the drug dealing careers of the defendants and kept nearly 150 grams of heroin off our streets and away from our families. We are committed to ridding our communities of poison peddlers like these two.”
Dempsey previously pled guilty and admitted that in February 2019, he allowed Troskey Banks to stay in his residence and store his heroin for distribution in exchange for heroin. MDENT detectives searched Dempsey’s residence on February 20, 2019, and located Dempsey, Banks, $7,530 cash, and approximately 147.955 grams of heroin intended for distribution. Dempsey also admitted that on January 27, 2020, at co-defendant Troskey Banks’ direction, he drove to Cleveland, Ohio and met with an individual. That individual then directed him to a location where a maroon minivan was parked. Dempsey switched the van he drove to Cleveland and drove the maroon minivan back to South Charleston. Banks directed him to park the minivan at a specific address in South Charleston. Dempsey parked the van at the location directed by Banks with the intent to come back later and meet with Banks to allow him to get inside the van and retrieve the controlled substances stored inside. Dempsey admitted that he knew that the purpose of his trip was to bring back controlled substances for Banks to distribute. Officers with the South Charleston Police Department later searched the van and recovered a bag of methamphetamine weighing 108.42 grams.
Banks was sentenced to five years in prison.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the South Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. 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-00127.
Operation X-Nation: McDowell County Man Enters Guilty Plea to Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Jan Rucker, 28, of McDowell County, formerly of Princeton, pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute hydromorphone and using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Rucker was charged as a result of a long-term, multi-state, investigation known as Operation X-Nation.
“Pills and guns – a combination we’ve seen again and again,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “In turn, we’ll keep prosecuting gun-toting drug dealers again and again.”
Rucker admitted that on August 30, 2019, he was stopped by law enforcement officers while driving his truck in Princeton. After the traffic stop, law enforcement officers found approximately 507 hydromorphone pills, $1,543 in cash, and two firearms. Rucker admitted that he possessed the pills with the intent to distribute them in and around Mercer County. Rucker further admitted that he used and carried the firearms during the drug trafficking crime. Rucker also admitted that he now knows that law enforcement officers intercepted telephone calls prior to the traffic stop. As part of the plea agreement, Rucker agreed to forfeit the firearms recovered during the traffic stop as well as the $1,543 in cash that he admitted was proceeds of drug trafficking activity.
Rucker faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the drug offense, followed by a mandatory minimum period of five years on the gun charge, and a fine up to $1,250,000 when he is sentenced on March 23, 2021. After serving a term of imprisonment, Rucker will serve at least three years of supervised release.
Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, which is composed of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the Princeton Police Department, and the Bluefield Police Department. Each agency provided additional and essential support throughout this investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
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. 1:19-cr-00308.
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Charleston Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Frankie D. McNeal, 26, of Charleston, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
McNeal previously pled guilty and admitted that on October 14, 2019, he went to The Empty Glass bar in Charleston with a Glock 19 9mm pistol. Investigation into the incident revealed that McNeal got into an altercation with a female patron while at the bar. McNeal then went outside and discharged a round from the Glock through the windshield of the female’s car. Surveillance video, preliminary DNA evidence, and ballistics linked McNeal and the firearm. Police responding to the incident located McNeal in a nearby alley and recovered the Glock from a dumpster next to where McNeal was standing. The Glock was loaded, with an extended magazine. At the time of this incident, McNeal was prohibited from possessing a firearm as a result of his September 2012 felony conviction of first degree robbery in Kanawha County Circuit Court.
The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott and law student intern Makeia Jonese handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
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-00099.
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Two Kanawha County Men Plead Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that two Kanawha County men pled guilty to federal drug charges before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
“We’re working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to root out drug dealers from every corner of Kanawha County and throughout southern West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Rose and Davis join the long list of defendants we’ve convicted for peddling their poisons.”
Karzell Rose, 29, of St. Albans, pled guilty to distribution of heroin. Rose admitted that on January 23, 2020, he sold approximately 3 grams of heroin to a confidential informant at his residence in St. Albans. On January 28, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at that residence and located an additional amount of heroin, digital scales and two guns. Rose admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin. Rose faces 20 years in prison when sentenced on February 24, 2021. The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica Coleman is handling the prosecution.
In a separate case, Justin Lee Davis, 27, of Belle, pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. Davis admitted that he sold approximately four ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in the parking lot of a retail establishment near Belle on February 22, 2019. Law enforcement officers were able to observe Davis meeting with the confidential informant during the transaction. Following the transaction, Davis was followed back to his residence. A search warrant was executed at that residence four days later, and Davis was located in a bedroom along with approximately 2.4 pounds of additional methamphetamine, digital scales, and packaging materials. Davis faces up to life in prison when he is sentenced on February 24, 2021. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe 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. 2:20-cr-00082 (Rose) and 2:20-cr-00164 (Davis).
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Operation Shutdown Corner Update: Two More Defendants Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
California Meth Dealer Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that two more defendants were sentenced for their participation in an extensive drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating between California and the Southern District of West Virginia. Victoria Hamilton, 35, of Beckley, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine and a quantity of heroin. Terrion Borja, 28, of San Diego, California, was sentenced to 144 months in prison for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine. Hamilton and Borja were two of 17 defendants charged as a result of a long-term investigation, known as “Operation Shutdown Corner,” of a multi-state DTO.
“Southern West Virginia is no doubt safer as a result of the takedown of this DTO,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “This drug network was distributing a significant amount of illegal drugs in our communities. Borja alone admitted to sending six pounds of meth from California to members of the DTO in West Virginia. He’ll now be spending the next 12 years in federal prison.”
Hamilton previously admitted that between June 2018, and September 17, 2019, she worked with other members of a DTO operating in Raleigh County, West Virginia, and elsewhere, to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. During this time period, Hamilton admitted to receiving quantities of methamphetamine and heroin from other members of the DTO. She further admitted that the other members knew it was her plan and purpose to re-distribute these drugs in the Southern District of West Virginia. More specifically she admitted that during this time period, law enforcement agents intercepted telephone conversations and text messages regarding drug activity between her and other members of the DTO. These conversations revealed that the defendant was obtaining drugs in quantities from a few grams to approximately one-half ounce at a time. These conversations also revealed it was her plan to re-distribute these controlled substances to others in Raleigh County.
Borja also previously admitted his involvement in the DTO. Borja admitted that between June 2018, and September 17, 2019, he participated in the same DTO operating between the Southern District of West Virginia and California by providing methamphetamine to other members of the DTO. At his plea hearing, Borja admitted that he accomplished this by sending large quantities of methamphetamine from California to the Southern District of West Virginia. More specifically, Borja admitted to using common carriers to send approximately six pounds of methamphetamine to other members of the organization in West Virginia knowing it was the plan and purpose of the DTO to re-distribute those drugs in West Virginia. Two of the packages the defendant sent from California were intercepted by law enforcement officers. One package was sent to Bluefield, Mercer County, and contained approximately four pounds of methamphetamine. The second package was also sent to Bluefield but was intercepted during a traffic stop of another member of the DTO in Raleigh County. When the defendant was arrested in California, law enforcement officers found shipping receipts containing the same tracking numbers of at least one of the packages Borja sent from California to West Virginia.
Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, the Beckley Police Department, and the West Virginia State Police.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecutions. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentences.
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-00227.
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that Derrick Pritchett, 37, of Huntington, pled guilty to an indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana.
“Pritchett had approximately 17 grams of heroin and 56 grams of marijuana in his car,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Another Huntington drug dealer is snared in Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge.”
Pritchett admitted that on December 5, 2019, Troopers with the West Virginia State Police searched his vehicle located on Artisan Avenue in Huntington. Troopers located approximately 17 grams of heroin and 56 grams of marijuana.
Pritchett faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on March 1, 2021.
The West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution.
The case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
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-00034.
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that Kelly Ray Ingels, Sr., 46, of Huntington, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and transfer of a firearm to a juvenile.
“Ingels is a meth dealer and addict who sold a gun to a juvenile,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “I commend our law enforcement partners for their excellent work in this case. Ingels now faces a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes.”
On May 20, 2020, Ingels sold a firearm to a juvenile for cash and marijuana over Facebook Messenger. Due to a subsequent investigation involving the firearm, officers obtained a search warrant for Ingels’ residence at 920½ 23rd Street in Huntington. In the residence, officers located approximately 11 grams of methamphetamine as well as digital scales. In a Mirandized interview, Ingels admitted to possessing the methamphetamine to sell it, that he was addicted to methamphetamine at the time he possessed the gun, and that he sold the gun to the juvenile.
Ingels faces up to 31 years in prison when sentenced on March 1, 2021.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. 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. 3:20-cr-00140.
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Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that Kevin Holmes, Jr., 31, of Huntington, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On December 22, 2019, an officer with the Huntington Police Department pulled a vehicle over around the intersection of 20th Street and 6th Avenue in Huntington. Holmes was the only person in the vehicle. After determining there were warrants for his arrest, the officer asked Holmes to get out of the vehicle. After a brief foot pursuit, the officer arrested Holmes. While conducting an inventory search of the vehicle, officers found a loaded .357 Magnum revolver. Holmes was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law because of a 2015 conviction in Kentucky for trafficking a controlled substance, fleeing police, and wanton endangerment.
Holmes faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on March 8, 2021.
The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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-00017.
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Akron Man Sentenced to More than Five Years in Prison for Role in Multi-State Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that Lennie T. Whisenant, Jr., 26, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“Whisenant was dealing meth in Huntington and Charleston and is now headed to federal prison,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “As long as out of state drug dealers keep peddling their poisons in this District, they will be prosecuted.”
Whisenant previously pled guilty and admitted that during the months of April and May of 2019, he participated in a conspiracy with multiple individuals to distribute methamphetamine in the Southern District of West Virginia. During the conspiracy, Whisenant and others utilized a residence located at 1235 25th Street in Huntington to store methamphetamine after it was shipped from the Akron area. Whisenant and others then conducted distributions of the methamphetamine to various customers in the Huntington and Charleston areas. Whisenant also reported back to sources in Akron regarding amounts of methamphetamine that had been sold and amounts that remained in Huntington. As part of his plea, Whisenant admitted that he was responsible for distributing up to 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine during the conspiracy.
This joint investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Other agencies which participated and assisted in the investigation include 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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Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that Jamie Otis Southern, 50, of Tazewell County, Virginia, pled guilty to attempted sex trafficking of a minor.
“Child sex trafficking is a most heinous crime,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “I commend the work of the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force to identify and investigate perpetrators. We are committed to holding offenders accountable and bringing justice to victims.”
Southern admitted that in June 2020 he contacted a woman on Craigslist who identified herself as a mother who would allow him to have sex with her children in exchange for money. During the conversation, Southern arranged to have the woman travel from Beckley to a hotel in Princeton with the 11- and 14-year-old girls the woman stated were her daughters. Southern would then pay approximately $400 plus the cost of the hotel room in order to engage in oral sex and sexual intercourse with the children. Southern further admitted that in July 2020 he possessed images and videos of suspected child pornography on an SD card in his cell phone.
Southern faces at least 15 years and up to life in prison when sentenced on March 8, 2021. As a result of the conviction, Southern will also have to register as a sex offender.
The FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Kristin Scott are 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. 5:20-cr-00117.
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Huntington Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that Matthew Thacker, 39, of Huntington, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Thacker previously pled guilty and admitted that on November 14, 2018, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant at his residence at 315 Oak Street in Huntington. Officers located two firearms in Thacker’s home. Thacker told officers he knew he could not legally possess the firearms but he was afraid of being robbed. Thacker was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law because of a 2014 conviction for the felony offenses of aggravated battery and aggravated assault in Pinellas County, Florida.
The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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-00016.
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Detroit Man Sentenced to More than Nine Years in Federal Prison for Role in Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that Vernon Eugene Mitchell, 31, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 111 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“It’s more than nine years in prison for this Detroit fentanyl dealer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “This substantial sentence demonstrates the real consequence imposed on those wreaking havoc in our communities. Great work by the Huntington Police Department in removing this dangerous poison peddler from city streets.”
Mitchell previously pled guilty and admitted that on October 2, 2019, officers with the Huntington Police Department utilized a confidential informant to purchase fentanyl from him. The informant met with Mitchell near the intersection of 13th Street West and Monroe Avenue in Huntington where Mitchell provided the fentanyl to the informant.
Officers executed a search warrant at Mitchell’s residence located at 438 ½ 5th Avenue in Huntington on November 7, 2019. When officers entered, they located Mitchell. During the search, officers found a number of items including $11,201 in cash and a loaded .45 caliber pistol. Mitchell admitted at the plea hearing that he made the money by selling fentanyl and that he possessed the firearm. Mitchell also admitted that he had been selling heroin and fentanyl in the Huntington area between the summer and December of 2019.
The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. 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-00311.
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Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that Quandale Turk, also known as “Q”, 43, of Detroit, Michigan, entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging him with two counts of aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin.
“Week after week we convict offenders like Turk for their roles in drug trafficking in our communities,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “In partnership with our law enforcement partners, we remain laser focused on holding drug dealers accountable.”
Turk admitted that on February 16, 2017 and May 1, 2017, he directed Dahran Montgomery to distribute heroin to a confidential informant in Huntington.
Turk faces up to twenty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 22, 2021. Montgomery previously pled guilty and was sentenced to 52 months in federal prison.
The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. 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. 3:18-cr-00213.
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Ohio Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that Troskey Banks, 23, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“Banks, yet another Ohio drug dealer, was peddling dangerous methamphetamine,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Meth overdose deaths are on the rise in West Virginia. We continue to work with our law enforcement partners to rid our communities of drug dealers and hold them accountable.”
Banks previously pled guilty and admitted that in January 2020, he directed Clay Dempsey to drive to Cleveland, Ohio, to obtain controlled substances for Banks to distribute. Banks told Dempsey to park the van containing the drugs at a location in South Charleston upon his return so Banks could retrieve the drugs. When law enforcement officers searched the van, they recovered methamphetamine weighing 108 grams.
Dempsey, who also has pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin, faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on December 2, 2020.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the South Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. 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. 2:20-cr-00035.
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Three Felons Appear in Federal Court for Gun and Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that three felons appeared before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers for gun and drug crimes.
Justin J. Monroe, 34, of Beckley, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Monroe previously admitted that on September 20, 2019, a vehicle in which he was a passenger was stopped by the West Virginia State Police for speeding along Interstate 64 near Hurricane. Troopers later searched the vehicle, which was being driven by an inebriated driver, and recovered a Glock model 23 .40 caliber pistol. Monroe claimed ownership of the firearm on the scene, and later admitted to law enforcement that he knew he was a convicted felon which barred him from possessing the firearm, but he chose to keep it for protection. Monroe has two prior felony convictions in Raleigh County Circuit Court. The West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani handled the prosecution.
Desean Briscoe, 30, of Huntington, entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute heroin and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Briscoe admitted that on January 23, 2020, officers executed a search warrant at his residence at 850 Bronson Court in Huntington, finding two firearms. After he was arrested and taken to the Huntington Police Department, Briscoe told officers he had heroin hidden on his person. Officers retrieved approximately 16 grams of heroin from Briscoe. Briscoe was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2015 felony conviction in Wayne County Circuit Court for attempt to deliver a controlled substance. Briscoe faces up to thirty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 16, 2021. The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution. The case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
Joshua Ellis Paholsky, 47, of Ironton, Ohio, pled guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. On March 11, 2019, FBI task force officers and deputies with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office were coordinating drug interdiction on vehicles leaving a residence near 17th Street in Huntington. A deputy pulled over one such vehicle driven by Paholsky, and a canine unit responded to the scene soon thereafter. The drug canine alerted on the vehicle, and a search of the vehicle revealed approximately 1 gram of heroin and a loaded .380 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol. In a Mirandized interview, Paholsky admitted to possessing the firearm. Paholsky has a prior felony conviction for first degree robbery out of Cabell County. Paholsky faces a maximum of 10 years in prison when sentenced on February 16, 2021. The FBI Southern Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) West Task Force and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is handling the prosecution.
These cases are part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
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. 3:20-cr-00047 (Monroe) 3:20-cr-00040 (Briscoe) and 3:19-cr-00199 (Paholsky).
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that Gregory Scott Broce, 49, of Huntington, pled guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine.
“When stopped by the West Virginia State Police, Broce had baggies of crack and heroin he intended to sell,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Broce is just the latest drug dealer we’ve taken off the streets of Huntington.”
Broce admitted that on July 6, 2019, he was in a vehicle near 11th Avenue & 22nd Street in Huntington when a West Virginia State Police trooper pulled him over due to a report of the vehicle being stolen. Upon a search of the vehicle, the trooper found multiple baggies containing approximately 10.7 grams of crack cocaine and 3.4 grams of heroin. Digital scales and multiple empty baggies were located on Broce’s person.
Broce faces a maximum of 20 years in prison when sentenced on February 22, 2021.
The West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. 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. 3:20-cr-00020.
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Two Plead Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that two men pled guilty to federal drug charges before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
“Operation S.O.S. has been a huge success,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We continue to hold opioid dealers accountable for the harm they inflicted on the Huntington community.”
Matthew Thomas, also known as “Rico Dolla,” and “PJ,” 29, of Huntington, pled guilty to an indictment charging him with three counts of distributing heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine base. Thomas admitted that in May and June 2019 he sold heroin on three occasions to a confidential informant in Huntington. Thomas also admitted that on June 19, 2019, officers with the Huntington Police Department searched his residence and found approximately 30 grams of heroin and 8 grams of cocaine base. Officers also found a drug press. Thomas admitted he intended to sell the heroin and cocaine base. Thomas faces up to twenty years in federal prison on each charge when he is sentenced on February 16, 2021. The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution.
Emmanuel Lee Whitfield, 25, of South Point, Ohio, pled guilty to one count of distribution of heroin. On March 7, 2019, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to arrange a controlled buy of 5 grams of heroin from Whitfield. The purchase occurred near 5 Washington Court in Huntington. Whitfield faces a maximum of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on February 22, 2021. The Huntington Police Department and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is handling the prosecution.
These cases were prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
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. 3:20-cr-00137 (Thomas) and 3:20-cr-00107 (Whitfield).
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Huntington Woman Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Elizabeth Leighton Mullins, 46, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
“This meth dealer and user is going to federal prison for almost five years,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Federal law prohibits unlawful drug users from possessing firearms.”
Mullins previously pled guilty and admitted that on February 13, 2019, in a residence at 1352 Charleston Ave. in Huntington, she possessed plastic baggies containing approximately 69 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded SCCY CPX-1 9mm pistol, and a loaded Ruger LCP II .380 caliber pistol. Mullins later admitted that the methamphetamine was hers and that she intended to sell it. Mullins also admitted that she was an unlawful user of methamphetamine which prohibited her from possessing the firearms.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe handled the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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-00203.
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Nitro Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Michael LeRose, 32, of Nitro, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
LeRose previously pled guilty and admitted that on June 9, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on his residence. Inside they recovered a .22 caliber rifle, a 5.56 mm caliber semi-automatic rifle, two 9mm handguns, two AM-15 rifle receivers, and a full auto conversion kit for a semi-automatic rifle. They also recovered assorted ammunition, a homemade silencer, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms. A tactical vest also was found in a separate search of his car. LeRose acknowledged that his addiction to drugs prohibited him from possessing firearms, as he was a user of multiple illegal narcotics.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
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-00097.
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Parkersburg Man Sentenced on Escape ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Sean Anthony Nalle, 35, of Parkersburg, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for walking away from a halfway house earlier this year. The six month term of imprisonment is to run consecutively to Nalle’s 2015 federal sentence.
“Never a good idea,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Walking away from a halfway house only gets you more time in federal prison.”
Nalle previously pled guilty and admitted that in February 2020, he left Dismas Charities, Inc., a Bureau of Prisons residential reentry facility, without permission and did not return. He had been confined at Dismas because of a previous federal gun crime conviction.
The U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Negar 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-00089.
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Charleston Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Ronald Sayles, 43, of Charleston, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Sayles admitted that on September 18, 2020, he was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed on Washington Street, East in Charleston. When responding officers conducted a pat down of Sayles, they located a Ruger LC9, 9mm pistol in his jacket pocket. Sayles admitted to police officers that he knew he was prohibited from possessing the gun because of two prior felony convictions. In 2016, Sayles was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and, in 2002, he was convicted in Kanawha County Circuit Court of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Sayles was still serving a term of federal supervised release in connection with the 2016 conviction.
Sayles faces up to 12 years in federal prison when sentenced on February 4, 2021.
The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Negar Kordestani is handling the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
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-00181.
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U.S. Attorneys Mike Stuart and Bill Powell Announce $4.85 Million to Combat Violent Crime in West VirginiaRead the Press Release
Awards Are Part of More than $458 Million in Justice Department Funding Announced by Attorney General Barr
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorneys Mike Stuart and Bill Powell today announced more than $4.85 million in Department of Justice grants to fight and prevent violent crime in the Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of more than $458 million in funding to support state, local and tribal law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime in jurisdictions across the United States.
“One of the fundamental missions of government is to protect its citizens and safeguard the rule of law,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The Department of Justice will continue to meet this critical responsibility by doing everything within its power to help our state, local and tribal law enforcement and criminal justice partners fight crime and deliver justice on behalf of all Americans.”
The funding announced today continues the Trump Administration’s commitment to reducing crime and improving public safety. In the two years before President Trump took office, America had experienced a precipitous rise in crime, particularly in serious violent crime. The President elevated community safety to the top of his domestic agenda and crime rates have fallen steadily since. Recent data from the FBI and the Bureau of Justice Statistics for 2019 show a drop in crime and serious victimization for the third year in a row. However, a number of cities are experiencing conspicuous countertrends. Today’s grants will bolster crime-fighting efforts in those communities and in jurisdictions throughout the United States.
“Violence has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “Working with officials across the Trump Administration and with thousands of state, local and tribal crime-fighters across the country, the Department of Justice is leading the response to this urgent challenge. OJP is pleased to make these resources available to support innovative, tested and diverse solutions to violent crime.”
“I am thankful for this Justice Department funding that will further support law enforcement efforts to reduce violent crime,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We will continue to work closely with our federal, state and local partners to keep West Virginia communities safe.”
“I am proud to announce funding that will assist law enforcement in keeping our great state safe for all of us. We must continue our good work to ensure that West Virginia continues to be “almost heaven,” said Powell.
Of the more than $458 million awarded nationwide, OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance made 1,094 grants totaling more than $369 million to support a broad range of initiatives, including efforts in enforcement, prosecution, adjudication, detention and rehabilitation.
OJP’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded more than $10 million across 24 jurisdictions to intervene in and suppress youth gang activity as well as $1 million to the Institute for Intergovernmental Research to continue operating the National Gang Center. OJP’s National Institute of Justice awarded $7.8 million to fund research and evaluation on the prevention and reduction of violent crime. OJP’s Bureau of Justice Statistics provided more than $69 million to strengthen the quality and accessibility of records within the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
The following organizations received funding:
BJA Project Safe Neighborhoods ($166,713) The efforts of Project Safe Neighborhoods include addressing criminal gangs and the felonious possession and use of firearms. PSN collaborates with local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as the communities they serve, in a unified approach led by the U.S. Attorney in all 94 districts. Information on the awards is available here.
- Northern District of West Virginia: $88,955
- Southern District of West Virginia: $77,758
BJA Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant ($1.575 million) Byrne JAG supports a broad range of initiatives that work to prevent and reduce violent crime. It also provides funds to help crime victims and assist efforts in enforcement, prosecution, adjudication, detention and rehabilitation. Byrne JAG grants local and tribal, and state, District of Columbia and territory awards through separate solicitations.
- City of Wheeling: $40,284
- City of Martinsburg: $10,797
- City of Morgantown: $12,783
- Berkeley County: $10,846
- Marion County: $10,507
- Monongalia County: $15,833
- Randolph County: $10,120
- City of Huntington: $60,862
- City of Charleston: $81,005
- City of Parkersburg: $30,165
- City of Beckley: $23,241
- City of Bluefield: $15,833
- City of South Charleston: $10,216
- Kanawha County: $42,802
- Wood County: $15,300
- Fayette County: $10,652
- Jackson County: $12,056
- Logan County: $15,639
- Mercer County: $11,233
- Nicholas County: $22,031
- Putnam County: $24,500
- Raleigh County: $15,785
- State of West Virginia: $1,072,540
National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Act Record Improvement Program (NARIP) ($1.73 million) NARIP provides financial and technical assistance to states and tribes to improve the completeness, automation and transmittal of records to state and federal systems used by the NCIS.
- West Virginia Court of Appeals: $1,739,332
National Criminal History Improvement Program ($1.37 million) NCHIP enhances the quality, completeness, and accessibility of criminal history record information to state, territory and federal systems used by the NICS and ensures the nationwide implementation of criminal justice and noncriminal justice background check systems.
- West Virginia Justice and Community Services: $1,374,733
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
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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West Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Jay James Fields, 38, pled guilty yesterday to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
“State and local law enforcement agencies work hard every single day to keep our communities safe from drug dealers like Fields,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “I commend the Logan County Sheriff’s Department for their work in this case.”
Fields admitted that on June 12, 2020, in the Mallory Hollow area of Logan County, a deputy with the Logan County Sheriff’s Department searched his vehicle and found approximately 37 grams of methamphetamine and 3.5 grams of heroin. He admitted he intended to sell the substances.
Fields faces up to twenty years in prison when sentenced on February 1, 2021.
The Logan County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie 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. 2:20-cr-00149.
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Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Marvin Keaton, 39, of Columbus, Ohio, pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
“Another Ohio poison peddler dealing meth in Huntington,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Keaton is the latest in a long line of Ohio drug dealers that have been convicted by my office. Out of state drug dealers are not welcome in West Virginia.”
Keaton admitted that on February 25, 2020, he met a person on the 1900 block of 12th Avenue in Huntington and sold them 10.159 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for $200. On March 3, 2020, Keaton sold the same person 20.837 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for $400.
Keaton faces up to 20 years in prison and up to a $1 million fine when sentenced on February 1, 2021.
The Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. 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-00112.
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Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Gregory Eugene Woods, 43, of Charleston, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Woods is one of 14 defendants charged as a result of a long-term investigation known as “Second Wave,” which dismantled a poly-drug network operating in Kanawha and Fayette Counties.
“Woods returned to drug dealing even while still on federal supervised release from a prior drug conviction,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Great job by law enforcement in the “Second Wave” investigation that netted Woods and 13 others.”
On April 21, 2020, the Charleston Police Department stopped Woods’ vehicle for a traffic violation. A drug dog alerted to the vehicle, and police seized approximately two ounces of cocaine hidden in a coffee cup. Woods was on his way to deliver the cocaine to an individual in Montgomery, West Virginia who was under investigation by the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Woods was on federal supervised release at the time of the traffic stop. In 2016, he was convicted of using a telephone to facilitate drug trafficking and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Woods faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on February 1, 2021.
The Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation.
The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) is an independent component of the U.S. Department of Justice. Established in 1982, OCDETF is the keystone of the Attorney General’s strategy to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics throughout the United States using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime. OCDETF agents and prosecutors nationwide handle complex investigations and prosecutions of the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and other priority transnational criminal organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States. OCDETF facilitates joint operations by focusing its partner agencies on priority targets, by managing and coordinating multi-agency efforts, and by leveraging intelligence across multiple investigative platforms.
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-00153.
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Fayette County Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Trina Tellez-Mullins, 36, of Oak Hill, pled guilty to a single count indictment charging her with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“433 grams of meth,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Drug dealers utilize planes, trains, automobiles and the U.S. mail to bring dangerous and deadly drugs into our communities. Regardless of the method of transportation, our law enforcement partners are highly successful at interdicting these drug shipments before they ever hit our streets.”
Tellez-Mullins admitted that on September 28, 2017, she possessed approximately 433.1 grams of methamphetamine at the Greyhound station in Beckley which she intended to distribute. Law enforcement had interdicted the drug package that was en route from California via Greyhound bus to Tellez-Mullins in Beckley. Federal agents arranged a controlled delivery and arrested Tellez-Mullins at the Beckley bus station when she accepted the package of methamphetamine.
Tellez-Mullins faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison when she is sentenced on February 18, 2021.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Nick Miller 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. 5:20-cr-00119.
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Wood County Woman Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of FentanylRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Brooke Alexandria Kimble, 22, of Parkersburg, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl. The five-year sentence was a significant upward departure from the U.S. Sentencing Guideline Range.
“We’re pleased with the upward departure from the sentencing guidelines,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Fentanyl kills – it’s the leading cause of overdose deaths in West Virginia. Too many families and too many kids have paid too high a price for making a terrible mistake. Excellent work by the Parkersburg Police Department and the Parkersburg Task Force.”
Kimble previously pled guilty and admitted that on January 7 and 8, 2019, while at her apartment on Avery Street in Parkersburg, Kimble sold what she believed to be heroin to a police informant. Laboratory analysis later determined the substance was fentanyl.
In imposing the sentence, United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin found that Kimble also had sold fentanyl on January 5, 2019 resulting in the fatal overdose of a Parkersburg man residing on Myrtle Street. Goodwin said that by continuing to sell fentanyl even after learning of the man’s death, Kimble lacked empathy for those suffering from addiction and acted in reckless disregard for human life.
The Parkersburg Police Department and the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Josh Hanks 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. 2:19-cr-00178.
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Charleston Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Levi Kennith Carter, 31, of Charleston, was sentenced to five years in federal prison pursuant to his previous guilty pleas to two counts of distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine. Following his release from prison, Carter will serve three years of supervised release.
“31 years old and this is Carter’s third federal drug conviction,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Maybe “three’s a charm” but if not, we’ll make it a fourth.”
Carter previously admitted that on February 28, 2020, and March 3, 2020, he met with a confidential informant working with the Charleston Police Department at an apartment complex on Renaissance Circle in Charleston. On each occasion, he sold the informant a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Carter admitted that he again met with a confidential informant working with the Charleston Police Department on March 5, 2020, also at the same apartment complex, and sold the informant a quantity of methamphetamine. Each transaction was monitored by law enforcement officers.
Carter has two prior federal convictions in the Southern District of West Virginia for felony offenses tied to drug dealing activity, making this his third conviction. On October 12, 2010, he was convicted of aiding and abetting the possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine, and on October 2, 2015, he was convicted of distribution of heroin.
The Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe 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-00073.
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U. S. Attorney Mike Stuart Honors Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force and OthersRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Yesterday United States Attorney Mike Stuart recognized the members of the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force and officers with the Parkersburg Police Department for their outstanding work in partnership with his office.
“The caliber of law enforcement professionals in the Parkersburg area and throughout West Virginia is impressive,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “While none of our Guardians of Justice work for the accolades, I’m honored to award their outstanding efforts and give them the recognition they truly deserve.”
The Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force received the U.S. Attorney’s Award for Drug and Violent Crime Task Force of the Year for their work in the multi-state investigation called Project Parkersburg. Project Parkersburg resulted in a major takedown, the dismantling of a major meth and heroin drug trafficking organization (DTO) and netted the largest meth bust in West Virginia history. In addition to the seizure of 150 pounds of meth, law enforcement also seized 217 grams of heroin, 478 grams of fentanyl and six kilos of cocaine during the investigation. Sixteen defendants were charged by federal indictment and all but two of those defendants have been sentenced. In December 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Parkersburg during which they learned that large amounts of methamphetamine were being shipped to West Virginia from Mexico. Witness interviews, financial records, and informant information led to the identification of Parkersburg residents Terrance McGuirk, Antoine Terry, and Aurelius Edmonds as individuals with access to the methamphetamine being shipped from the southern border to locations in West Virginia and Ohio. Over several months, agents and task force officers conducted an exhaustive investigation linking the Parkersburg DTO to sources in Arizona. On September 19, 2018, surveillance led investigators to Dayton, Ohio where Terry and Edmonds met with Arizona residents Todd Land and Troy Pastorino to pick up a large shipment of controlled substances to include more than 150 pounds of methamphetamine that had been offloaded from a truck into a rented storage unit. Investigators observed Pastorino load the drugs into the trunk of a Dodge Charger. Police seized the drugs after conducting a traffic stop of Pastorino. Terry, Edmonds, and Land were arrested at a nearby business, and McGuirk was arrested at his hotel near the Dayton airport. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led the Project Parkersburg operation and in addition to the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force, the Parkersburg Police Department, the Dayton, Ohio Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation.
Lt. Pat Edelen, Sgt. Josh Snyder and Agent Kyle Barnette with the Parkersburg Police Department were each presented with the U.S. Attorney’s Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Justice for their critical roles in the case of United States v. Benjamin Lee Parsons. The long-term investigation of Parsons began in 2016 for making threats against police and others and claiming to have interest in terrorist organizations. In December 2015, he had worn a mask to a church service in Mineral Wells. Later, Parsons told several witnesses at a church in Parkersburg that he was armed, that he had recently thought about shooting police, that he had been watching violent terrorist videos, and that he had communicated with foreign terrorists and discussed several “soft targets” in Wood County. Due to the efforts of Wood County Prosecutor Pat Lefebure, Parsons was involuntarily committed to a mental hospital in February 2017. That adjudication prohibited Parsons from possessing firearms under both state and federal law. In October 2018, investigators learned that Parsons had acquired additional firearms, including a high-capacity semiautomatic assault rifle. Investigators further learned that Parsons had obtained the weapon from another individual who told investigators that he had purchased it for Parsons from a licensed firearms dealer in Marietta, Ohio. Parsons was arrested in October 2018, and soon thereafter, investigators executed a search warrant at a wooded area in Mineral Wells where Parsons had been living. They recovered the assault rifle as well as another rifle from a locked case Parsons kept at his campsite. The assault rifle was loaded with approximately 190 rounds of belted ammunition in a drum magazine. Investigators also located and seized 12 magazines for the other rifle loaded with 164 rounds of ammunition, 32 additional unloaded magazines, and approximately 640 rounds of 9mm and other rifle ammunition. Parsons pled guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of firearms and is currently serving five years in federal prison. Law enforcement officers with the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were also involved in the investigation of Parsons.
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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Akron Man Pleads Guilty to Involvement in Akron to West Virginia Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that an Akron, Ohio man who participated in a conspiracy which saw large quantities of methamphetamine transported from Akron and distributed across the Southern District of West Virginia pled guilty today to a federal drug charge. Jordan Dewayne Jeffrey, 24, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“This is teamwork,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are shutting down drug conspiracies like this one as a result of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together, both within and beyond state lines. We will disrupt the flow of drugs into West Virginia from Akron and elsewhere.”
Jeffrey admitted that between the fall of 2018, and May of 2019, he participated in a conspiracy with multiple individuals to distribute methamphetamine in the Southern District of West Virginia. During the conspiracy, large quantities of methamphetamine were transported from Akron to the Huntington area for distribution. Jeffrey stayed at a residence located at 1235 25th Street in Huntington where the methamphetamine would be stored upon arrival in Huntington. Jeffrey admitted that when customers contacted members of the conspiracy, he would meet the customers at various locations in Huntington and Charleston to deliver the methamphetamine. For example, Jeffrey admitted that on May 20, 2019, he delivered approximately one pound of methamphetamine to a customer in Charleston after the customer contacted another member of the conspiracy and arranged the transaction.
Jeffrey faces 5 to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 25, 2021.
This joint investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Other agencies which participated and assisted in the investigation include 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-00245.
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United States Attorney Mike Stuart Announces Healthcare Fraud Settlement for over $1.2 MillionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart, along with Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and Special Agent in Charge Derek Pickle, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), announced that his office has settled healthcare fraud claims against Great Lakes Medical Laboratory, Inc. (Great Lakes). Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Great Lakes will pay $1,200,737.64 to resolve allegations that the Michigan laboratory engaged in a billing scheme that defrauded Medicare and the United Mine Workers of America 1992 Benefit Plan, the 1993 Benefit Plan, and the Combined Benefit Fund (UMWA Funds) of $600,368.82. The settlement sum is twice the actual loss resulting from the scheme.
“$1.2 million. This settlement demonstrates my office’s commitment to protect critical Medicare dollars and union affiliated benefit plans from fraud and abuse,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We will continue to work with HHS-OIG, DOL-OIG and others to eradicate fraud from taxpayer funded federal programs.”
Great Lakes operated a medical reference laboratory in Michigan and routinely tested urine and blood samples referred by medical providers located in West Virginia and elsewhere. From in or about January 4, 2016 continuing into or about May 12, 2017, Great Lakes presented at least 21,732 claims to Medicare and the UMWA Funds which included separate claims for reimbursement for services which were already included in bills submitted for other laboratory services. Moreover, investigators learned that the fraudulent claims were for services that were not specifically ordered by the referring physicians, and determined that there was no indication that the services billed were actually performed. These false claims resulted in a loss to Medicare and the UMWA Funds in the amount of $600,368.82. As a result of the $1,200,737.64 settlement, which represents twice the actual loss suffered by Medicare and the UMWA Funds, both federal programs will be made whole.
As part of this settlement, Great Lakes entered into a three-year Integrity Agreement (IA) with HHS-OIG. The IA requires Great Lakes to maintain a compliance program, implement a risk assessment program, and hire an Independent Review Organization to review Medicare and UMWA Funds claims.
“Accurately billing for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries is required of all health care providers,” said Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, DOL-OIG and all our law enforcement partners to evaluate and pursue allegations of inaccurate Medicare billings.”
“One of the primary missions of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud relating to union affiliated benefit plans. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the financial integrity of labor unions and safeguard the assets of union members,” said Derek Pickle, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Philadelphia Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
The investigation was conducted by HHS-OIG, DOL-OIG, and members of the United States Attorney’s Healthcare Fraud Abuse, Recovery and Response Team (ARREST). ARREST is an innovative approach linking civil and criminal enforcement efforts together in a comprehensive attack on the opioid epidemic and health care fraud. Assistant United States Attorneys Alan McGonigal and Jennifer Mankins handled the matter on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced the formation of ARREST in February 2019. This settlement is one of several significant results since the Team’s inception. All health care related cases in the Southern District of West Virginia, whether they are the subject of criminal or civil investigation or enforcement, are directed through ARREST. Included within the purview of the team are the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid Task Force, Medicare and Medicaid Fraud, and Asset Forfeiture efforts related to all healthcare matters.
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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Greenbrier County Man Sentenced to More than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Michael Darnell Ramsey, 47, of Rainelle, was sentenced to 135 months in prison for attempted sex trafficking of a minor. Upon release from prison, Ramsey will serve a term of 25 years of supervised release and be required to register as a sex offender.
“As a result of the hard work and dedication of my team and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, Ramsey is being held to account for his heinous crime,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are working diligently to protect West Virginia children from child sex offenders like Ramsey.”
Ramsey previously pled guilty and admitted that he was communicating via Snapchat with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old minor that he had previously met in person. During these conversations, Ramsey offered to pay the 14-year-old $200 to engage in two sexual acts. On April 3, 2020, Ramsey traveled to a meeting location in Greenbrier County to meet the minor to engage in the commercial sex acts, at which time he was placed under arrest.
The West Virginia State Police, the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s West Virginia Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald handled 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. 5:20-cr-0070.
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Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Devon Lamar Lockridge, 34, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Lockridge was charged as a result of a traffic stop in Beckley.
“Mich-again. So many ‘Detroiters’ prosecuted in this district, we may have enough to build a new suburb. Lockridge, who made the really bad decision to smoke marijuana in a speeding taxi, had almost 800 grams of meth and 46 grams of heroin in his bag,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “This timely drug bust by law enforcement once again kept a Detroit drug dealer from peddling a significant amount of deadly drugs in our communities.”
Lockridge admitted that on August 12, 2020, he was a passenger in a taxi in Beckley that was pulled over by police for speeding. During the traffic stop, officers smelled marijuana. Lockridge admitted to smoking marijuana. A drug detecting canine also indicated to the presence of controlled substances in the taxi. Based on this information, officers searched the car. During the search, officers found a bag belonging to Lockridge. In the bag, officers found almost 800 grams of methamphetamine packaged in fourteen separate bags, and approximately 46 grams of heroin. Lockridge admitted that he knew the drugs were in that bag and that he intended to distribute the drugs to others.
Lockridge faces not less than five years and up to 40 years in federal prison and up to a $5 million fine, to be followed by at least four years of supervised release, when he is sentenced on February 5, 2021.
Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, the Beckley Police Department, and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. Each agency provided essential support throughout this investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Frank W. Volk.
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. 5:20-cr-00155.
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Three Felons Appear in Federal Court for Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that three felons appeared in federal court for gun crimes this week.
Jordan Kinney, 23, of Charleston, was sentenced to 100 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kinney previously admitted that on June 14, 2019, he was present at the Go-Mart on Washington Street, West, in Charleston, and possessed a loaded Taurus 9mm caliber handgun, which he used to shoot approximately six times at another individual. He then fled the location and discarded the handgun in the front yard of a residence a few blocks away. The following day officers with the Charleston Police Department responded to the residence and recovered the same handgun. Ballistics information provided by NIBIN was critical to the success of the prosecution. Kinney was not allowed to possess the firearm because he had previously been convicted of robbery in the second degree. The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Former Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders and Assistant United States Attorney Nowles H. Heinrich handled the prosecution.
Dakota Santonia, 24, of Marmet, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. His federal prison sentence will be served consecutively to a previously imposed state sentence Santonia received in Kanawha County Circuit Court for a first degree robbery conviction. Santonia previously admitted that on January 20, 2019, he knowingly possessed a stolen loaded Smith and Wesson Model 60-7 .38 special revolver and 79 rounds of ammunition in Charleston, although he knew he had been previously convicted of a felony and therefore was prohibited from possessing that weapon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentenced. Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani and former Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders handled the prosecution.
A member of the Pagans Motorcycle Club, John Brady Studenic, 33, of Parkersburg, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Studenic admitted that he was riding a motorcycle on 7th Street in Parkersburg when an officer with the Parkersburg Police Department attempted to perform a traffic stop on him for running a red light at the intersection of 7th Street and Park Avenue. Once the officer activated his overhead lights and siren, Studenic fled eastbound on 7th Street toward Core Road. In the process, he was travelling approximately 90 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. Studenic passed multiple vehicles using either a turning lane or the oncoming lane, and ran an additional red light at the intersection of 7th Street and Fairview Avenue during the pursuit. Eventually, he wrecked the motorcycle on Core Road and was taken into custody. Upon being apprehended, his person was searched and a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol was located in his waistband. Additional ammunition as well as approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine and a small amount of marijuana were also found in Studenic’s possession. Studenic was not legally permitted to possess a firearm due to a previous conviction for the felony offense of malicious assault on September 22, 2010, in the Circuit Court of Wood County. That prior conviction is the result of Studenic shooting another individual. Studenic faces up to ten years in prison when sentenced on February 4, 2021. The Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is handling the prosecution.
These cases are part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted these cases with support from the Project Guardian partners referenced above. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
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. 2:19-cr-00291 (Kinney), 2:19-cr-00165 (Santonia), and 2:20-cr-00165 (Studenic).
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Washington Man Sentenced for Assaulting Secret Service AgentsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Joshua Wills, 31, of Bremerton, Washington, was sentenced to 23 months already served for assaulting two special agents with the United States Secret Service. Wills has remained in custody since his arrest on November 19, 2018.
“I am proud to be a champion of our law enforcement heroes. They are brave, courageous warriors for our citizens. Federal, state and local law enforcement put themselves in harm’s way to protect each and every one of us,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Assaults on our Guardians of Justice will always be prosecuted by this U.S. Attorney.”
Wills previously pled guilty to assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers. He admitted that he intended to drive from the state of Washington to Washington, D.C. to meet the President of the United States. The U.S. Secret Service began investigating Wills after they had received reports that Wills was traveling to see the President while possessing a dangerous weapon. Two special agents with the U.S. Secret Service located Wills in a campground in St. Albans and approached him for questioning. Officers with the St. Albans Police Department arrived at the campground for assistance. Wills admitted that he became agitated by the presence of the law enforcement officers and a standoff ensued for approximately 20 minutes. When Wills was told that he was going to be taken into custody for disorderly conduct, he unsheathed and raised a three-foot long Katana sword as a show of force. After further resisting law enforcement commands, Wills was disabled by a non-lethal beanbag gun possessed by a St. Albans police officer and taken into custody.
The U.S. Secret Service and the St. Albans Police Department conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Tessman 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. 2:18-cr-00289.
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U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart Appoints Election Officer for the Southern District of West VirginiaRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Erik Goes will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming general election on November 3, 2020. AUSA Goes has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of West Virginia (SDWV), and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights concerns in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Stuart said, “Every legitimate vote should be counted and every counted vote should be legitimate. Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen. The Department of Justice will act to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open through election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or illiteracy).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights concerns during the voting period that ends on November 3, 2020, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Stuart stated that AUSA/DEO Goes will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone numbers: 1-800-659-8726 (800-659-USAO) or 304-345-2200, ext. 12395.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324).
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
United States Attorney Stuart said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
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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Louisiana Man Sentenced for Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Defendant fraudulently obtained health care benefits by illegally enrolling extended family members
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Edward Stephen, 61, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced to 24 months of probation with the condition that the first six months be served on home confinement, and a fine of $10,000, for a federal health care fraud violation. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $108,411.59, a sum of money that Stephen has already paid over to the United States District Court Clerk to be immediately applied to the fraud loss.
“When federal workforce programs are defrauded, it comes at great cost to taxpayers,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “I appreciate the work of the U.S. Department of Transportation OIG and Office of Personnel Management OIG investigators in this case. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to suss out fraud schemes, hold perpetrators accountable and seek restitution for victims.”
Stephen was a federal employee with the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. As a federal employee, he was eligible for health insurance provided by the federal government. Stephen fraudulently enrolled extended family members into his federal health care plan, knowing they were not eligible for federal health care benefits. Specifically, Stephen enrolled his sister as though she was his wife and his niece as though she was his step-child so that they would obtain federal health care coverage they were not entitled to receive. This scheme lasted from 2005 to 2017 and included several years where Stephen resided in and worked in Charleston as a federal employee. When investigators learned of the fraud, Stephen gave a statement to investigators with the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. In his statement, Stephen admitting that he fraudulently placed his extended family members on his federal insurance knowing they were not entitled to receive benefits. In total, the Court found that the government was defrauded out of $108,411.59 in fraudulent premium payments and reimbursements.
“Federal employees who engage in fraud related to aspects of their employment erode public confidence in the high standard of integrity to which they are held,” said Jamie Mazzone, regional Special Agent-In-Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “Today’s sentencing illustrates our commitment to working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to root out schemes that illegally take advantage of Federal workforce programs and benefits.”
“Healthcare fraud takes many forms, including knowingly enrolling ineligible individuals in the FEHBP,” said Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General Performing the Duties of the Inspector General, OPM OIG. “Through his fraudulent conduct, the defendant stole from the Federal Government and the American taxpayer. Today’s sentencing is an important step towards accountability and I applaud the hard work of the OPM OIG investigative staff and our Department of Justice partners on this case.”
Stuart praised the work of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (DOT OIG) and the Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General (OPM OIG). The investigation was conducted by members of the United States Attorney’s Healthcare Fraud Abuse, Recovery and Response Team (ARREST), an approach linking civil and criminal enforcement efforts together in a comprehensive attack on the opioid epidemic and healthcare fraud. United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced the formation of ARREST in February 2019. All health care related cases in the Southern District of West Virginia, whether they are the subject of criminal or civil investigation or enforcement, are directed through ARREST. Included within the purview of the team are the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit, Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force, Medicare and Medicaid Fraud, and Asset Forfeiture efforts related to all healthcare matters.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes 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-00077.
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United States Attorney Mike Stuart Recognizes Two in Wood County for Excellence in Pursuit of JusticeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart recognized Agent Cody McClung with the Wood County Sheriff’s Department and Wood County Prosecuting Attorney Pat Lefebure today for their outstanding work in partnership with his office.
McClung and Lefebure were presented with the U.S. Attorney’s Award for Excellence in Pursuit of Justice for their roles in the case of United States v. Benjamin Lee Parsons. The work of both McClung and Lefebure were critical to the case’s successful conclusion. Law enforcement officers with the Parkersburg Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were also involved in the investigation of Parsons.
“It was truly a pleasure for me to honor the outstanding work of Agent McClung and Prosecutor Lefebure today. It is through strong partnerships with law enforcement and state prosecutors that we achieve our greatest, most meaningful successes,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The investigation and prosecution of the Parsons case was important for public safety as well as the safety of our police officers. As U.S. Attorney, one of my greatest honors is to work alongside the men and women of law enforcement. I thank them for what they do each day to keep us safe and for their unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice.”
The investigation of Benjamin Lee Parsons, 31, of Mineral Wells, began in 2016 for making threats against police and others and claiming to have interest in terrorist organizations. In December 2015, Parsons had worn a mask to a church service in Mineral Wells. In January 2017, Parsons told several witnesses at a church in Parkersburg that he was armed, that he had recently thought about shooting police, that he had been watching violent terrorist videos, and that he had communicated with foreign terrorists and discussed several “soft targets” in Wood County. The Wood County Sheriff’s Department responded and seized numerous firearms from his residence. Agent Cody McClung was the lead investigator for the Sheriff’s Department and he worked closely with members of the Parkersburg Police Department, and ATF and FBI special agents throughout the investigation. Due to the efforts of Wood County Prosecutor Pat Lefebure, Parsons was involuntarily committed to a mental hospital in February 2017. That adjudication prohibited Parsons from possessing firearms under both state and federal law.
In October 2018, investigators learned that Parsons had acquired additional firearms including a high-capacity semiautomatic FNH model M249S 5.56 caliber assault rifle. The rifle is the semiautomatic civilian version of the Squad Assault Weapon (SAW) used by the United States military. Investigators further learned that Parsons had obtained the weapon from another individual who told investigators that he had purchased it for Parsons from a licensed firearms dealer in Marietta, Ohio. Police arrested Parsons on October 31, 2018 on a federal charge of conspiracy to provide false information to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the acquisition of a firearm. On November 2, 2018, investigators executed a search warrant at a wooded area in Mineral Wells where Parsons had been living. When investigators executed the search warrant, they recovered the FNH assault rifle and a Molot 5.45x39mm rifle from a locked case Parsons kept at his campsite on the property. The FNH was loaded with approximately 190 rounds of belted ammunition in a drum magazine. Investigators also located and seized 12 magazines for the Molot loaded with 164 rounds of ammunition, 32 additional unloaded magazines, and approximately 640 rounds of 9mm and other rifle ammunition.
As a result of this investigation, in May 2019, Parsons pled guilty in federal court to possessing the SAW and Molot 5.45x39 rifle after being committed to a mental institution. Parsons was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for his crime. Upon release from prison, Parsons will serve three years of federal supervised release, during which he will receive mental health treatment.
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 Federal Prison for Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that a methamphetamine dealer was sentenced today to 63 months in federal prison. Joshua David Ramey, 29, previously pled guilty to a single count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“Ramey had 471 grams of meth in the trunk when his car broke down on Interstate 64. As I’ve often said, God works in mysterious ways,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Another great interdiction by law enforcement that kept this poison off of our streets.”
On March 13, 2018, a deputy with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department stopped to assist a disabled vehicle on the exit ramp of I-64, mile marker 34 in Putnam County. Ramey had been the driver of the vehicle. The deputy detected the odor of marijuana and searched the vehicle, at which time the deputy located in the trunk four clear plastic baggies of methamphetamine. The plastic baggies contained a combined weight of approximately 471 grams of methamphetamine, which carries a street value close to $36,000.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan A. Keefe and Monica D. 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. 3:18-cr-00181.
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Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Role in Marijuana ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a former postal employee who participated in a scheme to ship and distribute marijuana which was mailed from California to Huntington pled guilty in federal court. Carl Andrew Varnum, 49, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
“16 pounds of marijuana delivered through the U.S. Mail. Varnum was a postal employee that was using the U.S. mail to facilitate marijuana trafficking,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “This prosecution should be a reminder to all that marijuana is still illegal under federal law.”
Varnum admitted that, between 2015 and March of 2018, he conspired with others to distribute marijuana in the Huntington area. During the conspiracy, marijuana was frequently shipped through the United States mail from California to Huntington. Varnum, who was a U.S. Postal employee at the time, recruited a letter carrier also employed with the postal service, to receive and deliver the parcels. Once the parcels containing marijuana arrived in Huntington, the carrier delivered the parcels on his assigned delivery route.
On March 15, 2018, agents located two parcels at the Huntington Post Office which had been mailed from California to Huntington and were found to contain marijuana. Agents conducting surveillance observed the carrier load the parcels into a postal delivery truck and drive to the Dollar General store located in the 800 block of Norway Avenue in Huntington. At that location, the carrier provided the marijuana to another individual who arrived in a separate vehicle. A trooper with the West Virginia State Police subsequently conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and recovered the parcels which contained approximately 16 pounds of marijuana.
Varnum faces up to 5 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 25, 2021.
The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the West Virginia State Police and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West conducted the investigation. 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. 3:20-cr-00180.
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Ex-Marshall University Football Player Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Pornography CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a Huntington man was sentenced to prison for a federal child pornography offense. Jeremiah Taylor, 32, was sentenced to 90 months in prison for distributing child pornography. Taylor was also ordered to complete 15 years of supervised release after prison, as well as to pay a substantial amount of restitution.
“A former college football star that was a Captain on the Marshall University football team. He was idolized by countless kids across the country. This is a tragic case. Child pornography crimes are absolutely egregious and will not be tolerated,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Child predators- whether football stars, a relative or a neighbor- should know that we’re coming for you. My office is committed to protecting our most vulnerable through prosecutions like this.”
Taylor previously admitted that in January 2019, he utilized the mobile messaging application Kik to send several graphic videos of child pornography to an undercover Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent. These videos depicted nude prepubescent children engaged in sexual conduct, including sadistic or masochistic conduct. Taylor also admitted that he asked the undercover agent for photos of the agent’s purported 9-year-old daughter naked in sexually-explicit poses. On Kik, Taylor was an active member of a group focused on taboo interests, wherein users frequently shared images and videos of child pornography. A search warrant later executed on Taylor’s Kik account uncovered additional stored child pornography. Taylor’s Kik username was “58ThatDude58” – 58 is the number Taylor wore while playing football for Marshall University from 2010 to 2013.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Kristin F. Scott handled 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. 3:20-cr-00068.
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MEDIA ADVISORY -- U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart in Wood County on Monday to Honor Excellence in Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart will recognize the excellent work of a member of the Wood County Sheriff’s Department and the Wood County Prosecuting Attorney, on Monday, October 19, 2020, at 9:30a.m., during a meeting of the Wood County Commission in Parkersburg.
WHAT: Presentation of U.S. Attorney’s Awards for Excellence in Pursuit of Justice
WHEN: Monday, October 19, 2020, at 9:30am
WHERE: Wood County Commission meeting
1 Court Square, Parkersburg, WV
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U.S. Attorneys Mike Stuart and Bill Powell Announce $8.9 Million in Justice Department Grants to Combat Addiction Crisis in West VirginiaRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorneys Mike Stuart and Bill Powell today announced awards of $8,902,765 in Department of Justice grants to fight drug abuse and addiction in West Virginia. The grants were awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and are part of more than $341 million going to communities nationwide.
“The addiction crisis has taken an enormous toll on America’s families and communities, eroding public health, threatening public safety and claiming tens of thousands of lives year after year,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Through comprehensive measures taken by this administration, we have been able to curtail the opioid epidemic, but new and powerful drugs are presenting exceptional challenges that we must be prepared to meet. The Justice Department’s substantial investments in enforcement, response, and treatment will help us overcome these challenges and work towards freeing Americans from abuse and addiction.”
Illegal drugs and illicit drug use have claimed the lives of nearly 400,000 Americans since the turn of the century. Powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl are exacting an enormous toll on families and communities, and an emergence in the use of methamphetamines and other psychostimulants is drawing drug traffickers and driving up overdose rates. Three years ago, President Trump declared a Public Health Emergency and initiated a whole-of-government approach dedicated to ending this national tragedy. The Department of Justice has invested unprecedented levels of funding in combating the addiction crisis. The awards announced today build on those earlier investments.
“If we hope to defeat an enemy as powerful, persistent and adaptable as illicit drugs, we must be at least as determined and versatile, focusing our ingenuity and resources on curbing abuse and fighting addiction,” said OJP’s Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These grants will enable criminal justice officials and substance abuse, mental health and other medical professionals to pool their assets and bring the full weight of our public safety and treatment systems down on this epidemic that has already caused so much harm.”
“West Virginia is ground zero for battling this crisis. With the highest overdose death rate per capita nationally for several years in a row, it’s vital that those in the mountain state working to combat this epidemic have the tools they need to help bring those numbers down and save lives. This funding will assist in that fight,” said Powell.
“With our state being the epicenter of the addiction crisis, this funding is critical to addressing the challenges faced by families and communities throughout West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “It will further strengthen the “all hands on deck” approach that is necessary to combat the addiction crisis. The programs funded will provide much needed resources and support to those in need.”
Funding is made available through OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, National Institute of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
The following organizations received funding:
- West Virginia Justice and Community Services - $6,223,284
- West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals - $1,349,953
- United Way of the River Cities - $690,553
- Legal Aide of West Virginia - $638,975
For a complete list of individual grant programs, award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, click here. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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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Felons Appear in Federal Court for Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that two felons appeared in federal court this week for gun crimes.
Patrick Napier, 48, of Logan, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a gun. Napier previously admitted that in July 2017 he possessed a Hi-Point, Model 4095, .40 caliber rifle. At that time, Napier was serving a federal term of supervised release. A probation officer found the gun in Napier’s room when visiting his residence as part of his supervised release. Napier has a prior felony drug conviction in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, which prohibits him from possessing firearms. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Arthur handled the prosecution.
Lenville Jason Porter, 36, of Lincoln County, pled guilty to the felony offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 7, 2021, where he faces up to 10 years of federal incarceration, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. In his plea hearing, Porter admitted that on October 18, 2018, he was removing engine parts from a car when he was seen by Lt. Napier of the West Hamlin Police Department. Suspicious that he was observing Porter commit theft, Lt. Napier investigated and asked if he could pat Porter down for officer safety. Prior to the pat down search, Porter admitted he had a gun. Lt. Napier physically recovered a Phoenix Arms .22 pistol from the defendant’s pocket. The gun was loaded and capable of shooting. A records check revealed that Porter was convicted in 2013 of two prior felony offenses in Lincoln County: third degree arson and destruction of a public utility. Porter had neither been pardoned nor had his civil right to possess a firearm restored. Additional records checks of the firearm by the ATF confirmed the gun had traveled in interstate commerce. The ATF also confirmed the functionality of the firearm. Stuart commended the investigative work of the West Hamlin Police Department, notably Lt. J. J. Napier, the Lincoln County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the ATF, who assisted the West Hamlin Police Department with the trace and testing of the firearm. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution.
These cases are part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted this case with support from the Project Guardian partners referenced above. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
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-00065 (Napier) and 2:20-cr-00120 (Porter).
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Wood County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling from Labor UnionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that a Wood County man was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison for embezzling from a labor union. Rick Drain, 56, of Vienna, previously pled guilty to one count of embezzling from a labor union. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Drain will also pay restitution.
“Drain was “draining” the Union. Drain took advantage of his position with the local union and took collected union dues and fees for himself,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Not only will Drain be returning the money, but he’ll also be spending a year of his life behind bars for his crime. Crime doesn’t pay.”
Drain was the business manager of a local union and used his position to defraud the union. Law enforcement learned that Drain had defrauded the union of approximately $50,000 by collecting dues and other fees from union members and keeping the money for himself, not depositing it into the union’s bank account. The Department of Labor, through its Office of Labor Management Standards, conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson 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-00045.
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Project Parkersburg Update: Detroit Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Cocaine and Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that a Detroit man was sentenced to federal prison for his role in a large-scale, multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy. Antoine Eltorio Terry, 43, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. Terry was prosecuted as part of Project Parkersburg – a major takedown and dismantling of a poly-drug, multi-state drug trafficking organization (DTO).
“10 years in federal prison. Terry is the latest Project Parkersburg defendant to receive a lengthy prison sentence,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “He was arrested in Dayton, Ohio while waiting for a large drug shipment to arrive from Phoenix, Arizona. If not for the coordinated efforts of law enforcement to intercept the shipment, large amounts of cocaine and meth would have been sold on our streets. Project Parkersburg truly bolstered the safety of our communities by shutting down this DTO.”
Terry previously pled guilty and admitted working with co-defendants to obtain a large shipment of controlled substances from Phoenix, Arizona to be delivered to Dayton, Ohio and ultimately distributed in West Virginia and Ohio. Police intercepted that shipment in Dayton on September 19, 2018. The shipment contained approximately 121 pounds of methamphetamine and 13.2 pounds of cocaine. Terry was arrested nearby as he awaited the delivery of the shipment. Terry admitted his role was to obtain and distribute the cocaine while others intended to distribute the methamphetamine.
Stuart commended the investigative efforts 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. The long-term, joint investigation resulted in at least 29 individuals being charged in federal and state court and the seizure of 121 pounds of ICE methamphetamine, six kilograms of cocaine, 217 grams of heroin and 478 grams of fentanyl.
Of the defendants charged in federal court, Terrence McGuirk, Todd Land, Jeffrey Hoyler, Nicholas Easton, T.J. Gibson, Edward Marks, Amy Rake, Marshall Polan, Troy Pastorino, Michael Holley, Colleen Moyle, and Amanda Atkinson have been sentenced. Aurelius Edmonds and Michael Rhodes await sentencing later this year. 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. 2:20-cr-00036.
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Ohio Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that an Ohio man was sentenced for drug and gun crimes. Keenan Watson, 24, of Dayton, was sentenced to 12 years -- 144 months -- in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. After completing his prison sentence, he will serve five years of supervised release.
“209 grams of meth. 135 grams of fentanyl. Two guns. Dangerous and deadly combination,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Watson posed a significant threat to public safety. Meth and fentanyl are leading causes of addiction and overdose deaths, while drug dealers with guns most often lead to violent crime in our communities. Great work by DEA and the Parkersburg Police Department in bringing Watson to justice.”
Watson had previously pled guilty on June 2, 2020, and admitted that on August 27, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Watson was inside that residence, and ran outside when the officers entered. He ran from the officers until ultimately they were able to catch up and arrest Watson. Officers removed two handguns from Watson and also recovered approximately 209 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately 135 grams of what later proved to be fentanyl from a bag that he was carrying. Watson admitted that he possessed both guns to protect himself, the quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl that he possessed, and any proceeds from the sales of those drugs.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. 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 No. 2:20-cr-00002.
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