Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Akron Man Sentenced to 92 Months in Prison for Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl trafficker was sentenced to 92 months in prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Anton Marcel Jeffries, 25, of Akron, Ohio, previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl.
“Another Akron drug dealer is sentenced to significant time in federal prison for peddling a trifecta of deadly drugs in Huntington,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Jeffries was caught with 108 grams of meth, 25 grams of heroin and 12 grams of fentanyl. Thanks to law enforcement, these dangerous drugs didn’t make it on the streets of Huntington.”
On September 19, 2018, officers with the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drugs Task Force and the Huntington Police Department Special Investigations Bureau executed a search warrant on an apartment residence at 917 9th Avenue in Huntington. Jeffries possessed multiple baggies of what forensic testing confirmed to be approximately 108 grams of methamphetamine, 25 grams of heroin, and 12 grams of fentanyl.
The Huntington Violent Crimes and Drugs Task Force and the Huntington Police Department Special Investigations Bureau conducted the investigation. 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.
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###Beckley Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley man was sentenced to federal prison for a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Kendall Cotten, 30, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for possession of heroin with intent to distribute.
“Cotten was selling fentanyl-laced heroin,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “These cases are tragic and outrageous. We continue to focus on prosecuting the traffickers of these deadly poisons with the goal of removing them from society so that they cannot harm our families or communities any longer.”
Cotten previously admitted that on three separate occasions between November 28, 2017 and December 7, 2017, he sold what he believed to be heroin, but in fact turned out to be a mix of heroin and fentanyl, to a confidential informant working with the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The drugs sold on these dates were tested by the West Virginia State Police Crime Lab and confirmed to contain heroin and fentanyl. Cotten also admitted that on December 13, 2017, police executed a search warrant at his residence. During the search police officers recovered 122 bindles of heroin, $727 in cash that were the proceeds of drug trafficking activities, and a Ruger LCP .380 pistol. Cotten admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin found during the execution of the search warrant.
Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence.
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Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Akron to Huntington Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man pled guilty today in federal court for his role in a conspiracy that involved large quantities of methamphetamine which were transported from Akron and sold in West Virginia, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Marquis Allen Pritchett, 22, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“Earlier this year, my office indicted more than 20 individuals who participated in this Akron to West Virginia meth trafficking network,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Shuttering drug trafficking organizations is critical to disrupting the supply of these deadly drugs coming into our state. We are working with our law enforcement partners to hold drug dealers accountable.”
Pritchett admitted that between June and August of 2019, he participated with multiple individuals to distribute methamphetamine in the Southern District of West Virginia. During the conspiracy, Pritchett obtained large quantities of methamphetamine which were transported from Akron to be sold in multiple cities in West Virginia including Hurricane and Charleston. Pritchett admitted that he supplied methamphetamine to other West Virginia based meth dealers on a recurring basis and that he was aware the methamphetamine he sold would be re-distributed in West Virginia. As part of his plea agreement, Pritchett admitted that he was responsible for distributing up to 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Pritchett faces 10 years to life in prison when sentenced on March 2, 2020.
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 Ona 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.
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Dunbar Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Dunbar man pled guilty to federal drug and gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Bari Myricks, 47, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 or more grams of fentanyl and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
“A felon with firearms distributing fentanyl,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Fentanyl is deadly. Guns in the wrong hands are dangerous. We continue to prosecute fentanyl dealers and those prohibited from possessing firearms with a sense of urgency to protect the public.”
Myricks admitted that on May 7, 2018, the vehicle he was driving was stopped by law enforcement officers due to a traffic violation. He further admitted that after a police K-9 trained in drug detection indicated narcotics were present in his vehicle, police conducted a search of his vehicle, finding heroin in a plastic bag. Officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) later searched Myricks’ residence on Roxalana Road, finding over 100 grams of fentanyl, marijuana, over $12,000 in cash and two firearms. Myricks knew he was prohibited from possessing the firearms due to prior felony convictions.
Myricks faces a term of imprisonment of five to 40 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on February 20, 2020.
MDENT conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Tessman is handling the prosecution.
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Huntington Parolee Sentenced for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man was sentenced to federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Zachary Whitmore, 28, was sentenced to 24 months in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Whitmore previously admitted that on November 1, 2018, a Trooper with the West Virginia State Police assisted the West Virginia Division of Corrections Probation and Parole with locating a parolee. Whitmore was found walking on a street in Huntington. Officers found a 22 Magnum American Arms Revolver in his pocket. Whitmore was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law because of a 2015 felony conviction in Cabell County, West Virginia.
The West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Division of Corrections Probation and Parole 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 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.
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Detroit Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl in HuntingtonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit, Michigan man was sentenced to federal prison today for selling fentanyl in Huntington, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Marshal Franchuit Thomas Jr., 25, was sentenced to 43 months in prison for distribution of fentanyl. Thomas was also ordered to serve 3 years on supervised release after his release from prison.
“We’re sending another Detroit poison peddler to federal prison. Thomas was responsible for distributing up to 400 grams of heroin and fentanyl in Huntington between 2015 and 2018,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Many lives have been lost as a result of fentanyl dealers like Thomas. We’ve pushed back – we’re fighting for our communities and our families – and we’ve substantially increased our prosecution numbers.”
Thomas previously admitted that that, on February 8, 2018, an informant contacted him to purchase heroin. Thomas agreed to meet the informant in the area of 14th Street West in Huntington and, when the informant arrived, Thomas distributed what he purported to be 5 grams of heroin. After forensic testing, the substance distributed by Thomas was discovered to actually be fentanyl, a powerful opiate painkiller. Thomas further admitted that he was involved in distributing heroin and fentanyl in the Huntington area between July of 2015 and March of 2018, and that he was responsible for the distribution of up to 400 grams of heroin and fentanyl in Huntington during that period.
The Huntington Police Department and the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a focused enforcement effort that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
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South Charleston Man Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston man was sentenced to prison on a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Willie James Coleman, 55, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, which will be followed by 72 months of supervised release.
“We’re not seeing too much crack cocaine in the area, but we occasionally still come across a crack dealer like Coleman,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We prosecute crack dealers just like we do any other peddler of illegal drugs. This crack dealer will get more than three years inside because of his choice to be a drug dealer.”
Coleman previously admitted that on January 31, 2019, officers executed a search warrant on his home in South Charleston. During the search, officers recovered the following: a pill bottle containing multiple pieces of “crack” cocaine; two clear plastic bags containing “crack” cocaine from two safes; a loaded .25 caliber pistol; digital scales; and a drug ledger.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Former Assistant United States Attorney Drew Inman and Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution.
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Two Men Sentenced in Marijuana Scheme Through U.S. Postal ServiceRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Huntington men who participated in a scheme to mail marijuana from California to Huntington over a period of several years were sentenced yesteday, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. James Waylon Molinaro ,44, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison after previously entering a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Molinaro also previously pled guilty to prohibited possession of a firearm by a felon stemming from an unrelated investigation. Chris Crookshanks, 43, was sentenced to three years of supervised release during which he must serve 12 weeks of intermittent confinement in jail. Crookshanks previously entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
“The U.S. Postal Service’s “if it fits, it ships” campaign does not apply to illegal drugs” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Unfortunately, the U.S. Mail has become a frequently used method for drug dealers to transport their inventory and, sadly, in this case, a postal service employee was corruptly involved. Law enforcement is keenly aware of the risk of shipments of dangerous drugs in the mail and we are working together to prosecute both the shippers and receivers of illicit drugs. I greatly admire the postal service and their committed employees. Fortunately, we won’t allow a bad apple to sully the orchard.”
Molinaro and Crookshanks admitted that, between 2013 and March of 2018, they and others conspired to distribute marijuana in the Huntington area. During the conspiracy, Molinaro acquired marijuana in California and arranged for it to be shipped through the United States mail from California to Huntington. Once the parcels containing marijuana arrived in Huntington, Molinaro paid multiple postal employees, including Crookshanks who was a letter carrier with the postal service, to deliver the parcels on their assigned delivery routes or to meet Molinaro at other locations to provide the parcels to him.
On March 15, 2018, agents located two parcels at the Huntington Post Office which had been mailed from the State of California to Huntington which were found to contain marijuana. Agents conducting surveillance observed a postal employee 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 postal employee provided the parcels to Molinaro who arrived in a separate vehicle. A trooper with the West Virginia State Police subsequently conducted a traffic stop of Molinaro’s vehicle in the 1000 block of 9th Street in Huntington and recovered the parcels. The parcels were found to contain a total of 16 pounds of marijuana which Molinaro admitted that he intended to distribute.
As part of their pleas, Molinaro admitted that he was responsible for the shipment and distribution of at least 100 kilograms of marijuana, and Crookshanks admitted that he was responsible for the delivery of at least 40 kilograms of marijuana, during the conspiracy.
Molinaro had also previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On July 29, 2018, Molinaro was at a night club on Route 60 in Barboursville when he was asked to leave after a club employee observed him possessing a firearm. Molinaro exited the club, fired multiple shots in the club’s parking lot, briefly left the scene, and then returned. A Barboursville police officer responding to a call for assistance at the club subsequently located Molinaro in possession of .38 caliber revolver. Molinaro was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on multiple prior felony convictions for distribution of cocaine and possession of cannabis for sale
The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the West Virginia State Police – Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Barboursville Police Department, conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecutions.
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Two Huntington Men Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Huntington men were sentenced by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to federal prison for drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
“We continue to prosecute dealers peddling opioids, including pills, heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “As long as we have drug dealers distributing their poisons in our communities, my office will be prosecuting them with a sense of urgency. Last year, more than 900 lives were lost due to drug overdoses in West Virginia and every one of them matter to me. We must hold drug dealers accountable for the chaos and despair they peddle.”
James Daniel, also known as “Mike D,” 41, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin. Daniel previously admitted that on May 23, 2017, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant on a residence he was staying in. Members of West Virginia Parole Services and officers of the Huntington Police Department located approximately 6 grams of heroin. Daniel admitted to officers that he intended to sell the heroin. The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution. This case is being 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.
In a separate case, Billy Dean Vance, 43, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison for distributing oxycodone. Vance also must serve 3 years of supervised release following his sentence. He will be on home confinement for the first six months of his supervised release. On June 20, 2018, Vance sold 20, 30-milligram oxycodone pills for $700 to a person working as a confidential informant for the Drug Enforcement Administration. The sale occurred in the driveway of Vance’s Crestmont Drive home. Vance made two additional sales on prior occasions, both involving 10 30-milligram oxycodone pills. Those sales occurred on May 31 and June 12, 2018. On July 2, 2018, law enforcement served a search warrant at Vance’s residence and found more oxycodone pills, hydrocodone pills and marijuana. They also recovered approximately $3,500 in cash. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey handled the prosecution.
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Fayette County Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
WVDEP Employee Made Over $61,000 in Fraudulent Purchases with State Credit Card
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Fayette County woman entered a guilty plea to the felony offense of wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Yvonne Dozier, 50, of Boomer, faces up to 20 years of incarceration, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release when she is sentenced on February 13, 2020. She will also be required to pay restitution to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) where she was previously employed. Stuart praised the work of the United States Secret Service, the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office, and the WVDEP.
“This office has made the prosecution of public corruption a priority. There’s no such thing as a little bit of corruption, but this was no little bit,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Dozier stole over $61,000 for such critical personal needs – wink, wink – as a vacation rental in North Carolina. This is the type of outrageous stuff that the people of West Virginia don’t deserve. Trusted public employees who steal from taxpayers need to pay a heavy price and Ms. Dozier will learn her fate when her sentencing occurs in February."
Dozier previously worked for the WVDEP as an accounting tech. She was assigned a West Virginia state purchasing card where she was permitted to make authorized purchases on behalf of the WVDEP. These cards could not be used to make personal purchases. Dozier devised a scheme where she used the state purchasing card to make personal purchases and fraudulently wired credit card information. She then altered invoices and modified the state accounting software to adjust the purchases and make the fraudulent purchases appear as though they were legitimately made. From 2014 to 2018, Dozier made hundreds of unauthorized purchases, costing the state of West Virginia $61,753.72. Dozier gave a Mirandized statement to a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, in which she admitted to misusing the state purchasing cards to make personal purchases, altering invoices, and ultimately passing these expenses onto the State of West Virginia.. The fraudulent purchases moved money in interstate commerce both from the actual purchase with the credit card and the State of West Virginia’s paying her Visa card expenses. Dozier used her state purchasing card to pay for personal expenses such as electric, insurance, cable, and cell phone bills, and vacation rental homes. Dozier no longer works for the State of West Virginia.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is handling the prosecution.
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Wood County Man Sentenced for Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLSTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man was sentenced to prison for a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Robert Adams, 34, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Adams is currently in state prison serving a sentence of three to fifteen years. He will begin serving his federal sentence after completing his state sentence.
“We are working with a sense of urgency to prevent and reduce gun crime throughout the District,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement to insure violators of federal gun laws are held accountable are critical to our success. Those partnerships are strong.”
Adams previously admitted that on July 23, 2017, he knowingly possessed a Remington-Peters 4-10 shotgun cartridge, in and affecting commerce. Adams was prohibited from possessing the ammunition because of a 2008 felony offense of burglary in the Circuit Court of Wood County.
The Parkersburg Police Department and 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 Steven I. Loew handled the prosecution.
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Former Director of Administration for Local Trade Organization Sentenced for Embezzling FundsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former Director of Administration for a local trade organization was sentenced to federal prison for embezzling funds from her employer, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Wendy Long, 49, of Charleston, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for access device fraud. The Court also imposed a three year term of supervised release and ordered Long to pay restitution in the amount of $292,409.37. Long had served as the Director of Administration of the trade organization from approximately 2002 through 2017. In that capacity, she handled financial accounts, prepared payroll and paid bills, reconciled bank statements, prepared monthly income and expense reports, among other duties.
“Long stole money from her employer for years totaling over $300,000,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Prosecuting cases like this is a priority for my office, especially in terms of obtaining restitution for victim businesses and organizations. It is similar to public corruption and is just as diabolical. A trusted official who steals from those who trust. Terrible and sad.”
Long previously admitted that she had used the trade organization’s credit cards for her personal use and benefit, knowing that she was not authorized to do so. During the calendar year 2016, she purchased goods and services totaling more than $23,657 for her personal benefit. Long also admitted that in carrying out the purchases, which affected interstate commerce, she acted with an intent to defraud her employer. Some of the purchases paid for were family vacations, airline tickets, tickets to sporting events, and the rental of supplies for engagement and wedding parties. Long further admitted that she committed similar crimes in 2014, 2015, and 2016, against her employer, and that from 2012-2017 she embezzled funds directly from her employer’s bank account. The total amount of fraud that Long committed against her employer exceeded $317,939. After being discovered, Long repaid her employer $25,530. She also paid $292,409.37 to the Clerk of Court prior to her sentencing as agreed upon restitution to her employer.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Phil Wright handled the prosecution.
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Charleston Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced to federal prison for a drug trafficking offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. George Ray Breckenridge, 41, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for distribution of methamphetamine. He will serve 96 months of supervised release after his imprisonment.
“A significant sentence for a significant meth dealer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “As you can see in this case, law enforcement agencies are working together like never before to get drug dealers like Breckenridge out of our communities and away from our families.”
Breckenridge previously admitted that he distributed methamphetamine. Court hearings and public filings established that, on August 2, 2018, Breckenridge, working with two other drug traffickers, traveled from his house on Garrison Avenue in Charleston to the Dunbar Plaza Hotel, where he delivered 34 grams of pure methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Police investigators tried to initiate a traffic stop on Breckenridge’s car as he drove back home from the hotel. Breckenridge then took off back to his house on Garrison Avenue, where he fled on foot into the woods. Investigators arrested Breckenridge minutes later.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the Nitro Police Department, the Charleston Police Department, the South Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Former Assistant United States Attorney Drew Inman and Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution.
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Putnam County Man Sentenced for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Hurricane man was sentenced for a federal firearm offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Johnny Ray Thacker, 63, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin to 60 months in prison for carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Charleston Police Department, the Dunbar Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
“Thacker was a gun-toting drug dealer peddling meth and heroin with two previous felonies,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Drug trafficking is a violent business. When we catch drug dealers carrying guns in furtherance of their drug trafficking business, we will prosecute them for it every single time.”
Thacker previously admitted that on July 3, 2018, a Charleston Police Officer stopped him for speeding 24 miles per hour over the speed limit on Sissonville Drive. Thacker told the officer he had a gun on the passenger seat, which the officer temporarily secured for their safety. Thacker was a two-time felon, whose rights to possess a firearm had not been restored. While retrieving Thacker’s gun, the officer spotted marijuana scattered on it. Officers then searched Thacker’s vehicle and recovered several grams of methamphetamine and heroin, baggies for drug packaging, and a scale.
Thacker further admitted that on September 3, 2018, police officers were called to Dunbar Memorial Park regarding suspected drug trafficking out of a lime green colored vehicle. Officers spotted Thacker parked in a lime green car. After a specially-trained police dog detected the odor of drugs coming from Thacker’s car, police searched it and found approximately 4.5 grams of methamphetamine, baggies, a scale, a baggie of powdered sugar for cutting drugs, and a ledger documenting drug debts and sales. Thacker claimed the drugs.
Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Scott and former Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman handled the prosecution.
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New York Man Enters Guilty Plea to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A New York man pled guilty to a federal firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. John Maurice James, 42, pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“James had a gun to protect himself, his stash of oxycodone and his drug money,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “In my District, you can expect to see drug dealers with firearms charged accordingly. Federal gun crimes carry stiff penalties.”
James admitted that in February 2018, members of the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force executed a search warrant at his house in Mercer County. During the search, officers located a small amount of cocaine and approximately 500 oxycodone pills that James intended to distribute. They also found cash and a Ruger LCP, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol in the same room he had been staying. Defendant admitted that he possessed the firearm to protect himself, the oxycodone pills he possessed, and the cash from prior sales of oxycodone. Defendant further admitted that he had been supplying oxycodone pills to another individual residing in that house with him. He knew that the individual was distributing the drugs for profit.
James faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and up to life in prison when sentenced on March 16, 2020.
The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is handling the prosecution.
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Attorney General William P. Barr Announces Launch of Project Guardian -- A Nationwide Strategic Plan to Reduce Gun ViolenceRead the Press Release
Initiative emphasizes enforcing gun prohibitions based on domestic violence convictions and mental health denials
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Today, Attorney General William P. Barr announced the launch of Project Guardian, a new initiative designed to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws across the country. Specifically, Project Guardian focuses on investigating, prosecuting, and preventing gun crimes.
Reducing gun violence and enforcing federal firearms laws have always been among the Department’s highest priorities. In order to develop a new and robust effort to promote and ensure public safety, the Department reviewed and adapted some of the successes of past strategies to curb gun violence. Project Guardian draws on the Department’s earlier achievements, such as the “Triggerlock” program, and it serves as a complementary effort to the success of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In addition, the initiative emphasizes the importance of using all modern technologies available to law enforcement to promote gun crime intelligence.
“Gun crime remains a pervasive problem in too many communities across America. Today, the Department of Justice is redoubling its commitment to tackling this issue through the launch of Project Guardian,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “Building on the success of past programs like Triggerlock, Project Guardian will strengthen our efforts to reduce gun violence by allowing the federal government and our state and local partners to better target offenders who use guns in crimes and those who try to buy guns illegally.”
“ATF has a long history of strong partnerships in the law enforcement community,” said Acting Director Regina Lombardo. “Make no mistake, the women and men of ATF remain steadfast to our core mission of getting crime guns off of our streets. ATF and U.S. Attorneys nationwide will leverage these partnerships even further through enhanced community outreach initiatives and coordination with local, state, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to cut the pipeline of crime guns from those violent individuals who seek to terrorize our communities. Project Guardian will enhance ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence, to include identifying, investigating and prosecuting those involved in the straw purchases of firearms, lying on federal firearms transaction forms, and those subject to the mental health prohibition of possessing firearms.”
“I want to thank Attorney General Barr for his leadership in launching Project Guardian. Gun violence has been a priority target for my office and it remains so today. Over my term as United States Attorney, we have prosecuted a record number of gun offenders,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Project Guardian will further strengthen the coordinated efforts among federal, state and local law enforcement to make communities and families safer through targeted reductions in violent crime. Our targeted efforts to enforce background checks, share information across agencies, and to ensure those with mental health issues or domestic violence convictions are prevented from possessing a firearm are critical efforts to protect all citizens. The federal government cannot do this alone. Our partnerships with state and local law enforcement are strong and only growing stronger. Project Guardian is the perfect prescription to combat the illegal possession of firearms that threaten law-abiding citizens.”
“ATF’s core mission to reduce violent crime and enforce federal firearms laws is achieved each day through the strength of our partnerships with local and state law enforcement,” stated Acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Louisville Division Tommy Estevan. “Project Guardian will build on these relationships and ATF’s gun crime technologies to effectively disrupt the shooting cycles and arrest those who ‘lie to buy’ firearms. These strategies will reduce the access of illegally obtained firearms and help to make our communities safer for everyone.”
Project Guardian’s implementation is based on five principles:
- Coordinated Prosecution. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will coordinate with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to consider potential federal prosecution for new cases involving a defendant who: a) was arrested in possession of a firearm; b) is believed to have used a firearm in committing a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime prosecutable in federal court; or c) is suspected of actively committing violent crime(s) in the community on behalf of a criminal organization.
- Enforcing the Background Check System. United States Attorneys, in consultation with the Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in their district, will create new, or review existing, guidelines for intake and prosecution of federal cases involving false statements (including lie-and-try, lie-and-buy, and straw purchasers) made during the acquisition or attempted acquisition of firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees.
Particular emphasis is placed on individuals convicted of violent felonies or misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, individuals subject to protective orders, and individuals who are fugitives where the underlying offense is a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; individuals suspected of involvement in criminal organizations or of providing firearms to criminal organizations; and individuals involved in repeat denials.
- Improved Information Sharing. On a regular basis, and as often as practicable given current technical limitations, ATF will provide to state law enforcement fusion centers a report listing individuals for whom the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has issued denials, including the basis for the denial, so that state and local law enforcement can take appropriate steps under their laws.
- Coordinated Response to Mental Health Denials. Each United States Attorney will ensure that whenever there is federal case information regarding individuals who are prohibited from possessing a firearm under the mental health prohibition, such information continues to be entered timely and accurately into the United States Attorneys’ Offices’ case-management system for prompt submission to NICS. ATF should engage in additional outreach to state and local law enforcement on how to use this denial information to better assure public safety.
Additionally, United States Attorneys will consult with relevant district stakeholders to assess feasibility of adopting disruption of early engagement programs to address mental-health-prohibited individuals who attempt to acquire a firearm. United States Attorneys should consider, when appropriate, recommending court-ordered mental health treatment for any sentences issued to individuals prohibited based on mental health.
- Crime Gun Intelligence Coordination. Federal, state, local, and tribal prosecutors and law enforcement will work together to ensure effective use of the ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs), and all related resources, to maximize the use of modern intelligence tools and technology. These tools can greatly enhance the speed and effectiveness in identifying trigger-pullers and finding their guns, but the success depends in large part on state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners sharing ballistic evidence and firearm recovery data with the ATF.
Federal law enforcement represents only about 15% of all law enforcement resources nationwide. Therefore, partnerships with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the communities they serve are critical to addressing gun crime. The Department recognizes that sharing information with our state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners at every level will enhance public safety, and provide a greater depth of resources available to address gun crime on a national level.
For more information on Project Guardian, see the Attorney General’s memorandum at: https://www.justice.gov/ag/project-guardian-memo-2019/download.
- Coordinated Prosecution. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement will coordinate with state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to consider potential federal prosecution for new cases involving a defendant who: a) was arrested in possession of a firearm; b) is believed to have used a firearm in committing a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime prosecutable in federal court; or c) is suspected of actively committing violent crime(s) in the community on behalf of a criminal organization.
Akron Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Akron, Ohio man was sentenced to federal prison for drug and gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Eugene Calvin Wells, 46, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of ICE methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.
“We are working across jurisdictional boundaries to hold out-of-state drug dealers accountable,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Wells was responsible for bringing a tremendous amount of meth and heroin from Akron into Charleston. Getting Wells, his co-conspirators, and their drugs and guns off the streets was a huge win for law enforcement and the City of Charleston.”
Wells previously admitted that between August 1 and September 28, 2018, he was part of a drug trafficking conspiracy bringing heroin and methamphetamine from Akron, Ohio to be distributed in Charleston, West Virginia. On four occasions between August 1 and September 27, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force made controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Wells and his co-conspirators, Miranda Brandon and Sherry Gray. On September 28, 2018, DEA task force officers executed search warrants at a residence on Ferguson Avenue in Charleston used by Wells and at his residence in Akron. At the Charleston residence, police seized four firearms, 521 grams of methamphetamine, 737 grams of heroin, and 602 grams of pentedrone. At Wells’ residence in Akron, police seized three handguns, three assault rifles, a shotgun, more than $8,000, and 432 grams of heroin.
As a result of the investigation, Wells was charged with federal offenses in both the Southern District of West Virginia and the Southern District of Ohio. His plea and sentencing resolved the charges in both districts.
On August 27, 2019, Miranda Brandon was sentenced to 138 months, and Sherry Gray was sentenced to 108 months for their involvement in the conspiracy.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks and former Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman handled the prosecution.
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Three Felons Appear in Court in Connection with Federal Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three felons appeared before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin this week in connection with federal gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
Dana Stevenson, 28, of Charleston, was sentenced to 14 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Stevenson previously admitted that on August 14, 2017, Charleston Police Department officers were searching for a suspect that was seen driving a stolen vehicle. Officers saw Stevenson walking by the Kanawha River. As officers approached, Stevenson threw a firearm into the river. The Charleston Police Department Dive Team later recovered a Glock .40 caliber pistol from the river. Stevenson was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law because of a 2014 felony malicious wounding conviction in Kanawha County, West Virginia. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
In another case, Clayton Cato, 36, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Cato admitted that on November 20, 2018 he was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped on the East End of Charleston for a defective light. Upon officers approaching the vehicle, they smelled marijuana. All occupants were asked to step out of the vehicle. Cato stepped out of the vehicle and ran from the traffic stop on foot. While fleeing, he put his hands near his hoody pocket and was apprehended. During a pat-down for officer safety, officers located a Smith & Wesson 32 caliber pistol. Cato admitted he knew he had a 2003 felony conviction in the Southern District of West Virginia for distribution of cocaine base. Cato faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on January 27, 2020. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is handling the prosecution.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigations of Stevenson and Cato.
Gary Scott, 35, of St. Albans, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Scott previously admitted that on April 23, 2019, in St. Albans, he was driving a vehicle while under the influence of narcotics. He eventually parked at a Go-Mart, got out of the vehicle, and left the passenger in the vehicle. Officers eventually located Scott in the alley near the Go-Mart. Scott admitted to the officers that he had marijuana on his person. Officers searched him and found syringes, marijuana, Alprazolam, heroin, and methamphetamine. Officers detained Scott and transported him back to his vehicle. As they pulled up to the vehicle, Scott told the officers that he had a firearm in the glove box and that he knew that he was not allowed to possess firearms because he is a convicted felon. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a .357 Braztech revolver loaded with five rounds in the glove box. They also located a box of ammunition in the vehicle. The St. Albans Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.
These cases are 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.
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Two New Jersey Men Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two New Jersey men were sentenced to federal prison for their participation in a drug trafficking operation in Fayette County, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Fuquan Hagler, 40, was sentenced to 36 months in prison, to be followed by a three year term of supervised release, while Brian Kelley, 46, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, to be followed by a four year term of supervised release.
“Hagler and Kelley were dealers in a multi-state, poly-drug network responsible for bringing significant quantities of drugs into southern West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The thorough and collaborative work of law enforcement put them out of business.”
Hagler previously admitted that in June 2018, he worked with other members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating between Fayette County, West Virginia and New Jersey to distribute oxycodone pills. Hagler admitted that on June 20, 2018 he was a passenger in car transporting oxycodone pills from New Jersey to West Virginia. It was the plan to deliver the pills to another member of the DTO in West Virginia to be redistributed and sold illegally for profit in the Southern District of West Virginia. Prior to delivering the pills to West Virginia, the car Hagler was in was stopped by the Pennsylvania State Police. During the traffic stop, approximately 997 oxycodone pills were recovered. The pills were hidden in a secret compartment, commonly referred to as a trap.
In a related case, Kelley previously admitted that on July 7, 2018 he was transporting controlled substances from New Jersey to the Southern District of West Virginia. Kelley admitted to traveling to a co-defendant’s residence in Fayette County, and picking up over $21,000 in cash for another member of the DTO. Police officers later stopped the car Kelley was driving and found over $21,000 in cash and approximately 639 grams of cocaine. Both the cash and the cocaine were found in a hidden electronic compartment.
Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, with the support of the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug Task Force, the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Fayetteville Police Department, and Oak Hill Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and Andrew J. Tessman handled the prosecutions. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentences.
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Kanawha County Woman Sentenced for Federal Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Elkview woman was sentenced to federal prison for a federal drug trafficking offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stephanie Barnett, 36, was sentenced to 24 months in prison and five years of supervised release for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
“Barnett was acting as a courier for drug dealers,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Just like the dealers, she will be going to federal prison. We will prosecute all those bringing deadly drugs into our communities, from the drug source to the courier.”
On February 6, 2019, Barnett’s vehicle was pulled over in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, by a Kanawha County Sheriff’s deputy. Barnett initially lied to the deputy about her name and age, and the deputy also smelled burnt marijuana inside the car. The deputy retrieved his K-9 partner, who also indicated that there were narcotics inside the car. Inside the console of the car, officers found a small baggie of methamphetamine. When the officers opened the trunk, they found a large, plastic bag that contained three large bricks of methamphetamine. Each brick weighed approximately two pounds. The methamphetamine was sent to the DEA Mid-Atlantic Lab where it tested as being over 93% pure methamphetamine. Barnett had traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, where she received over six pounds of methamphetamine. She had intended to deliver the methamphetamine to local dealers in Charleston.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner is handling the prosecution.
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Honduran National Man Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Immigration CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Honduran national man pled guilty to the felony offense of reentry of a removed alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Edilberto Hernandez-Garcia, 43, was then immediately sentenced to “time served,” having spent approximately seven months previously incarcerated. He was immediately remanded to ICE to face administrative removal proceedings. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Sophia Police Department, and the Raleigh County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
“Seven prior removals,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Hernandez-Garcia seems to think our immigration laws do not apply to him. Repeat offenders like Hernandez-Garcia are a drain on critical law enforcement resources.”
On April 26, 2019, Hernandez-Garcia was stopped by the Sophia Police Department where he was charged with and convicted of the felony offense of fleeing with reckless indifference in Raleigh County Circuit Court. Once arrested and incarcerated, ICE agents determined that Hernandez-Garcia was in the United States illegally. ICE agents confirmed his legal status. Hernandez-Garcia admitted to agents that he was in the United States illegally. Hernandez-Garcia was arrested and ICE agents matched his fingerprints to a number of previous removals from the United States. Hernandez-Garcia had no identification documents permitting him legal status in the United States.
Fingerprinting matched Hernandez-Garcia to seven prior removals from the United States in 1994, 1995, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2010. His previous removals also included a prior 2010 conviction of illegal reentry into the United States from United States District Court in San Antonio, Texas. In all seven prior removals, Hernandez-Garcia was found by immigration judges to be in the United States illegally and he was subsequently deported to Honduras. He had not obtained permission to legally enter the United States and had not sought legal status or citizenship. Hernandez-Garcia further admitted to ICE agents that he was a Honduran citizen.
United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution.
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Federal Jury Finds Charleston Man Guilty of Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal jury convicted a Charleston man today after a two day trial, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. The jury found Michael Q. Cottrell, 23, guilty of being a felon in possession of firearms on August 25, 2018.
“Guilty as determined by a jury of twelve of his peers,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Federal law is clear -- Cottrell’s prior felony conviction prohibits him from possessing guns. It is really pretty simple. If you are prohibited from possessing firearms, don’t possess firearms. I want to thank the entire team of investigators and prosecutors that worked on this case.”
Cottrell was previously indicted for possessing two firearms, a revolver and a pistol, while being a person prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2018 felony conviction in Roane County. At trial, evidence revealed that Cottrell possessed these firearms on the same night that he crashed a car on Garrison Avenue in Charleston and fled the scene.
Cottrell faces up to ten years in prison when sentenced on March 29, 2020.
The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation.
Senior United States Judge David A. Faber presided over the trial. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin F. Scott and Joshua C. Hanks handled the prosecution.
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Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pled guilty to a drug crime announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Harold Battle, 49, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
“Meth is flooding our cities,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Make no mistake -- the Mexican cartels know where we are and they are the ultimate suppliers to these managers of their drug businesses. We are working day in and day out with our partners in law enforcement to identify and prosecute the drug dealers selling meth on our streets. The victims are my family, friends and neighbors. To me, it’s personal. That’s why I have a sense of urgency to take the poison peddlers off our streets.”
Battle admitted that on October 31, 2017, he distributed 60 grams of methamphetamine to a person cooperating with law enforcement on Charleston’s East End. Officers with the Charleston Police Department stopped a vehicle for multiple traffic violations. During interactions with the driver of the vehicle, officers discovered 32.80 grams of methamphetamine on the driver. The driver told law enforcement he received the methamphetamine from a person they knew as Unk. He agreed to cooperate with law enforcement and ordered more methamphetamine from Battle. Battle arrived on the East End of Charleston and distributed 29.129 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for $1,000 in United States Currency. Battle was arrested shortly after the drug deal.
Battle faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on February 10, 2020.
The Charleston Police Department and the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is handling the prosecution.
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Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Michigan man pled guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Abdullah Myles, 25, entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute heroin.
“Another day and another Michigan drug dealer will soon be going to prison for peddling heroin in Huntington,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “My office has taken a tough, tough stance against these drug thugs. Sentences have more than doubled and we will continue with a sense of urgency until these poison peddlers figure it out. Drug dealers and poison peddlers are no longer welcome here.”
On February 7, 2019, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence Myles was living in at 825 21st Street in Huntington. Officers recovered 13 grams of heroin from the room Myles was living in.
Myles faces up to twenty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 3, 2020.
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 handled the prosecution.
This case is being 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.
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Mexican National Man Sentenced for Immigration CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national man was sentenced to twelve months and one day of incarceration for the felony offense of reentry of a removed alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jose Guadelaupe Camarena-Jacinto, 38, entered a guilty plea on September 4, 2019. At the conclusion of his federal incarceration, he faces possible removal from the United States through administrative proceedings. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Ripley Police Department.
“Camarena-Jacinto has four prior removals,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “He will now serve a year in prison before being deported for a fifth time. No one likes a line skipper -- not at Disney World and not at the border.”
On June 17, 2019, ICE agents traveled to the South Central Regional Jail in Charleston to confirm Camarena-Jacinto’s legal status after he had been arrested by Ripley police officers for the state offense of obstruction. Camarena-Jacinto admitted to agents that he was in the United States illegally. He was arrested and ICE agents matched his fingerprints to previous removals from the United States. ICE agents further spoke to defendant to confirm his identity. Camarena-Jacinto again admitted being in the United States illegally. Camarena-Jacinto had no identification documents permitting him legal status in the United States.
Fingerprinting matched Camarena-Jacinto to four prior removals from the United States in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012. His previous removals also included a prior conviction of illegal reentry into the United States from Federal Court in Jefferson City, Missouri. In all four cases, Camarena-Jacinto was found by immigration judges to be in the United States illegally and he was deported to Mexico. He had not obtained permission to legally enter the United States and had not sought legal status or citizenship. Camarena-Jacinto further admitted to ICE agents that he was a Mexican citizen.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution.
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Two Huntington Men Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – In two separate cases, Huntington men were sentenced to five years in prison for federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
“Week after week we are sending heroin and fentanyl dealers to federal prison,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “When I took office, I promised to get poison peddlers off of our streets and lock them up, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
George Gordon, 46, was sentenced for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Gordon previously admitted that on December 19, 2018, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant at Gordon’s residence at 416 30th Street in Huntington. Officers recovered 67 grams of fentanyl from a jar in the kitchen. The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
David Bond, 38, previously pled guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. On three separate occasions between February 7, 2018, and February 20, 2018, Bond sold heroin and what he believed to be heroin, but in fact turned out to be fentanyl, to a confidential informant working with the DEA/HIDTA Task Force. The drugs sold on these dates were tested by the DEA Lab and confirmed to be heroin and fentanyl. The DEA/AHIDTA Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe handled the prosecution.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.
These cases are being 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.
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Wood County Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County woman pled guilty to a drug trafficking offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Brooke Alexandria Kimble, 21, of Parkersburg, pled guilty to distribution of fentanyl.
“Fentanyl is so powerful. So deadly. And this dealer’s deeds led to death,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Too many West Virginians have died as a result of fentanyl overdoses. Drug dealers must be held accountable. The peddlers of death must end the chaos and destruction they deliver to our people.”
Kimble admitted that on January 7 and 8, 2019 she distributed what she believed to be heroin to a police informant. Laboratory analysis later determined the substance was fentanyl. She further admitted that on January 5, 2019 she distributed what she believed to be heroin to Frederick Lawson who died later that day of fentanyl overdose. The transactions all occurred at her residence on Avery Street in Parkersburg.
Under the plea agreement, Kimble faces 10 to 15 years in prison when sentenced on January 23, 2020.
The Parkersburg Police Department and the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is handling the prosecution.
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Wood County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man pled guilty to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Mark Matthew Smith, 29, of Parkersburg, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Smith admitted that he possessed a KAHR, .45 caliber pistol during a traffic stop on December 6, 2017 in Parkersburg. His possession of the firearm was illegal due to his having been convicted in the Circuit Court of Wood County of forgery in December 2011 and grand larceny in January 2012.
Smith faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on January 23, 2020.
The Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing.
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.
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Whitesville Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va.—A Whitesville man pled guilty to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Daniel C. Runion, 34, pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Mike Stuart commended the investigation by the West Virginia State Police assisted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Runion admitted that he possessed a firearm in his residence on April 30, 2019, when a search warrant was executed in Whitesville. Runion was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a 2012 federal felony conviction for receipt of child pornography.
Runion is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2020, and faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin F. Scott and Erik S. Goes are handling the prosecution.
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Detroit Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced to prison for federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Edward King, 30, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute a quantity of oxycodone and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.
“King is the second pill peddler from Michigan sentenced to federal prison this week. A third was convicted and will be sentenced later. Out of state drug dealers are the norm in West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We want the world to visit and enjoy West Virginia but the drug dealers are not welcome. Almost Heaven would be closer to heaven if not for the drug thugs and poison peddlers that violate our communities and our families.”
King previously admitted that he conspired with another man in April 2015 to distribute oxycodone, specifically, 115 oxycodone 30 mg tablets.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is handling the prosecution.
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Boone County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man was sentenced to federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Benjamin John Mooney, 42, of Costa was sentenced to 30 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine. Upon completing his prison sentence, Mooney will serve an additional term of five years of supervised release.
“546 grams. Think about it. 546 grams. It’s a crazy volume of drugs,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Great work by all involved in getting this meth dealer off the streets and away from our families.”
Mooney previously admitted that he sold methamphetamine to a police informant on four occasions between July 20, 2017 and February 22, 2018. Upon being arrested, Mooney admitted that he had sold approximately 546 grams of methamphetamine during the year prior to October 2018.
The U.S. 119 Task Force conducted the investigation. Former Assistant United States Attorney Drew Inman handled the prosecution. Senior United States District John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence.
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Project Parkersburg Update: Parkersburg Woman Sentenced to Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Amy Rake, 39, of Parkersburg, was sentenced to 5 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Rake was prosecuted as part of Project Parkersburg – a major takedown and dismantling of a multi-state drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing methamphetamine and heroin. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the 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, the seizure of 121 pounds of ICE methamphetamine, six kilograms of cocaine, 217 grams of heroin, and 290 grams of fentanyl.
“As a result of operations like Project Parkersburg, we have doubled the number of meth prosecutions by my office,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We’re taking down meth trafficking organizations and prosecuting meth dealers like Rake throughout the District.”
Rake pled guilty in February and admitted that she was a street level distributor who received methamphetamine in multiple ounce quantities from her co-defendant Michael Rhodes which she then distributed to smaller dealers and users in and around Parkersburg.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks handled the prosecution.
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Michigan Man Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Harper Woods, Michigan man was sentenced to federal prison for a drug crime announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Nekko Daniel was sentenced to 21 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. Daniel was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
“Pill pushers like Daniel feed the flames of the opioid epidemic. It is tragic,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are holding them accountable.”
Daniel admitted that in December 2016, a car he was traveling in on Interstate 77 was stopped by police for a traffic violation. Upon smelling marijuana, police officers searched the car and found 10 grams of marijuana and approximately 540 oxycodone pills. Daniel admitted that he intended to distribute the oxycodone pills.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani handled the prosecution.
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Four Cuban Nationals Defraud West Virginians and Banks with Fraudulent Credit CardsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Four Cuban nationals pled guilty to possessing more than 15 fraudulent credit cards with the intent to defraud West Virginians and banks announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
“Defrauding our citizens and businesses will not be tolerated,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Unfortunately, cases like this are on the rise. We are working side by side with law enforcement to identify and prosecute fraudsters.”
Daniel Collazo, 28, Yaisel Oquendo-Caballero, 26, Ranniel Acosta, 28, all of Florida and Yaidelys Acosta, 23, of Indiana, pled guilty to possessing more than 15 altered credit cards they used or intended to use to defraud West Virginians and banks.
Collazo and Oquendo-Cabellero admitted that on December 20, 2019, law enforcement caught them in the act as they used an altered credit card at Rite Aid defrauding a West Virginian citizen. Law enforcement caught them with more than 15 altered cards in their possession.
Ranniel and Yaidelys Acosta admitted that between November 19, 2018 and December 20, 2018, they possessed more than 15 altered credit cards with the intent to defraud West Virginia citizens. The Acostas used the altered cards at Sam’s, Wal-Mart and 7-11 stores in the Kanawha County area.
Each defendant faces up to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release when sentenced on March 10, 2020.
The United States Secret Service, the Charleston Police Department, and the South Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Arthur is handling the prosecution.
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Virginia Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Vinton, Virginia, man was sentenced to federal prison for a child pornography offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Conner Ray Blevins, 19, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for production of a video of child pornography. Blevins was also sentenced to serve 25 years of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender following his release from prison.
“Individuals committing egregious crimes like this should be prepared to do significant time, because we’re coming after you,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “And we’re going to argue for the longest sentences possible.”
Blevins previously admitted that on October 5, 2018, he traveled from his residence in Virginia to West Virginia, where he picked up two minors under the age of 12 with whom he had been communicating with over Facebook. Blevins took the minors to a hotel in Putnam County where he proceeded to record a video depicting himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with one of the minors. Blevins also admitted to engaging in sexually explicit conduct with the other minor as well.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Mason County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Department of Homeland—Security Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is handling the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Operation Free Market Update: Huntington Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman pled guilty today to a federal drug conspiracy charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Maechelle Relf, 27, entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging her with conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
“Relf is one of seven defendants charged in Operation Free Market,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “During the investigation of this drug network operating between Detroit and Huntington, law enforcement seized approximately 130 grams of fentanyl and 120 grams of heroin.”
Relf admitted that between December 2018 and May 2019 she conspired with other individuals to distribute heroin and fentanyl in Huntington, West Virginia. Relf admitted that she would travel to Detroit, Michigan to obtain heroin for George Lockhart for him to sell in Huntington.
Relf faces up to twenty years in federal prison when she is sentenced on February 3, 2020.
Operation Free Market was a long-term drug investigation in the Huntington area. The investigation was the result of a joint effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West.
The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
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Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit, Michigan man pled guilty today to a federal drug conspiracy charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Gerald Robinson, 26, entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and Xanax.
“Too many pill peddlers have traveled to West Virginia from Detroit,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are working with law enforcement partners across jurisdictional borders to identify and prosecute out-of-state drug dealers that bring drugs into our communities.”
Robinson admitted that in April 2017 he came to Huntington, West Virginia with the intent to distribute oxycodone and Xanax. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle Robinson was a passenger in on Interstate 64. Officer located over 200 oxycodone pills and 53 Xanax pills.
Robinson faces up to twenty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 3, 2020.
The investigation was conducted by the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West.
The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
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United States Attorneys, FBI and AARP Team up to Help Educate SeniorsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia and the FBI are teaming up to educate the aging population in the mountain state and their families about the dangers of elder fraud.
Today, United States Attorneys Mike Stuart and Bill Powell, along with FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones, partnered with the AARP to conduct outreach and raise awareness to educate senior citizens about the latest scams so they do not fall victim. More than 200 seniors in West Virginia had the opportunity to participate in an interactive telephone town hall to learn about the latest financial scams.
“Our seniors are being exploited through grandparent scams, fake prizes, romance scams, fraudulent IRS refunds and deliberate extortion,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “You can rest assured that we are working with our federal, state and local partners to combat all types of elder fraud and to hold the fraudsters accountable. I will do everything within my power to protect West Virginia’s elderly.”
“West Virginia’s senior citizens represent a significant but often vulnerable population. They are regular targets of fraudsters and scammers who often cause catastrophic and irreversible financial losses. Attorney General Barr and all United States Attorneys are aggressively pursuing those who prey on our seniors,” said United States Attorney Bill Powell.
Scammers are targeting senior citizens at an alarming rate. Across the country victims lost $2.71 billion to fraud in 2018 according to statistics collected by the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. West Virginia victims over the age of 60 lost more than $4 million to scams in 2018, nearly quadrupling from losses in 2017.
"Our seniors did not grow up in a world with technology," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. "For many, navigating through these advances may be difficult. That's when the predators come in and prey on their vulnerabilities. All of us at the FBI will do everything we can to make sure our seniors are supported and protected from being victims of fraud."
The Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative aims to combat elder financial exploitation by expanding efforts to investigate and prosecute financial scams that target seniors; educate older adults on how to identify scams and avoid getting ripped off by scammers; and promote greater coordination with law enforcement partners.
In March of this year, Attorney General William P. Barr and multiple law enforcement partners including the FBI, announced the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. The Department took action in every federal district across the country, through the filing of criminal or civil cases. The cases brought during this sweep involved more than 260 defendants from around the globe who victimized more than two million Americans, most of them elderly. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of millions of more dollars than last year, putting the total alleged losses at this year’s sweep at over three fourths of one billion dollars. For more information about the Elder Justice Initiative, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
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Wood County Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Vienna woman pled guilty to gun and drug charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Ally Rhiann Propst, 25, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user.
“Federal law prohibits unlawful drug users from possessing firearms,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Drugs and guns are a dangerous combination. We enforce our gun laws to keep guns out of the wrong hands.”
Propst admitted that on March 6, 2018 she possessed a Glock 9mm pistol that she had obtained from a Parkersburg pawn shop. Propst’s possession of that weapon was illegal due to her addiction to heroin. She further admitted that a year later, on March 1, 2019, she possessed approximately 20 grams of heroin she intended to distribute at her Vienna residence.
Propst faces up to 30 years in prison when sentenced on January 16, 2020.
The Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing.
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.
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Charleston Woman Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston woman was sentenced to prison for a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stephanie Lawhorn, 39, was sentenced to 36 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.
“Lawhorn was a poly-drug dealer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “One by one, we’re sending poison peddlers to federal prison.”
Lawhorn previously admitted that on September 27, 2018, she was stopped by police officers for a traffic violation while driving in Belle, West Virginia. Officers found 15 grams of fentanyl and 115 grams of methamphetamine in her car, which Lawhorn admitted she intended to sell.
The Belle Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Chris R. Arthur is handling the prosecution.
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Dunbar Man Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Dunbar drug dealer was sentenced to federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Samuel Manriquez, 34 was sentenced to 15 months in prison for distribution of furanyl fentanyl and U-47700. Furanyl fentanyl is an analog of fentanyl and U-477001 is a synthetic opioid. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (“MDENT”).
“Manriquez was caught selling deadly and powerful drugs on Charleston’s West Side,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are laser focused and working with a sense of urgency to get drug dealers and their poisons off of our streets.”
Manriquez previously admitted that on May 8, 2017, on Delaware Avenue in Charleston he sold a confidential informant U-47700 and furanyl fentanyl. He also admitted that there was a firearm present during the drug transaction. Manriquez admitted that on the same date and at the same location, he sold another confidential informant U-47700.
Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is handling 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.
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Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Sentenced for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine was sentenced to federal prison for drug distribution, announced Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. Mathew Sisson, 29, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for distributing oxycodone for no legitimate medical purpose and outside the bounds of professional practice. Sisson was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his release from prison.
Sisson previously admitted that while holding an education permit granted by the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine, he participated in a training program at the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) located in Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia. The training program authorized him to practice medicine and prescribe controlled substances within the confines of the program. Sisson acknowledged that his privileges at CAMC and the limited permit issued by the West Virginia Board of Osteopathic Medicine did not permit him to issue prescriptions that were not for legitimate medical purposes, and issued outside the course of professional medical practice.
According to Sisson, he met with an individual on October 17, 2017 in the CAMC lobby and provided a written prescription for 60 oxycodone 30 mg pills to that individual. At the time Sisson provided the prescription, the individual was not a patient of the CAMC program, nor was another physician supervising Sisson at the time. Sisson admitted that he did not do a physical exam on the individual and that the prescription he provided was not for legitimate medical purposes, and outside the bounds of a professional medical practice. Sisson also previously admitted to providing prescriptions for controlled substances to individuals who were not patients in CAMC’s program from September 2017 through January 2018.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.
United States Attorney Mike Stuart was recused from this prosecution.
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Akron Carfentanil Dealer Sentenced to 120 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Akron, Ohio man was sentenced to federal prison for a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Martel Trayvelle Easton, 21, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute carfentanil. Easton was also ordered to serve a 5 year term of supervised release following completion of his prison sentence. Carfentanil is a form of fentanyl but 100 times more powerful, and 10,000 times more powerful than morphine. It is used as an elephant tranquilizer, and is commonly mixed with heroin and known on the street as “pink heroin.”
“One gram of carfentanil could kill 50,000 people. Easton’s arrest may have saved the lives of nearly 10 million people,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “I commend law enforcement for the perilous work they do every single day to remove dangerous drug dealers from our communities.”
Easton previously pled guilty to possessing with intent to distribute over 196 grams of carfentanil and admitted that on February 7, 2018, the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force, along with member of the Huntington Police Department, served a search warrant at 1217 10th Avenue in Huntington after seeing drug trafficking activity from that apartment, which was being used a storage house for drugs. Easton was in the apartment when law enforcement entered and ran out the back door while throwing cash. After a brief struggle, Easton was subdued and arrested. Law enforcement also seized a dealer amount of methamphetamine during the search.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey handled the prosecution.
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Charleston Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston felon pled guilty to a federal drug and gun crimes today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Deshaun Thaxton, 24, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“A felon with 360 grams of meth and loaded machine guns,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Drug dealers like Thaxton pose extreme danger to our communities and law enforcement. We are working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute gun-toting poison peddlers to put them behind bars,”
Thaxton admitted that he sold methamphetamine on three separate occasions in March and April 2019 to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. On April 5, 2019, officers executed a search warrant at Thaxton’s Dunbar residence and located approximately 360 grams of methamphetamine. Officers also located a CAI Georgiavt AK-47 with a loaded 30 round magazine, an Anderson Manufacturing AR-15 with a loaded 90 round drum, and a Bushmaster AR-15 with a loaded 30 round magazine. Thaxton admitted that he possessed the firearms to protect himself, his drugs, and his drug proceeds. He further admitted that he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms because he is a convicted felon.
Thaxton faces up to life in prison when sentenced on January 23, 2020.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling 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.
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West Virginian Business Owners Plead Guilty to Failing to Pay Employment Taxes and Individual Income TaxesRead the Press Release
Two West Virginian business owners pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States regarding their employment taxes and individual income taxes, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Michael B. Stuart for the Southern District of West Virginia.
According to court documents, Russell and Karen Rucker, a married couple, operated Rucker, Billups and Fowler Inc. (RBF), an insurance agency located in Huntington, West Virginia. Russell Rucker was the president of RBF and since approximately late 2013, Karen Rucker served as a financial officer. Between September 2015 and September 2018, the Ruckers withheld approximately $143,226 in payroll taxes from the wages of RBF’s employees, which they did not pay over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) despite their obligation to do so. Instead, the Ruckers diverted portions of the withheld funds for their own personal benefit. For instance, from 2014 through 2016 the Ruckers continued to pay themselves over $500,000 in salary. In response to IRS collection efforts and in an attempt to conceal funds from the IRS, the Ruckers deposited money into the bank account of another individual. The Ruckers also attempted to evade IRS levies by using a series of bank accounts that they did not disclose to the IRS and by paying many of their bills, including their mortgage, in cash.
The Ruckers also attempted to evade payment of $114,911 of Russell Rucker’s 2001, 2002, and 2005 individual income taxes by disguising paychecks issued to Russell Rucker as non-taxable “note proceeds.” Additionally, the Ruckers have failed to file their individual income tax returns and RBF’s corporate returns for 2014 through 2017. The intended tax loss caused to the IRS by their conduct is more than $250,000.
Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 27, 2020. The Ruckers each face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison. They also face monetary penalties, a period of supervised release, and restitution.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Stuart commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Trial Attorneys Alexander Effendi and Lauren Archer of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case.
Texas Man Sentenced for Possession of Credit Card Counterfeiting DeviceRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Texas man was sentenced to federal prison for possession of credit card counterfeiting devices and altered credit cards, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Defendant Tofyk Ali Oro, 32, was sentenced to 14 months in prison and 3 years supervised release for possession of a device to counterfeit credit cards.
“Oro intended to victimize many individuals,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “As a result of the excellent work of U.S. Postal Inspectors and U.S. Secret Service Agents, Oro will be going to federal prison instead of carrying out his fraudulent plans.”
Oro previously admitted that on November 30, 2018 he shipped 55 credit cards and the device equipment from Austin, Texas to Charleston, West Virginia. He further admitted the intent with the 55 cards was to defraud individuals whose accounts were linked to those cards.
The United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Arthur handled the prosecution.
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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Selling HeroinRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man already on federal supervised release for a prior drug and firearm conviction pled guilty today to selling heroin earlier this year, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Quentin J. Parker, 31, pled guilty to distribution of heroin.
“A repeat offender,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Parker was still under federal supervision for previous offenses when he was caught distributing heroin. Now he’ll be going back to federal prison.”
Parker admitted that, on February 6, 2019, he directed a confidential informant to come to a parking lot in the 200 block of 4th Avenue in Huntington to purchase heroin. Once the informant arrived, Parker entered the informant’s vehicle and sold the informant heroin. At the time of the offense, Parker was serving a term of supervised release based on convictions he received in 2011 for distributing crack cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Parker faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on January 27, 2020 for the heroin distribution. Parker additionally faces up to 24 months in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release.
The Drug Enforcement Administration 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.
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Guatemalan National Man Sentenced for Immigration CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Guatemalan national man was sentenced to “time served” for the felony offense of Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Daniel Lopez-Ajqui, 26, has been in custody since June 11, 2019, over four months in federal custody. Lopez-Ajqui entered a guilty plea on September 16, 2019. After the sentencing, he was remanded to the Department of Homeland Security for possible removal from the United States. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“We have more than doubled our prosecutions of illegal reentry cases over the last two years,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “This was Lopez-Ajqui’s third illegal entry into the United States. We must put a stop to the revolving door.”
On June 11, 2019, Lopez-Ajqui was found in Elkview by members of ICE after they received information Lopez-Ajqui was working illegally in Elkview. ICE agents traveled to Elkview to confirm his legal status. The defendant admitted to agents that he was in the United States illegally. Lopez-Ajqui was arrested and ICE agents matched his fingerprints to previous removals from the United States. ICE agents further spoke to the defendant to confirm his identity. Lopez-Ajqui again admitted being in the United States illegally and had no identification documents permitting him legal status in the United States.
Fingerprinting matched Lopez-Ajqui to two prior removals from the United States in 2018 from Texas. In all prior removal hearings, Lopez-Ajqui was found by immigration judges to be in the United States illegally and he was deported to Guatemala. He had not obtained permission to legally enter the United States and had not sought legal status or citizenship. Lopez-Ajqui further admitted to ICE agents that he was a Guatemalan citizen.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution.
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Two Felons Plead Guilty to Federal Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two felons pled guilty to federal gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Both men pled guilty to being felons in possession of a firearm.
Kevin Washington, 49, of St. Albans, admitted that on September 17, 2017, an officer with the St. Albans Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle he was operating. At the time of the stop, Washington possessed a 9mm Taurus pistol in the seatback pocket of the vehicle. Washington knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearms due to his 1993 burglary conviction in Virginia. He has not had his rights to possess firearms restored. Washington faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on January 22, 2020. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the St. Albans Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is handling the prosecution.
David Moore, 40, of Beckley, admitted that on April 1, 2017, a Raleigh County Sheriff’s Deputy pulled him over near the Beckley by-pass. At the time of the stop, the officer saw a firearm in the back seat area of Moore’s car. Moore admitted to the deputy that he possessed the Sig Sauer P522, .22 caliber semi-automatic firearm found in the car. Moore further admitted that he knew it was illegal for him to possess a firearm because he was a convicted felon and was not supposed to possess any firearms. Moore faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 13, 2020. The ATF and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing.
These cases are 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.
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Raleigh County Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Coal City man pled guilty to a child pornography offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Charles Larry Wallace, Jr., pled guilty to production of images of child pornography.
“These cases are some of the most painful and emotional cases for my office to handle,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Adults are supposed to protect children, not exploit them. A violation of the solemn responsibility to protect our children is something that can’t be forgotten or forgiven.”
Wallace admitted that on January 5, 2019, he used a cell phone to take several sexually explicit photographs of a prepubescent minor who was in his care at the time. Wallace then backed the photographs up to his Google Photos account and sent them to another individual via the Internet.
Wallace faces up at least 15 and up to 30 years in prison when sentenced on February 6, 2020.
The West Virginia State Police Crimes Against Children Unit and the Beckley Police Department conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is handling the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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