Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Project Charleston Update: Mother and Daughter Plead Guilty to Federal Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A mother and her daughter pled guilty to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Sherry Gray, 62, pled guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in Kanawha County in August and September 2018. Gray’s daughter, Miranda Brandon, 38, pled guilty to distributing methamphetamine on August 1, 2018, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on September 28, 2018.
“It’s all in the family. This Project Charleston takedown dismantled a multi-state, poly-drug organization responsible for trafficking a significant amount of illegal drugs on Charleston’s West Side,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Although removing drug dealers from our community is gratifying, it’s tragic to see mother and daughter working side-by-side in the drug trade.”
On August 1, 2018, Brandon and Gray each participated in delivering methamphetamine to a confidential informant. The deal took place inside of a vehicle parked in a residential neighborhood on Charleston’s’ West Side. A week later, Gray later delivered additional methamphetamine to the same confidential informant at the same location.
Brandon and Gray each face a prison sentence of up to 20 years in prison when they are sentenced on August 13, 2019. Additionally, Brandon will be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking offense.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Metro Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
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Multiple Felons Charged with Federal Gun Crimes Appear in CourtRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Multiple felons charged with federal gun crimes appeared in court this week, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.
- Christopher Saunders, 26, of Parkersburg was sentenced to 63 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Saunders pled guilty to a single-count indictment in January 2019, admitting he sold a sawed-off shotgun to a confidential informant on March 17, 2018. Saunders is prohibited from possessing any firearm due to 2012 conviction for malicious wounding in Wood County Circuit Court. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis handled the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.
- Chris Pauley, 42, of Logan, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Pauley pled guilty in December 2018, admitting he carried a sawed-off .22 caliber rifle with him while taking a walk in Blair, Logan County. Saunders is prohibited from possessing any firearm due to 2008 conviction for grand larceny in Boone County Circuit Court. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
- Antonio Parnell, 42, from Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 84 months in prison by Judge Copenhaver. Parnell previously pled guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On April 14, 2018, Parnell got into a violent altercation with two victims and with officers from the Charleston Police Department. Parnell had a firearm in his possession that he threw when the officers approached him. He was arrested and has been in custody since that day. Parnell has three felony convictions under three different names. The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Steve Loew handled the prosecution.
- Antoine Maurice Brown, 36, entered a guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Brown admitted that on December 16, 2018, he was driving a vehicle and was pulled over because an officer smelled burnt marijuana emanating from Brown’s vehicle at the intersection of US 119 and Oakwood Road in Charleston. Brown moved a 9mm Taurus pistol from the center console of the vehicle and put it under a child’s car seat located in the back seat of the car. Officers searched the vehicle and located the subject firearm. Brown is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has two prior felony convictions. Brown faces up to ten years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 9, 2019. The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver Jr. presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is handling the prosecution.
“No one is a stronger supporter of the Second Amendment than this United States Attorney,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “This is not an issue about the Second Amendment but, rather, one of enforcing federal law to keep firearms out of the hands of violent felons and prohibited persons to ensure the safety of law enforcement and the public.”
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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 Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pled guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Steven Craig Coleman, 31, pled guilty before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber to possessing heroin with intent to distribute. Coleman has a 2016 conviction for involuntary manslaughter for distributing heroin to a woman causing a fatal overdose. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Charleston Police Department, South Charleston Police Department, and Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
“Enough is enough. Coleman has a prior conviction in state court in connection with the distribution of heroin causing a fatal overdose,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The very next year, he was back to peddling deadly poisons in Charleston. Coleman has been detained since his arrest on federal charges.”
As established by public court filings and hearings, in July 2017, police investigators learned from a confidential source that Coleman was selling several ounces of heroin from his house on 7th Avenue in Charleston. On July 20, 2017, Coleman sold a confidential informant a substance containing fentanyl. A week later, investigators executed a search warrant at Coleman’s house, where they found Coleman carrying several thousand dollars in drug proceeds and around 50 grams of methamphetamine outside of an open window near Coleman.
On August 8, 2018, police again met Coleman at his house and he gave them permission to search his room. Coleman directed an investigator to where he was hiding his drugs. Police ultimately found close to 10 grams of drug mixtures containing heroin, fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, a deadly fentanyl analogue.
Coleman is facing up to twenty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 13, 2019. Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is handling the prosecution.
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Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Beckley man pled guilty today for his role in a drug trafficking crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Billy Joe Lesher, 40, of Beckley, entered his guilty plea to possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine. The investigation was conducted by the Beckley Police Department, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
“Good work by Beckley area law enforcement agencies,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Another meth dealer is off the streets.”
Lesher admitted that on October 24, 2018, members of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the ATF executed a search warrant at his residence in Beckley, West Virginia. During the search, officers found approximately seven ounces methamphetamine that defendant admitted he possessed with the intent to distribute. Lesher also admitted that he possessed methamphetamine on March 10, 2018. On this date, Lesher admitted that he was the subject of a traffic stop in Beckley. After he was stopped, officers found approximately 58 grams of methamphetamine, a set of digital scales, two firearms, and almost $12,000 in cash in his car. After the traffic stop, officers also searched defendant’s residence and found approximately 33 ounces, or about two pounds, of methamphetamine. Lesher admitted that he intended to distribute this methamphetamine in the Southern District of West Virginia. Further, as part of his plea, Lesher admitted to distributing quantities of heroin on two different dates.
Lesher faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years in federal prison and a $5,000,000.00 fine when he is sentenced on July 24, 2019.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing.
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Last Defendant in Arson and Insurance Fraud Scheme Sentenced to 17 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. –The last of four defendants from a Southern West Virginia family involved in an arson and insurance fraud scheme was sentenced in United States District Court announced United States Attorney Michael Stuart. James “Punkin” Lester, 47, was sentenced to 17 years in prison following his August 2018 conviction on 23 separate felonies related to the scheme. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $505, 618.57 and ordered to forfeit an additional $120,000.
“17 years. Arson and insurance fraud are serious crimes for which every citizen pays the price,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Arson is not only a property crime but it risks lives as well. It is gratifying when defendants like Lester are held accountable, not only by a sentence of incarceration, but by an order of restitution as well.”
Between April of 2012 and January of 2016, Lester, along with his father, Windel Lester, his brother, Greg Lester, his former step-mother, Georgetta Kenney, and others, participated in various ways in three separate but interrelated schemes involving arson, mail and wire fraud, and money laundering. Their overall purpose was to enrich themselves by fraudulently obtaining insurance proceeds on houses they intentionally burned. The houses were insured for amounts greatly exceeding their value and the value of any contents. The houses were located at Matoaka in Mercer County, Huntington in Cabell County, and Ikes Fork in Wyoming County.
Windel Lester was convicted of 17 separate felonies. His sentencing hearing was originally set along with James Lester’s. However, Windel Lester died prior to his sentencing hearing. Others involved included Dudley Bledsoe, Ricky Gleason, and James Browning, all of whom pled guilty and are serving prison sentences.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the trial and the sentencing hearing. Agents with the West Virginia Insurance Commission, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Philip H. Wright and R. Gregory McVey handled the prosecution.
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Justice Department Observes National Crime Victims' Rights Week with Events Throughout the CountryRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Mike Stuart Hosts 19th Annual Operation Reach Out Ceremony
CHARLESTON – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7-13, 2019, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia hosted the 19th Annual Operation Reach Out Opening Ceremony today at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston, West Virginia. Operation Reach Out, a collaborative of local advocacy programs, raises awareness of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and educates the community on the various organizations that provide services to crime victims.
Guest speakers included Debbie Casto, a survivor of domestic violence, and her brother, Sergeant Anthony Craigo with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors across the district received recognition for their coordinated community response to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking crimes.
“Victims of crime deserve justice. This Department works every day to help them recover and to find, prosecute, and convict those who have done them harm,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “During this National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we pause to remember the millions of Americans who have been victims of crime and we thank public servants who have served them in especially heroic ways. This week the men and women of the Department recommit ourselves once again to ensuring that crime victims continue to have a voice in our legal system, to securing justice for them, and to preventing other Americans from suffering what they have endured."
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States Attorneys’ offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S. Attorneys’ offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates, as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime. This year’s observance takes place April 7-13, with the theme: Honoring Our Past. Creating Hope for the Future.
“We are so proud to take part in National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to honor the victims of crime and recognize those who provide services to victims,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The focus of this year’s ceremony is violence against women, including domestic violence, an insidious crime at every level. We strive every day with a sense of urgency to fight for the victims of crime and against the perpetrators of crime. We should never become so calloused from the pursuit of our daily obligations that we forget the purpose of our work – fighting for and being the voice of the victims of crime.”
“In conjunction with the ceremony, I rolled out Project HOPE (Healing, Officers, Prosecutors, Empowerment), a joint federal and local effort to combat violence against women. Project HOPE crystallizes my absolute commitment to rooting out violence against women in every form.”
The U.S. Department of Justice will host the Office for Victims of Crime’s annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 12, 2019, to honor outstanding individuals and programs that serve victims of crime.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime-fighting strategies. Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods, the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office, SDWV, Victim Witness Program at (304) 345-2200.
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Huntington Man Sentenced for Federal Heroin OffenseRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who conspired with others to sell heroin in 2017 and 2018 was sentenced today to 41 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Bryan Michael Adams, 28, previously pled guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin in federal court in Huntington. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Drug Task Force and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department.
“Heroin dealer after heroin dealer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We’re locking them up. We’re united in in fighting the drug epidemic in Huntington through enforcement, prevention and treatment and we’re making tremendous progress.”
On April 4, 2018, a confidential informant contacted Adams to arrange a purchase of heroin. During the telephone call, Adams agreed to sell heroin to the informant and directed the informant to come to the residence he shared with another person located at 4260 U.S. Route 60, Apartment 7 in Huntington. Shortly after, Adams and the other individual met with the informant inside the residence and the other individual distributed heroin to the informant.
As part of his plea agreement, Adams admitted that, from at least November 2017 to April 2018, he conspired with others to distribute heroin in the Huntington area. Adams also admitted to assisting another heroin deal on April 11, 2018, in Huntington and that he was responsible for the distribution of up to 100 grams of heroin during his participation in the conspiracy.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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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Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pled guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Michael Pittman, 38, entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
“Meth and heroin,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “What else needs said?”
On October 9, 2018, officers with the Huntington Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of 18th Street West and Jefferson Avenue for a report of a man down. When they arrived on scene, they found Pittman laying in the middle of the road with no shirt or shoes on. Pittman told officers he had just injected heroin. Officers found approximately 53 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 9 grams of heroin in Pittman’s truck. Pittman admitted he intended to sell the methamphetamine and heroin.
Pittman faces up to twenty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 29, 2019.
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.
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Boone County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man pled guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Benjamin John Mooney, 42, pled guilty before Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. to distributing methamphetamine. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the West Virginia State Police, the U.S. 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
“Rural areas like Boone County have paid too high a price and been hit hard by meth and other drugs,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Getting dealers like Mooney off the streets will help stem the tide.”
As established by public court filings and hearings, Mooney sold highly pure methamphetamine to an undercover police informant on four separate occasions between July 2017 and February 2018. Mooney told police investigators that he had been selling over 10 grams of methamphetamine weekly for at least a year.
Mooney is facing up to twenty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 27, 2019. Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is handling the prosecution.
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Two Huntington Men Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Huntington men were sentenced to prison today in federal court in Huntington, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. The sentences were imposed by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
“Add two more to our list of prosecutions for heroin or fentanyl related offenses,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We’ve made great progress, but there is still much work to do.”
Dahran Montgomery, also known as “Daedog”, 42, was sentenced to 52 months in prison. Montgomery previously pled guilty to two counts of aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin and one count of possession with the intent to distribute heroin. He admitted that on February 16, 2017 and May 1, 2017, Quandale Turk directed him to distribute heroin to a confidential informant in Huntington. Montgomery also admitted that on May 3, 2018, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant at his residence at 920 Eutaw Place in Huntington. Officers seized approximately 80 grams of suspected heroin in the kitchen.
David Paul, 38, was sentenced to 46 months in prison. Paul previously pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute heroin that contained fentanyl. Paul admitted that on January 10, 2018, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant at his residence at 528 8th Avenue in Huntington. Officers found approximately 96 grams of heroin and approximately 63 grams of heroin that contained fentanyl in a safe. 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.
The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecutions.
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Mexican National Men Sentenced for Immigration CrimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Mexican national men were sentenced for the felony offense of Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Carlos Rodriguez-Diaz, 26, and Huber Rodriguez-Diaz, 24, both received a sentence of “time served.” They had both been in custody since December of 2018, nearly four months of federal incarceration. The Court ordered both men remanded to ICE custody to begin administrative deportation proceedings. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“These two brothers, both in their twenties, had four prior removals between them,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “If they want to live and work in our country, they need to enter our country legally and follow our immigration laws.”
On December 19, 2018, both men were found in Hurricane, Putnam County, West Virginia. Federal agents with ICE had received a tip that a person was working illegally at a Hurricane restaurant. ICE agents investigated and located the Rodriguez-Diaz brothers walking to the restaurant. Believing one of the men to be the target of the investigation, ICE agents requested identification. Both men immediately admitted that they were not in the United States legally and had no identification documents. ICE agents took Carlos and Huber Rodriguez-Diaz into federal custody.
Fingerprinting matched Carlos to three prior removals from the United States in 2014, 2015, and 2018. Huber has one prior removal from the United States in 2014 that his fingerprints matched. In all cases, the Rodriguez-Diaz brothers were found by immigration judges to be in the United States illegally and they were deported to Mexico. Neither man had obtained permission to legally enter the United States and had not sought legal status or citizenship. Both Carlos and Huber Rodriguez-Diaz further admitted to ICE agents that they were Mexican citizens.
Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for both of the prosecutions. United States District Judge Robert C Chambers imposed the sentences.
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MEDIA ADVISORY: United States Attorney Mike Stuart to Host 19th Annual Operation Reach Out Opening CeremonyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 7-13, 2019, United States Attorney Mike Stuart will be hosting the 19th Annual Operation Reach Out Opening Ceremony. Stuart will present Excellence in Victim Advocacy and Justice Awards to federal, state and local partners engaged in fighting violence against women.
What: Operation Reach Out Ceremony & Reception
Where: Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse
300 Virginia Street East, 5th Floor
Charleston, WV
When: Tuesday, April 9 @ 11:00am
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Federal Jury Finds Parkersburg Man Guilty of Child Pornography Crimes and Witness TamperingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that Daniel Roy Mace, of Parkersburg, was convicted by a federal jury on 15 felony charges: 12 counts of receipt of child pornography on dates between June 24 and August 3, 2016; one count of distribution of child pornography; one count possession of child pornography depicting prepubescent minors; and one count of witness tampering. When he is sentenced on July 8, 2019, he will face up to 20 years on each count, along with at least five years for each of the 12 receipt counts and the distribution count. He will also be placed on supervised release for a term of at least five years and up to life following his release from prison, and will be required to register as a sex offender.
“Guilty on all 15 counts,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “These are emotional and difficult cases, especially considering the graphic nature of the evidence and that the conduct involves children. These cases are critically important – for the victims, for the community and our society. The timing of this case couldn’t be more apt. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and just yesterday, we rolled out the remarkable results over the last six months of multiple investigations regarding child exploitation. I applaud the efforts of Assistant United States Attorneys Jenny Herrald and Alex Hamner, and the entire team that worked on this case. We are in the business of protecting children.”
On August 1, 2016, law enforcement with the WVSP Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force began a proactive investigation into local distributors of child pornography. After identifying a potential target in the Parkersburg area, a detective downloaded eight videos of child pornography from a user located in Parkersburg over a peer-to-peer file sharing network. On August 4, 2016, a search warrant was executed at the residence from which the child pornography was being shared. Law enforcement discovered Mace’s laptop in his bedroom, actively downloading child pornography from the same file-sharing services where law enforcement had downloaded the eight videos of child pornography. Upon examining Mace’s computer, law enforcement discovered 80 videos of child pornography depicting prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Among the 80 videos were all eight videos of child pornography that law enforcement had downloaded.
After Mace was arrested on a federal indictment charging him with numerous child pornography offenses, Mace began attempting to persuade a witness to provide a false alibi for him during testimony before a federal grand jury in January 2019. The jail calls between Mace and the witness were recorded.
The West Virginia State Police, the Parkersburg Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Violent Crime Against Children (VCAC) Task Force conducted the investigation. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the trial. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Alex Hamner handled the prosecution.
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Boone County Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man pled guilty today to drug and gun charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Bruce Lee Boardman pled guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Nitro Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the West Virginia State Police.
“Another gun toting meth dealer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “And another federal conviction. We are working hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to remove violent drug dealers like Boardman from our communities.”
As established by public court filings and hearings, on June 30, 2017, Nitro police stopped Boardman for driving his truck erratically. Boardman appeared extremely nervous and admitted to driving with a revoked license due to a prior DUI. Officers smelled marijuana coming from the truck, so they searched it and found three bags of methamphetamine weighing approximately 50 grams, a small amount of marijuana, and a digital scale. Officers also found two loaded pistols under the driver’s and passenger’s seats.
On December 12, 2017, police investigators used a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Shaine Ray Dingess at a house in Nellis, West Virginia. The informant’s hidden camera captured Boardman inside the home supplying Dingess with methamphetamine. During the drug transaction, Boardman was holding a pistol in his hand.
Boardman is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to life imprisonment when he is sentenced on June 26, 2019. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is handling the prosecution.
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United States Attorney Mike Stuart and Law Enforcement Officials Including the FBI and the West Virginia State Police Announce Results of Efforts to Fight Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart, joined by FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nick Boshears, Pittsburgh Field Office, FBI Assistant Section Chief Brian Herrick, Violent Crimes Against Children, and West Virginia State Police Sergeant James Kozik, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, announced the results of multiple investigations regarding child exploitation in the Southern District of West Virginia (SDWV) through the West Virginia Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force provides resources to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals who exploit our children for sex, child pornography and human trafficking. The task force partners in the Southern District of West Virginia are: West Virginia State Police, Parkersburg Police Department, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office and Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
“Protecting our children from exploitation and violence is a priority for me and my office,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Although due to the nature of these cases, we don’t often ‘advertise’ our work, you can rest assured we have been aggressively engaged 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to do all we can to protect our children from predators and monsters that prey on our children’s innocence, vulnerabilities and trust. Child exploitation is an epidemic in America today and West Virginia is not immune from the predators that prey on our children.”
"It’s not enough to just identify the crimes against children anymore, we have to work to prevent exploitation," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. "Having a dedicated task force with our law enforcement partners to address these issues in West Virginia gives us more resources to identify, investigate and arrest online predators. The FBI will continue to pursue these vicious criminals to protect our children."
Over the past 6 months, the task force has made 19 arrests, executed 27 search warrants, had 10 indictments including three pending and 9 convictions in specific proactive efforts in the Southern District of West Virginia.
In addition to the multiple investigations involving the task force, the United States Attorney’s Office, SDWV, has prosecuted nearly a dozen additional cases related to child exploitation and internet pornography.
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Project Parkersburg Update: Testing Indicates Nearly 291 Grams of Fentanyl Seized; Enough to Kill Parkersburg, Charleston & HuntingtonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Parkersburg residents arrested as part of Project Parkersburg – a major takedown and dismantling of a multi-state drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing methamphetamine and heroin – appeared in federal court today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jeffrey Hoyler, 56, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, while Nicholas Ryan Easton, 29, was sentenced to 30 months in prison. 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 150 pounds of methamphetamine and, what was originally believed to be 4 pounds of heroin, have been determined to be comprised of nearly 291 grams of fentanyl. If the fentanyl in this case had made it to the streets of the Parkersburg region, nearly 150,000 West Virginians could have died.
“Enough fentanyl to kill nearly 150,000 people,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “While we originally believed that we seized four pounds of heroin as part of this operation, testing has recently shown that a significant portion of the seizure was comprised of nearly 291 grams of fentanyl. This is both scary and satisfying. Scary because so many West Virginians could have lost their lives and satisfying because law enforcement was able to stop this fentanyl and shut down a major drug organization.”
Stuart continued, “This is the largest meth bust in West Virginia history – and Ohio history for that matter where the meth was physically seized. Thanks to the tremendous work of federal, state and local law enforcement in Project Parkersburg, hundreds of pounds of meth, heroin and enough fentanyl to kill more than the combined populations of Parkersburg, Huntington and Charleston were seized before hitting the streets and a large, multi-state drug organization was shut down.”
Hoyler admitted to transporting cash to Phoenix, Arizona at the direction of co-defendant Terrence McGuirk and pooling the money with co-defendants Aurelius Edmonds and Antoine Terry in order to purchase approximately 150 pounds of methamphetamine which was intercepted by the FBI in Dayton, Ohio on September 19, 2018. Hoyler faces 10 years to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 17, 2019.
Easton previously pled guilty in December 2018 where he admitted selling between 50 and 200 grams of methamphetamine.
Hoyler, and Easton were charged with 15 other defendants in a two-count federal indictment in October 2018. Theodore “T.J.” Gibson, Edward Marks, Amy Rake, Troy Pastorino, and Colleen Moyle have pled guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is responsible for the prosecution.
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Mingo County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Mingo County man pled guilty to a federal firearms charge, said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jay James Fields, 36, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the United States Marshals Service.
On November 3, 2017, Logan County 911 Dispatch received a call regarding two suspicious individuals who left a known drug house. A Logan County Sheriff’s Deputy proceeded to the area, and identified the two individuals described by 911. The Deputy tried to speak to Fields who fled on foot with a gun in his hand. The Deputy retrieved the gun after Fields discarded it during the chase. A Deputy United States Marshal was able to apprehend Fields.
Fields faces up to 10 years in prison on the charge of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Senior United States Senior District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Chris Arthur is handling the prosecution.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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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Mexican National Man Pleads Guilty to Immigration CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national man pled guilty to the felony offense of Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Manuel Ortiz-Sanchez, 44, will be sentenced on August 13, 2019. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the West Virginia State Police.
“Ortiz-Sanchez had two prior removals,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We have a crisis at our border and our communities and the brave men and women in law enforcement are shouldering the burden. We must stop the revolving door.”
On January 16, 2019, Ortiz-Sanchez was found in Chelyan, Kanawha County, West Virginia. West Virginia troopers had stopped a car for failure to maintain control on the West Virginia Turnpike. The driver offered a Mexican Consular notification document and the passengers, including Ortiz-Sanchez, did not have drivers licenses or other identification. The State Police contacted ICE, who spoke to the individuals telephonically in Spanish. Ortiz-Sanchez admitted being in the United States illegally. Federal agents with ICE responded to the scene and took Ortiz-Sanchez into custody. Ortiz-Sanchez immediately admitted that he was not in the United States legally and had no identification documents permitting him legal status in the United States.
Fingerprinting matched Ortiz-Sanchez to two prior removals from the United States in 2015. In both cases, Ortiz-Sanchez 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. Ortiz-Sanchez further admitted to ICE agents that he was a Mexican citizen.
Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David Faber presided over the hearing.
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Dunbar Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Tajae Dasjuan Mosley, 27, of Dunbar was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and being an unlawful drug user in possession of firearms. Stuart commended the efforts of the FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
“Selling meth at an apartment complex in Dunbar,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Mosley’s conviction is good for Dunbar and the Kanawha Valley. We want the Mosleys’ of the world away from our families and our children. Any time we can take a meth dealer off the streets, it’s a win for our communities and for law enforcement.”
Mosley pled guilty in November 2018, admitting that from at least November 2017 until his arrest on July 10, 2018 he had been distributing methamphetamine in and around apartment complexes on Smoot Avenue and Howard Avenue in Dunbar. On July 10, 2018, police executed federal arrest warrants in several locations in Dunbar including Mosley’s residence where they seized three firearms. Mosley admitted that he was prohibited from possessing the firearms due to be a habitual drug user.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks handled the prosecution.
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Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Fentanyl MixtureRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Christopher Tyler, 27, of Charleston, West Virginia entered a guilty plea today to a single count information charging him with distributing a mixture containing fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl announced United States Attorney Michael B. Stuart. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
“Tragic. Fentanyl is so deadly. Last year, my office seized enough fentanyl to kill nearly the entire population of West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are working tirelessly to prosecute every fentanyl dealer we can find. We’ve lost to many of our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers to this poison.”
Tyler admitted that on August 29, 2018, he exchanged text messages with a female in Charleston and agreed to sell her a substance they both believed to be heroin. The female came to Tyler’s house on Glover Street in Charleston to pick up the substance and gave Tyler money. Tyler and the female continued to text that evening into the earlier morning hours. The next morning when Tyler called the female’s phone, he was informed she had died. Toxicology testing done by the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that the substance Tyler sold to the female was a mixture of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, and acetyl fentanyl, a schedule I controlled substance.
Tyler faces up to 20 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on August 6, 2019 before Senior United States District Court Judge David A. Faber.
Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the investigation.
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Career Offender Gets Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Trafficking Pure MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston man who sold pure methamphetamine was sentenced today to 14 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the Nitro Police Department, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, and the South Charleston Police Department.
“Haddox is a career offender – 18 felony convictions,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “He distributed a large quantity of 100% pure meth - pure and powerful. His significant sentence is well-deserved.”
Jason Haddox, 35, previously pled guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. On April 4, 2017, police investigators used a confidential informant to purchase a quarter ounce of methamphetamine from Haynes in South Charleston. Haddox supplied Haynes with the methamphetamine. Investigators then executed a search warrant on Haddox’s South Charleston residence on April 7, 2017, where they recovered over two ounces of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and thousands of dollars of drug trafficking proceeds. Haynes is currently awaiting trial.
At the sentencing hearing, the United States argued that Haddox was a large-scale methamphetamine trafficker, who had been distributing up to 20 ounces of methamphetamine a month with his co-defendant Mary Haynes. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger noted that Haddox had been convicted of 18 felonies and was a career offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The Court found Haddox accountable for over 260 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine.
Haddox will remain in custody until he reports to a federal prison. Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman handled the prosecution.
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Two Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va.—United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that two men were sentenced on drug charges in federal court in Bluefield.
“A drug dealer is a drug dealer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Regardless of whether they are selling opioids or cocaine, we’ll do everything we can to protect West Virginia families and put drug dealers behind bars.”
Benjamin Allen III, 31, of Princeton, was sentenced to 188 months in prison for distributing hydromorphone. Allen pled guilty in December, admitting that on January 10, 2017, he distributed a quantity of hydromorphone to an informant in Princeton. He also admitted that he distributed hydromorphone on two other occasions in Princeton in January of 2017 and once in Bluefield in March of 2017, and that on March 28, 2017, he possessed hydrocodone and hydromorphone pills in Princeton with the intent to distribute them. The case was investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Bluefield Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
James Kelsor, 46, of Northfork, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for distributing cocaine. Kelsor also pled guilty in December, when he admitted that on September 30, 2016, he distributed a quantity of cocaine to an informant in Bluefield. He also admitted that he distributed cocaine to an informant in Bluefield on October 3 and October 5, 2016. The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution of the cases. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentences.
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Princeton Couple Sentenced to Prison for Federal Robbery and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Princeton husband and wife were sentenced to federal prison for federal robbery and gun charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Sarah K. Bailey, 39, and Michael Justin Bailey, 38, were each sentenced to federal prison for 16 years, and 20 years and 6 months, respectively. Both defendants previously entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robberies and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, with the assistance and co-operation of law enforcement personnel in the states of Virginia and North Carolina.
“A modern day Bonnie and Clyde – the Baileys committed heinous crimes,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The exemplary work of law enforcement brought their string of violence to an end. The Baileys will now be spending many years behind bars.”
“These violent criminals threatened the safety of our communities,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Stuart Lowrey of the Louisville Field Division. “ATF, strives to be ‘no better partner’ to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Together, we will continue to aggressively investigate, arrest and pursue prosecution of these offenders. Our shared commitment to reducing violent crime continues to make West Virginia safer for everyone.”
The Baileys previously admitted to robbing two separate video poker parlors in the Southern District of West Virginia. The Baileys admitted that on October 26, 2017, they robbed a video poker parlor near Peterstown, West Virginia. The Baileys further admitted that during the robbery, a 76 year old employee was struck several times in the head with a club, causing injury to the employee. They admitted to then binding the employee with duct tape, and stealing money and personal items from this employee.
The Baileys also previously admitted to committing another robbery as part of the conspiracy. This robbery occurred near Bluefield, West Virginia on November 5, 2017. On November 5, the Baileys went to a video poker parlor where Sarah Bailey had previously worked near Bluefield. On this date, they used firearms that had previously been stolen to rob the video poker parlor. During the robbery, the Baileys admitted to threatening an employee and customers with the firearms and again binding an employee with duct tape. They further admitted to stealing nearly $5,000 and personal items and effects from the employee and customers. The Baileys then fled to North Carolina where they were arrested after being found in possession of the money and other stolen items from both of the robbery locations.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecutions. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentences.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Methamphetamine CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who was caught with methamphetamine at his residence last summer pled guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Davon Travis-Jones Keith, 26, entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in federal court in Huntington. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Huntington Police Department and Parole Services with the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
“Great work by the Huntington Police Department and Parole Services,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Partnerships between law enforcement and corrections enhance public safety.”
On July 11, 2018, Keith’s parole officer conducted a home inspection at Keith’s residence located at 1342 Van Buren Avenue in Huntington. Keith was located in the residence and the officer conducted a search. The officer subsequently observed and seized almost 60 grams of crystal methamphetamine which was located on the top of a dresser in Keith’s bedroom. Keith admitted at the hearing that he possessed the methamphetamine and intended to distribute it.
Keith faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 15, 2019.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.
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Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marcus Smith, 46, from Charleston, West Virginia, pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. The case was investigated by the Hurricane Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
On August 29, 2017, a Hurricane Police Officer conducted a traffic stop in Hurricane. Smith was a passenger in the vehicle. Officers located a loaded firearm under his seat. Smith was prohibited from possessing the firearm under federal law because of a multiple prior felony convictions.
Smith faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on July 15, 2019.
The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor handled the prosecution of the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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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California Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A California man pled guilty today to a federal gun charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Tiero D. Wash, 23, entered his guilty pleas to being a felon in possession of firearms on two separate dates. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Mercer County Home Confinement Office, and the Bluefield City Police Department.
It was established at the plea hearing that Wash illegally possessed firearms on two separate dates while on home confinement in Mercer County on unrelated state charges. On December 5, 2017, Mercer County Home Confinement Officers and Bluefield City Police Officers searched Wash’s residence as a condition of his home confinement. During the search, officers located three different firearms. On January 1, 2018, officers again searched Wash’s residence as a condition of his home confinement. During the second search, officers located another firearm. Wash was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because he was previously convicted of the felony offense of Transporting Marijuana in the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento in 2017.
Wash faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 7, 2019.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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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Wayne County Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Ammunition While Being a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Steven Ferguson, 40, pled guilty today to being a prohibited person while possessing ammunition, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. The investigation was conducted by the Huntington Police Department.
On February 2, 2018, a Huntington Police Officer on patrol observed a black Dodge truck stuck in the mud in Rotary Park in Huntington. The officer observed two occupants in the vehicle. After observing and securing a large machete and a hunting knife, Ferguson told the officer he had a bag that contained ammunition. Ferguson was prohibited from possessing the ammunition under federal law because of a 2012 misdemeanor domestic battery 2nd offense conviction in Cabell County Magistrate Court.
Ferguson faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on July 15, 2019.
The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor handled the prosecution of the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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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United States Attorney's Office Gets $50,000 of Elderly Scam Money ReturnedRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that his Office recently facilitated the return of $50,000 to an elderly scam victim in Florida. The scam was identified in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office Elder Justice Initiative. The victim had wired $50,000 to a bank account in the Southern District of West Virginia. Investigators with Stuart’s office reached out to the West Virginia citizen whose name was on the account and who was suspected of receiving fraudulent funds. The West Virginia citizen, also a victim of other online scams, was being used by scammers as a middle person and received the $50,000, which was to be forwarded to the scammers. The West Virginia individual agreed to allow the bank to return the funds to the Florida victim.
“Those who scam, steal and defraud our seniors are the lowest form of humanity,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Preying on the vulnerable and the trusting is detestable, despicable and diabolical. If you suspect you are the target of a scammer or fraudster, it is important you report the activity. We will do all we can to find the perpetrators and hold them accountable.”
Every day, elderly individuals become victims of scams online, through the mail, and through cell phone calls and texts. If you’re the victim of a scam, or suspect that a friend or relative has become the victim of a scam, don’t be embarrassed. You are not alone. Speak out and tell someone. Notify area law enforcement. Here are some tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from financial scams:
- Know that wiring money is like sending cash
- Don’t send money to someone you don’t know
- Don’t reply to messages asking for personal or financial information
- Don’t agree to deposit a check and wire money back for anyone
- Know that fraudsters will pose on the internet as interested romantic partners
- Know the federal government will never call you on the phone and ask for personal information
- After a disaster, give only to established charities
- Talk to your doctor before you buy health products or treatments
- Have a plan in place in case a medical emergency arises
- Order a credit report from one of the three credit reporting agencies, and freeze your credit so no additional lines of credit can be opened in your name
- Discuss the situation with your adult children.
- Do not send any money to the scammers, or agree to be a middle person receiving and forwarding on money to the scammers, even if they sound convincing.
Visit https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice for more information.
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Three from Charleston Sentenced to Prison for Roles in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three individuals from Charleston received prison sentences for their roles in a methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. The investigation was the result of a joint effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department STOP Team.
“Another meth conspiracy -- BUSTED,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We’re putting a record number of meth traffickers behind bars.”
Melody Legg, 44, was sentenced to 120 months in prison. She previously pled guilty to an indictment charging her with conspiracy to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. Legg admitted that from at least June 2017 to September 2017, she distributed methamphetamine for Travis Thomas and others in Kanawha County. She conspired with Travis Thomas, William Naylor, Timothy Boggs, and Michael Ginther to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for money.
William Naylor, 30, was sentenced to 36 months in prison. He previously pled guilty to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Naylor admitted that from at least June 2017 to September 2017, he worked with Melody Legg to distribute methamphetamine in Kanawha County. As part of the plea agreement, Naylor admitted to distributing methamphetamine to a confidential informant in June 2017.
Timothy Boggs, 21, was sentenced to 24 months in prison. He previously pled guilty to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. Boggs admitted that from at least June 2017 to September 2017, he distributed methamphetamine for Melody Legg in Kanawha County. As part of the plea agreement, Boggs admitted to distributing approximately 13 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in July 2017.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
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Operation Saigon Sunset Update: Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison in Connection with Role in Federal Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man caught with heroin in August 2017 was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for his role in a federal drug conspiracy charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Eric Brown, also known as “Eddie,” 47, previously pled guilty to an indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute heroin.
“It’s been almost a year since we indicted the defendants in Operation Saigon Sunset,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “No revolving door. All of the defendants have been convicted and are in the process of being sentenced. Sentences well deserved.”
Brown admitted that he worked with Willie Peterson, also known as “Chill,” and Manget Peterson, also known as “Money,” to distribute heroin in Huntington, West Virginia. Specifically, he admitted that he distributed heroin from the Ramada Inn Motel in Huntington, West Virginia in August 2017. Officers executed a search warrant on the motel room and seized approximately 35 grams of heroin.
This investigation was the result of a joint effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.
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MEDIA ADVISORY: United States Attorney Mike Stuart and Law Enforcement Partners to Hold Press ConferenceRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart, Huntington Police Chief Hank Dial, Appalachia HIDTA Deputy Director Kenny Burner and other law enforcement partners will hold a press conference tomorrow, Tuesday, April 2, at 1:00p.m., to announce a new law enforcement collaboration in Huntington.
Who: United States Attorney Mike Stuart
Chief Hank Dial, Huntington Police Department
Deputy Director Kenny Burner, Appalachia HIDTA
RAC Adam Black, ATF
SAC Chris Evans, DEA
Chief Mike Coffey, Barboursville Police Department
Corky Hammers, Cabell County Prosecuting Attorney
What: Press Conference
Where: Huntington Police Department
675 10th Street
Huntington, WV
When: Tuesday, April 2 @ 1:00pm
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Two Men Plead Guilty to Immigration CrimesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that two men pled guilty to immigration crimes before United States District Judge Irene Berger in Beckley. Both men entered guilty pleas to the felony offense of Reentry of a Removed Alien and are scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2019.
“The crisis on the border is exacerbated by illegal entrants repeatedly being deported only to come back again,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We’re spending considerable taxpayer dollars and prosecutors’ time on illegal reentry cases that reduce the time we have to prosecute other crimes. This is a growing problem.”
On February 1, 2019, Luis Figueroa-Zuniga, 44, a Honduran national, was found in Ronceverte, Greenbrier County, West Virginia. Federal agents with ICE had received a tip that he was working illegally at a restaurant. ICE agents investigated and located Figueroa-Zuniga leaving his residence to travel to the restaurant. ICE agents requested identification from him. Figueroa-Zuniga immediately admitted that he was not in the United States legally and had no identification documents permitting him legal status. ICE agents took Figueroa-Zuniga into federal custody. Fingerprinting matched Figueroa-Zuniga to a prior removal from the United States in 2005. Figueroa-Zuniga was found by immigration judges to be in the United States illegally and was deported to Honduras. He had not obtained permission to legally enter the United States and had not sought legal status or citizenship. Figueroa-Zuniga further admitted to ICE agents that he was a Honduran citizen.
On January 22, 2019, Samuel Hernandez-Hernandez, 31, a Mexican national, was found in Beaver, Raleigh County, West Virginia. Federal agents with ICE had received information that Hernandez-Hernandez was incarcerated in the prison facility and was not a United States citizen. Agents confirmed this information and they lodged a detainer against him. ICE agents further confirmed Hernandez-Hernandez was not in the country legally by speaking with him telephonically. Hernandez-Hernandez immediately admitted that he was not in the United States legally and had no identification documents permitting him legal status. Fingerprinting matched Hernandez-Hernandez to two prior removals from the United States in 2015 and 2016. Hernandez-Hernandez was found by immigration judges to be in the United States illegally and was deported to Mexico. He had not obtained permission to legally enter the United States and had not sought legal status or citizenship. Hernandez-Hernandez further admitted to ICE agents that he was a Mexican citizen.
The investigations were conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Stefan Hasselblad are responsible for the prosecution.
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Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va.—United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a Michigan man pled guilty to a federal drug charge. D’Andre Lee Mathis, 27, of Mount Clemens, Michigan, pled guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of oxymorphone. The case was investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
“Out-of-state drug dealers, particularly from Michigan and Ohio, have infiltrated West Virginia via the Detroit Mountaineer Express,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “I am working with the United States Attorneys in Ohio and Michigan to try to end this diabolical flow of drugs into West Virginia. We are doing everything possible to send them packing – by way of a federal prison.”
Mathis admitted that on June 9, 2017, he distributed three oxymorphone pills to a confidential informant in Alderson after his co-defendant, Cody Reed Godfrey, helped set up the deal. He further admitted that he was responsible for distributing, or possessing with intent to distribute, dozens of oxymorphone pills in Greenbrier County. Mathis faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on July 24, 2019. Godfrey previously pled guilty to distribution of oxymorphone and was sentenced to 18 months in prison in August of 2018.
Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.
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Florida Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Marijuana ChargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Florida man admitted to possessing marijuana with intent to distribute for remuneration, and was immediately sentenced, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Russell William Smith III pled guilty before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin and was subsequently sentenced to nine months in prison. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the West Virginia State Police.
“Marijuana is increasingly potent and dangerous,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “This drug dealer was not only driving under the influence but transporting large quantities of marijuana with the intent to sell it. We prosecute all illegal controlled substances in this district and will continue to vigorously enforce federal law.”
As established by public court filings and hearings, on June 4, 2018, Sergeant Brian K. Hammontree with the West Virginia State Police, spotted a truck driving erratically in the Smith Creek area of Kanawha County. The truck swerved off the roadway several times and jumped onto a sidewalk at one point. Sergeant Hammontree initiated a stop on the truck, and Smith exited the truck without prompting. Smith was unsteady on his feet and admitted to drinking “too much.” Smith provided a breath sample that showed his breath alcohol content was over twice the legal limit.
Sergeant Hammontree asked Smith if there were any drugs in the truck and Smith advised he had a large quantity of marijuana, which Sergeant Hammontree retrieved. Sergeant Hammontree ultimately recovered multiple pounds of marijuana from Smith’s duffel bag in the bed of the truck, packaged in 17 separate bags.
Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman handled the prosecution.
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Boone County Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man who had been selling heroin from his home in Racine, West Virginia, entered a guilty plea in court yesterday. Trevor White, 29, who illegally sold heroin to individuals working with the U.S. 119 Task Force, admitted in court that he had been distributing heroin from his residence.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are part of a multi-state drug trafficking organization, dealing drugs out of your girlfriend’s house, or living in your mom and dad’s basement,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “If we catch you peddling poisons in my district, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
In November and December of 2017, White was living on Valle Vista Circle in Racine. While living with his girlfriend, White sold heroin, including to a cooperating individual with the U.S. 119 Task Force. White admitted that he had sold heroin on multiple occasions, and these instances were captured on video by the U.S. 119 Task Force.
White faces a maximum possible penalty of up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on June 13, 2019.
Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the plea hearing.
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Beckley Man Sentenced for Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.VA. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a Beckley man was sentenced in federal court on his conviction of felon in possession of a firearm. David Anthony Lacy, 45, was sentenced to 15 months in prison. The case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department, the Beckley Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Lacy pled guilty on January 2, 2019, admitting that on May 18, 2017, he was in possession of a firearm, and that he is prohibited from being in possession of a firearm due to his prior conviction of a felony offense.
Assistant United States Attorney Chris Arthur handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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 Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley man pled guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Turner Reid Williams, 27, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug Task Force.
Williams admitted that on January 9, 2018, agents with the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with the assistance of a confidential informant, conducted a controlled purchase of firearms. During the controlled purchase, Williams admitted that he retrieved two guns from another location and returned to the site of the controlled purchase and delivered a Taurus, PT111, 9mm semi-automatic pistol to the confidential informant working with the ATF. He admitted that knew he was not supposed to possess any firearms because he was a convicted felon. Williams was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because he was previously convicted in 2013 in Raleigh County Circuit Court of the felony offense of Wanton Endangerment with a Firearm.
Williams faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 24, 2019.
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The United States Attorney General reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
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Two Men Plead Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that two men pled guilty today to federal drug charges.
“If the fentanyl in these cases had hit the streets, over 25,000 people could have died. Enough fentanyl to kill over half the city of Charleston,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are producing significant results in Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.). It’s simple -- if you deal fentanyl, I will do everything in my power to lock you up as long as possible..”
Todd Stephens, 33, from Detroit, Michigan, entered his guilty plea to possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, namely fentanyl. The investigation was conducted by MDENT. Stephens admitted that on August 28, 2017, he sold what he thought was heroin to a woman. Based on that sale, MDENT detectives were able to get a search warrant for the Charleston apartment. During the search of the residence, over 50 grams of fentanyl was seized along with other contraband. Stephens faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 6, 2019. United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Alex Hamner is handling the prosecution.
Peyton Young, 25, from South Point, Ohio, entered a guilty plea in United States District Court in Huntington to an indictment charging him with distribution of fentanyl. Young admitted that on February 12, 2018, he met a confidential informant in the 400 block of West 10th Street in Huntington and gave the informant fentanyl in exchange for $80. As part of his plea agreement, Young also admitted that he sold heroin to an informant in April 2018 in Huntington. Young faces up to twenty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 8, 2019. 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.
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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Charleston Meth Dealer Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Charleston methamphetamine dealer pled guilty today to federal drug and firearm offenses, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Gregory Alan Johns, 37, entered his guilty plea to possession with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
“Another week, another meth dealer and felon with guns convicted,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are strategically focused on eradicating violent criminals like Johns from Charleston’s west side, so there will be many more cases to come.”
Johns admitted that on September 13, 2017, a search warrant was executed at his residence on the West Side of Charleston, West Virginia. During the search of his residence, detectives located three firearms in his bedroom and a safe which contained fifty grams or more of methamphetamine which Johns intended to distribute. Johns admitted that he possessed the firearms to protect himself and the drugs. He also admitted that he was not legally permitted to possess the firearms because he was convicted of burglary in Jackson County, West Virginia in 2009.
Johns faces up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 11, 2019. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is handling the prosecution.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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 Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution While on Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man who sold heroin while on federal supervised release for a prior felony drug conviction pled guilty today, announced United States Attorney Michael B. Stuart. Stalin Simon, 47, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin. The Williamstown Police Department conducted the investigation.
“Simon must not have served enough time for his previous federal drug conviction,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “He couldn’t even wait until he had finished his term of supervised release before he picked up where he left off as a drug dealer. We’re sending him back to federal prison.”
Simon admitted that on January 18, 2019, his vehicle was stopped by a police officer with the Williamstown Police Department. During a search of the vehicle, police officers seized a distribution quantity of heroin in addition to suspected marijuana and Xanax pills. Simon admitted to the charged drug trafficking activity. Simon was serving a term of federal supervised release for a prior federal felony drug conviction at the time his vehicle was stopped in Williamstown, West Virginia.
Simon faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the heroin charge when he is sentenced on August 6, 2019. He also faces up to two years in prison for violating his federal supervised release.
Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Tessman is responsible for the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearing.
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United States Attorney Mike Stuart Continues Listening Tour in Mingo CountyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart today announced that he will host a public safety community forum in Williamson, West Virginia on April 4, 2019. The forums, presented in partnership with West Virginia’s Substance Abuse Prevention Coalitions, continue to be held at locations throughout the Southern District of West Virginia to provide an opportunity for an open discussion on substance abuse, violent crime, school safety, and other public safety issues currently impacting local communities. City and county government officials, public health officials, school administrators, teachers, parents, students, church leaders, residents and area law enforcement representatives are encouraged to attend the community forums.
The Mingo County community forum will begin at 6:00pm on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at the Southern West Virginia Community College, 1601 Armory Drive, Williamson, West Virginia.
For more information, please email Public Information Officer/Law Enforcement Coordinator Deanna Eder at [email protected].
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Mercer County Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Social Security Income MoneyRead the Press Release
Defendant fraudulently obtained over $50,000
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Kimberly Hall entered a guilty plea yesterday to the felony offense of fraudulently obtaining Social Security income benefits, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Hall, 43, of Bluefield, Mercer County, West Virginia faces up to 5 years of in prison when she is sentenced on August 7, 2019. She will also be required to pay restitution back to the United States Treasury. United States Attorney Mike Stuart praised the work of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and SSA-Office of Inspector General (OIG).
“Theft of Social Security benefits is widespread in West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are working closely with SSA-OIG to prosecute those who steal income benefits to which they aren’t entitled.”
Hall applied for Title II Social Security benefits in 2007 and to be a representative payee for a minor child. These Social Security benefits are based on income and living arrangements, and create a duty to report a change in income or living arrangements. From 2011 to 2016, the minor child no longer resided in Hall’s home. This was a change in SSI benefits that must be reported because this change in living arrangement would have lowered the amount of money she was receiving every month. Hall further indicated that the minor child resided at her home when the child no longer resided there. From August 2011 through September 2016, Hall received $50,012 in Social Security benefits in excess of the amount she was due. On November 9, 2016, Hall gave a false statement to a SSA claims representative concerning the minor child. SSA-OIG investigators investigated the claims and Hall admitted to them that the she had given false statements and that the minor child no longer resided at her home. She also knew that she was receiving money that she was not entitled to receive.
Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David F. Faber presided over the hearing.
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Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit, Michigan, man admitted to distributing acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Tyrece Ramone Phillips, also known as “Ty,” 32, pled guilty yesterday before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin. Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (“MDENT”), Charleston Police Department, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, St. Albans Police Department, Nitro Police Department, and South Charleston Police Department.
“Phillips, who has a previous drug conviction, was caught selling acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl on Charleston’s west side,” said United State Attorney Mike Stuart. “Another Detroit drug dealer has booked his room at the ‘inn.’”
As established by public court filings and hearings, on July 2, 2018, a confidential police informant purchased acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl from Phillips near the 1000 block of 2nd Avenue in Charleston, West Virginia. Phillips’ maximum possible sentence was enhanced due to a prior conviction for possessing OxyContin with intent to distribute in June 2012.
Phillips is facing up to 30 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on June 17, 2019. Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is handling the prosecution.
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Three Men Plead Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that three men, two from Detroit, Michigan, and one from Huntington, entered guilty pleas today in federal court in Huntington:
Rudolph Donnell Willis, 45, from Detroit, Michigan entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin. Between March and June of 2015, Willis received heroin which he delivered on multiple occasions to a residence located at 1751 Buffington Avenue in Huntington. Willis provided the heroin to the occupants of the residence and the occupants would in turn distribute the heroin to various customers. Willis later collected money from the heroin sales at the residence. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the residence on June 29, 2015. Just prior to execution of the warrant, officers observed Willis enter the residence. During the search, Willis and other individuals in the residence were arrested and officers seized heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine.
Willis faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 24, 2019.
The FBI Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.
Ellis Simmons, Jr., 49, from Detroit, Michigan, entered guilty pleas to possession with intent to distribute heroin and prohibited possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in federal court in Huntington. On September 14, 2015, members of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 2317 Lincoln Avenue in Huntington. When investigators executed the warrant, they located Simmons and two additional individuals inside the residence. Investigators subsequently seized approximately 25 grams of heroin during the search. Investigators also seized a .22 caliber pistol from a room where Simmons was located. Simmons was previously convicted of multiple felony offenses and admitted to possessing the gun. Simmons also admitted that during the month of September 2015, he and others used the residence to distribute heroin.
Simmons faces up to 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 8, 2019.
The FBI Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.
“The Detroit Express is very much alive,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We are working overtime to intercept and prosecute the Detroit drug demons that poison our streets and our kids. Since I became United States Attorney, scores and scores of Detroit thugs have been arrested and prosecuted in the Southern District of West Virginia. Even the Detroit poison peddlers should be able to figure it out – come to my district and we will see if we can arrange for you to spend a very long time behind bars.”
Carl Dillow III, 29, of Huntington, entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging him with distribution of fentanyl. Dillow admitted that on May 22, 2017, he met a confidential informant at the Adams Landing apartments in Huntington and gave the informant fentanyl in exchange for $70.
“Fentanyl is killing too many West Virginians,” said Stuart. “Fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose for our citizens. Anyone caught distributing fentanyl will be prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law.
Dillow faces up to twenty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 8, 2019.
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.
These cases are being 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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New York Man Sentenced for Federal Meth and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A New York man who took part in a conspiracy resulting in the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine across several counties in West Virginia was sentenced today to 238 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Marquis Edward Henderson, 33, of Bronx, New York previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and prohibited possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Stuart commended the investigative work of the FBI Drug Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
“Twenty years for large quantities of methamphetamine and guns by a convicted felon,” said United States Mike Stuart. “Henderson’s criminal acts earned him every day of his nearly 20 year sentence.”
From at least February of 2016 to June of 2017, Henderson and others obtained quantities of methamphetamine and heroin from California which were mailed to the Huntington and Cross Lanes areas. Henderson and others would then distribute the drugs to customers in Cabell, Putnam, and Kanawha counties. Henderson admitted that during the conspiracy, he and others utilized a residence and a storage unit in Cross Lanes to store, prepare and distribute drugs. Henderson also employed others to distribute drugs by providing large quantities of drugs on credit and receiving payment for the drugs after they were sold.
On June 1, 2017, agents executed search warrants at the residence and storage unit in Cross Lanes. During the search, agents seized multiple firearms, ammunition, and over 3 kilograms of methamphetamine that was found to be 98% pure after testing by a forensic chemist. Henderson was previously convicted of a felony offense and thus, was prohibited from possessing firearms.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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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United States Attorney Mike Stuart Announces Launch of U.S. Attorney's Heroin(e) Education Action Team (HEAT)Read the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In partnership with families who have lost loved ones to drug overdose, United States Attorney Mike Stuart is launching a new program called United States Attorney’s Heroin(e) Education Action Team or USA HEAT. More information about USA HEAT can be found in the attached brochure.
Who: United States Attorney Mike Stuart
Stacie Archer, USA HEAT Team Member
Principal Melissa Lovejoy, Elkview Middle School
Kanawha County Schools Representatives
Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department
What: HEAT Presentation
Where: Elkview Middle School
5090 Elk River Road
Elkview, WV 25071
When: Tuesday, March 19 @ 9:30am for press conference; presentation @ 10:00am
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South Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Gun and Meth ChargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston man pled guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine and felon in possession of firearms charges announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Brandon Starr Clemons, 33, entered his guilty plea before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“Meth. Felon. Guns,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We’re prosecuting so many of these cases, I’m starting to feel like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. Great work as always by MDENT and ATF.”
On December 12 and 13, 2016 Clemons sold methamphetamine to an MDENT informant. On December 13, 2016, police executed a search warrant at Clemons’ Ford Street address in South Charleston where they recovered two semiautomatic pistols. Clemons told the officers that he had sold approximately one ounce of methamphetamine in the days leading up to his arrest. Clemons had previously been convicted in Kanawha County Circuit Court in 2008 of delivery of a controlled substance.
Clemons faces up to 30 years in federal prison when his is sentenced on June 20, 2019. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is responsible for the prosecution.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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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Project Safe Neighborhoods Efforts Spur Record Breaking Number of Federal Gun Prosecutions and Significant Violent Crime Reductions in HuntingtonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced a record-breaking number of federal gun prosecutions in 2018 as part of on-going Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) efforts to reduce violent crime in Huntington. In early 2018, soon after taking office, Stuart joined forces with the Huntington Police Department, City of Huntington officials and federal, state and local law enforcement partners to launch Project Huntington to identify and prosecute the most violent offenders. The focused collaboration has met with staggering results.
The City of Huntington saw a dramatic decline in violent crime in 2018, reversing the sharp rise in violent crime that occurred in the City in 2017. Homicides dropped by 53% in the city and overall violent crime offenses dropped approximately 20% in calendar year 2018.
The Operation Saigon Sunset takedown in April 2018 was a seminal event that delivered a knockout blow to the City’s violent crime. The OCDETF investigation culminated into a massive takedown of violent drug offenders, dismantling a multi-state drug trafficking organization responsible for bringing a significant amount of fentanyl, heroin and violence into Huntington. In conjunction with the takedown, approximately 60 other individuals were arrested on various federal and state violent crime, firearms and drug related charges. Just as violent crime numbers began trending downward post takedown, first responders report that overdoses in the city, which had previously been some of the highest in the state, began trending downward as well. Treatment professionals also report an increase in substance use disorder treatment referrals following the April takedown.
The year also brought a record number of new prosecutors to the Stuart’s office, four of which were specifically allocated to prosecute violent crimes. In the last year, Stuart has more than doubled the number of federal prosecutors assigned to his office in Huntington. With the additional resources, the U.S. Attorney’s Office-SDWV prosecuted over 100 defendants for firearms-related offenses in calendar year 2018. In FY 2018, there was a 25% increase in the number of defendants charged with firearms offenses in the District, further representing a 74% increase from the average number of defendants prosecuted in FY 2014 through 2017.
“When I became United States Attorney, the City of Huntington was under siege,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “From the day I took the oath of office, I made the City of Huntington one of my priorities and vowed to work with all our partners to take the streets back from the diabolical drug dealers and drug thugs who have caused destruction, death and despair. While we have made tremendous progress over the last year, you won’t find us resting on our laurels. There is still much work left to do.”
“The Huntington Police Department's PSN-based Violent Crime Initiative allows for the rapid investigation, timely apprehension and thorough prosecution of criminals before they can become violent offenders in our City,” said Huntington Police Chief Hank Dial. “Our partnership with the DEA, the ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart's Office has greatly enhanced our local efforts to reduce violent crime in Huntington. PSN is an essential program to our effort of keeping the citizens of our country safe.”
“ATF strives to be ‘no better partner’ to other law enforcement agencies,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Stuart Lowrey of the Louisville Field Division. “During the past year, this partnership investigated illegal sources of crime guns and persons who illegally possessed or used guns to commit violent crimes in the Huntington area. Together, we aggressively pursued ‘traffickers and trigger pullers,’ making use of crime gun intelligence to disrupt the shooting cycle. These efforts support the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods in making our communities safer for everyone.”
“The success of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the law enforcement professionals in the region working in a truly collaborative fashion,” said D. Christopher Evans, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Special Agent in Charge for West Virginia. "We could not ask for a better group of professionals to work with toward the shared goal of reducing violent crime in Huntington and the surrounding communities.”
“This is a coordinated effort, which calls upon all levels of law enforcement to combine forces to stop gun violence and drug-fueled crimes in our neighborhoods, and to increase community safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. “The residents of Huntington have been dealing with the drugs and violence for far too long. We will continue to use all of our tools available to make sure people who bring violence to these streets are punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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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Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pled guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Jeremy Midkiff, 38, entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging him with distribution of fentanyl.
“Fentanyl equals death,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “We prosecute every case involving fentanyl through Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S). The fentanyl crisis represents an extraordinary public health crisis. Fifty times more powerful than heroin – FIFTY TIMES – and so powerful that just a few flecks the size of grains of salt can cause rapid death. Victims, from the famous like Prince and Tom Petty to the anonymous person we don’t know, are needlessly piling up.”
Midkiff admitted that on May 2, 2017, he met a confidential informant in Huntington and gave the informant fentanyl in exchange for $70.
Midkiff faces up to twenty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 24, 2019.
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.), a focused enforcement effort that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.
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Detroit Man Sentenced for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- A Detroit, Michigan man was sentenced to 15 months in prison today for distributing fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Octavius Ellis, 23, previously pled guilty in December 2018 to knowingly and intentionally distributing fentanyl. The Huntington Police Department handled the investigation.
“Another Detroit drug thug going to federal prison by way of the Detroit to Huntington express,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “The message to Detroit and the Detroit poison peddlers – there’s plenty of room at the “inn” if you bring your poisons to West Virginia.”
On January 19, 2018, officers with the Huntington Police Department utilized a confidential informant to arrange a controlled buy of heroin from Ellis. Ellis arrived at the buy location in the West End of Huntington and provided the confidential informant with a substance he represented to be heroin in exchange for $70. Testing by the West Virginia State Police Lab confirmed the substance to actually be fentanyl.
United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman 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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