Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Lincoln County man pleads guilty for failing to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Lincoln County man faces up to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty today for failing to register as a sex offender, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Cody Matthew Wroblewski, 32, of Harts, also faces a term of federal supervised release of at least five years and up to life following his sentence.
Wroblewski admitted that from January 2017 until his arrest on August 30, 2017, he failed to register as a sex offender as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. On August 30, 2017, Wroblewski was located and arrested at his residence on Bag Harts Creek Road in Lincoln County. Wroblewski was required to register as a sex offender because of a 2011 South Carolina conviction for third degree criminal sexual conduct. He was also previously convicted in 2012 in South Carolina for failing to update his sex offender registration.
The United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the plea hearing.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Former lumber executive pleads guilty for embezzling over $800,000Read the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A former Chief Financial Officer for a Beckley lumber company who embezzled over $800,000 pleaded guilty yesterday, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. James Matthew Miller, 42, entered his guilty plea to two counts of wire fraud.
Miller formerly worked as an executive for a lumber company until September 2013. In his role as Chief Financial Officer, his responsibilities included oversight of log inventories from vendors. From approximately December 31, 2007, to August 30, 2013, Miller admitted that he issued payments to a sham vendor, a close friend of Miller’s, and falsely inflated log inventories to conceal the fraud. He created a fictitious log vendor that has never hauled or delivered logs to the lumber company. Miller also admitted that he created false payment requests and then drafted and signed checks from the lumber company to the fake vendor. The vendor cashed the checks or deposited the checks in his bank account, then provided Miller with the money, minus a small amount Miller permitted the vendor to keep. During the course of the fraud, Miller was responsible for 160 checks totaling $822,396.63 from the company to the sham vendor. Miller admitted that he concealed the fraud and committed wire fraud by submitting company reports based on artificially inflated log inventories, and then emailed the reports to a lumber mill manager in Tennessee and a BB&T in Georgia.
Miller faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count when he is sentenced on March 15, 2018.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.
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Charleston dentist sentenced to five years in federal prison for health care fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston dentist who falsely billed West Virginia Medicaid and West Virginia Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) for more than $700,000 was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Antoine Skaff, 58, previously pleaded guilty to health care fraud. Skaff also previously entered into a civil settlement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), DHHR’s Bureau for Medical Services, and the West Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, in which he agreed to pay treble damages of $2.2 million, or three times the loss suffered by West Virginia Medicaid.
Skaff, a dentist, fraudulently billed West Virginia Medicaid and Medicaid MCOs for dental procedures that he did not actually perform on Medicaid recipients. Skaff’s scheme to defraud Medicaid and its MCOs lasted more than five years and involved upcoding and double billing.
Skaff admitted that he falsely inflated his billings, a practice commonly known as upcoding, often by falsely claiming reimbursement for procedures involving impacted teeth. Typically, only wisdom teeth are impacted. However, Skaff admitted that he upcoded billings for tooth extractions by falsely informing Medicaid and its MCOs that he performed more complex procedures, such as extractions of impacted teeth, when he had actually performed simple extractions. Because Skaff upcoded these extractions, Medicaid and its MCOs paid Skaff $172 per extraction of each tooth, rather than $80 per tooth for a simple extraction. Skaff additionally admitted that he falsely upcoded at least 7,490 tooth extractions, billing more than $1.3 million for those procedures. He further admitted that if those extractions were medically necessary, and if had actually performed the procedures he claimed, then he should have been paid only $599,200.
Skaff also admitted that he submitted false bills and received payment twice for removing the same teeth from the same patients. Skaff first billed and received payments from Medicaid for the extraction of patients’ specific teeth. He then falsely billed and received payment again from Medicaid MCOs for extraction of the same teeth. Skaff admitted that he received $56,930 from his false double billings.
The West Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the FBI, the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement investigator from the U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the criminal prosecution. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Mankins is responsible for the civil settlement. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
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Two Mexican nationals plead guilty to immigration crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Mexican nationals pleaded guilty today to immigration crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Rogelio Herrera-Hernandez, 50, and Jose Martinez-Santos, 30, entered guilty pleas to illegally reentering the United States after having been removed.
On September 18, 2017, Herrera-Hernandez was identified riding a bicycle in Ripley by agents of the Department of Homeland Security. Agents recognized him from a prior encounter in 2009, and Herrera-Hernandez confirmed his identity when they stopped the bike. Fingerprint comparison confirmed that Herrera-Hernandez had three prior removals from the United States, one on September 1, 2009, in Charleston, another on December 10, 2009, in Laredo, Texas, and another on December 11, 2009, also in Laredo. On each occasion after being removed, he then illegally reentered the United States. Herrera-Hernandez admitted that he had not formally applied for permission to legally enter the United States.
In a separate prosecution, Martinez-Santos was identified by Department of Homeland Security agents in Charleston on September 26, 2017. He was a passenger in a van that was stopped by agents looking for another individual believed to be in the country illegally. Martinez-Santos confirmed his identity during the stop, and gave a sworn statement admitting that he had reentered the United States illegally. Agents also learned through fingerprint comparison that Martinez-Santos had two prior removals from the United States, one on March 3, 2011, in Staunton, Virginia, and another on September 6, 2015, in Henrico, Virginia. On both occasions after being removed, he then illegally reentered the United States. Martinez-Santos also admitted that he had not formally applied for permission to legally enter the United States.
Herrera-Hernandez and Martinez-Santos both face up to two years in federal prison when they are sentenced on March 1, 2018. They are also both subject to removal proceedings at the conclusion of the cases.
The investigations were conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
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Fayette County brothers plead guilty for roles in drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two Fayette County men pleaded guilty today for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Cheyenne Fragale, 30, of Boomer, and his brother Macon Fragale, 34, also of Boomer, entered their guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of oxycodone, and a quantity of heroin. Both face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison.
Cheyenne and Macon Fragale admitted that between May 2017 and June 28, 2017, they took part in a drug trafficking conspiracy with multiple participants. They also admitted that during the course of the conspiracy, they distributed over 2,000 thirty mg tablets of oxycodone and over 500 grams of methamphetamine, as well as heroin. They additionally admitted that they sold the drugs in and around Fayette County. On June 28, 2017, law enforcement executed search warrants at several locations associated with the conspiracy. During the execution of the search warrants, officers seized over 300 grams of crystal methamphetamine, as well as heroin, fentanyl, and over $29,000 in cash. The methamphetamine was later laboratory tested and confirmed to be 94% pure. Cheyenne Fragale additionally admitted that the cash was proceeds from drug dealing. As part of their plea agreements, Cheyenne and Macon Fragale both admitted to all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment.
Cheyenne and Macon Fragale each face at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when they are sentenced on March 14, 2018.
This prosecution was made possible through the cooperative efforts of several investigating agencies. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Beckley Police Department, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Postal Inspection Service provided assistance throughout the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Charleston man sentenced to federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to a year and a day in federal prison for a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Leon Mitchell, III, 25, previously pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
In the early morning hours of March 8, 2016, a Charleston Police Department officer was patrolling in the area of Park Avenue and Simms Street in Charleston when he encountered Mitchell. The officer asked Mitchell if he had any weapons, and he replied that he did not. Shortly after this conversation, an unidentified woman ran screaming behind the officer. As the officer turned away to check on the sudden commotion, he heard the sound of metal hitting the ground. The officer looked back to the area where Mitchell was standing and saw what was later identified as a Sig Sauer, Model P220, .45 caliber semiautomatic handgun with the serial number scratched off. When the officer asked what was lying on the ground, Mitchell said it was his gun. In a search of Mitchell incident to arrest, the officer recovered approximately eight grams of marijuana and half a gram of heroin.
The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Webster County man pleads guilty for role in methamphetamine trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Webster County man who was part of a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Quinton Funk, 38, of Webster Springs, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison.
Funk took part in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy that transported significant quantities of crystal methamphetamine from Atlanta and sold it in West Virginia. Funk admitted that on January 4, 2017, he traveled to Atlanta with codefendants Jamie Harmon and Carl “Yogi” Clark to obtain over 500 grams of methamphetamine. He further admitted to bringing the drugs back to West Virginia and selling that methamphetamine. Later that month, Funk was arrested with approximately $28,000 in cash in his backpack, and a loaded Glock 22, .40 caliber pistol in his possession. That same day, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team executed a search warrant at a hotel room where Funk was staying and found over 130 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and a gun. In February 2017, law enforcement arrested him again after he provided Christopher Carte, another codefendant, an ounce of methamphetamine to distribute. Officers recovered another $2,700 in cash from Funk when he was arrested. As part of his plea agreement, Funk also admitted to all the drug and gun crimes he was charged with in the indictment.
Funk faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on March 1, 2018.
Two defendants involved in this methamphetamine conspiracy have been sentenced to federal prison. Christopher Carte, of St. Albans, was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Holly Doub, of South Charleston, was sentenced to five days in federal prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.
Clark and Harmon both pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and each faces up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on December 18, 2017. Clark and Harmon have admitted they possessed approximately four kilograms of methamphetamine during the course of the conspiracy.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Haley Bunn and Eric P. Bacaj are responsible for the prosecutions. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin is presiding over the case.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Bluefield felon pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Bluefield man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Cory Lee Callen, 27, entered his guilt plea to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
In late March 2017, Callen’s former fiancé obtained a domestic violence protective order against him. On March 29, 2017, officers with the Bluefield Police Department escorted her to the Washington Street apartment in Bluefield that she formerly shared with Callen to collect her personal belongings. While there, officers located three loaded firearms in a safe in Callen’s bedroom, along with a variety of ammunition. The guns law enforcement discovered were a CBC, Mossberg International, Model 715T, .22 caliber rifle, a Marlin, Model 782, .22 caliber rifle, and a Zijang, Model Catamount Fury, 12 gauge shotgun. Callen was prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of two felony convictions in 2012 in Mercer County Circuit Court, one for first degree robbery and one for wanton endangerment.
Callen faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 17, 2018.
The Bluefield Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is handling the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearing.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Charleston drug dealer pleads guilty to federal heroin chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christopher Rush, 32, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
Rush admitted that on May 10, 2017, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. The drug deal took place in Charleston. He also admitted that he sold heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine to the same confidential informant on three other occasions. Officers executed a search warrant at Rush’s residence in Charleston on May 31, 2017, and found in excess of 100 grams of methamphetamine. Rush additionally took responsibility for all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment.
Rush faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on March 14, 2018.
The case against Rush was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorneys Haley Bunn and Timothy D. Boggess are in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Charleston woman pleads guilty for selling heroin while on federal supervised releaseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston woman who sold heroin while on federal supervised release pleaded guilty today to a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christy Stevens, 38, entered her guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
Stevens admitted that on June 7, 2017, she sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. The drug deal took place at the Elm Street residence of Stevens in Charleston. Additionally, Stevens admitted to all of the charged drug trafficking activity. At the time of the drug deal, Stevens was serving a term of federal supervised release for a prior federal felony drug conviction.
Stevens faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the heroin charge when she is sentenced on March 3, 2018. Stevens also faces up to two years in prison for violating her federal supervised release. The sentences will be served consecutively.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is responsible for the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the plea hearing.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Logan County man sentenced to federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan County man who possessed a sawed-off shotgun in October 2016 was sentenced today to two years and three months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brian Kevin Sigmon, II, 34, of Henlawson, previously pled guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm.
On October 22, 2016, Sigmon possessed a shotgun that had been sawed-off, with a barrel length of less than 18 inches and an overall length of less than 26 inches. The sawed-off shotgun Sigmon possessed was not registered on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by federal law.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Mason County felon pleads guilty to federal gun chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Mason County man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Conrad D. Berkley, II, 37, of Gallipolis Ferry, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On April 3, 2017, special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives went to Drew’s Jewelry, Gun and Pawn in Gallipolis Ferry to determine if anyone had recently sold an AK-47 rifle to the store. Agents discovered that Berkley had sold a Century Arms, model RAS 47 to the store on March 27, 2017. Berkley was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2007 conviction in Cabell County Circuit Court for unlawful wounding.
Berkley faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 26, 2018.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Detroit man pleads guilty to federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who was part of a group selling heroin in Huntington in 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marquis Tamal Quinton Evans, 24, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Between July and October of 2015, Evans and others distributed heroin that was transported from Michigan to the Huntington area. On October 5, 2015, the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted a search at 1826 Old 16th Street Road in Huntington. Agents located Evans inside the residence, as well as two other individuals. During the search, agents seized approximately 284 grams of heroin and over $51,000 in cash. Evans admitted that he and the other individuals intended to sell the heroin. Evans additionally admitted to all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment.
Evans faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 26, 2018.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Charleston felon sentenced to nearly five years in prison for second federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Charleston man was sentenced today to four years and nine months in federal prison for a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Markus Davis, 40, previously pleaded guilty to a single-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On February 22, 2017, officers with the Charleston Police Department pulled Davis over on Virginia Street in Charleston for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, officers found a stolen, loaded Taurus handgun in his pants. Davis was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of previous felony convictions. Additionally, this is the second federal gun conviction for Davis. He was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in 2011 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. He was also convicted of first degree robbery in 2004 in Kanawha County Circuit Court.
The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Haley Bunn and Matt Davis handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Parkersburg man pleads guilty to federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Nathaniel Pittman, 27, entered his guilty plea to a single-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.
On July 7, 2016, members of the Wood County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of Pittman’s vehicle and discovered heroin and cocaine. Pittman admitted that he possessed the drugs found in his vehicle, and that he intended to sell the drugs. Lab testing confirmed that the drugs law enforcement recovered were over 80 grams of heroin and over 90 grams of cocaine.
Pittman faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 13, 2018.
The investigation was conducted by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the plea hearing.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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South Charleston woman sentenced to federal prison for role in methamphetamine trafficking organizationRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston woman was sentenced today to five days in federal prison for a methamphetamine crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Holly Doub, 34, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.
Doub was part of a methamphetamine trafficking organization that involved several other defendants, including Carl “Yogi” Clark and Jamie Harmon. Clark and Harmon admitted that in January 2017, along with other individuals, they brought approximately four kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from Atlanta to Charleston. On January 12, 2017, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team executed a search warrant at a hotel room and found over 130 grams of methamphetamine, scales, baggies, and a gun. The methamphetamine was part of the approximately four kilograms Clark, Harmon, and others brought back from Atlanta, and it was lab-tested and confirmed to be over 90% pure. Harmon and Clark also admitted to distributing additional methamphetamine to confidential informants during controlled buys in March 2017. Doub admitted that she helped Clark during one of those buys on March 13, 2017, by handing the confidential informant methamphetamine. As part of their plea agreements, the defendants also admitted to the other drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment.
Clark and Harmon both pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and each faces up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on December 18, 2017.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Haley Bunn and Eric P. Bacaj are responsible for the prosecutions. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Federal grand jury indicts four McDowell County defendants for insurance fraud schemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal grand jury sitting in Charleston indicted four defendants from McDowell County on Wednesday for federal insurance fraud crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Windel Lester, 66, James Edward Lester, 47, Gregory A. Lester, 40, and Georgetta Lester, 41, all of Iaeger, were charged with federal crimes including conspiracy to commit money laundering, money laundering, and mail fraud. A copy of the indictment is attached.
The indictment alleges that between April of 2012 and April of 2014, the Lesters and others devised a scheme to defraud an insurance company by buying vacant properties, insuring the properties, setting fires to the properties in order to makes insurance claims, submitting false insurance claims, and receiving over $550,000 in insurance payments made on the false insurance claims. The properties involved in the alleged fraud were a residence at 101 Smokeless Road in Matoaka, Mercer County, and 3542 Norwood Road in Huntington, Cabell County. The indictment also alleges that after the Lesters received the insurance money, they laundered the money through at least two banks in southern West Virginia. Windel Lester was a member of the Board of Directors of one of the banks.
If convicted, the Lesters face up to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering, and up to 10 years for money laundering. The fraud charges are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Conspiracy to commit arson carries a penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The use of fire to commit a felony carries a sentence of up to 10 years, or, in Windel Lester and James Lester’s cases, a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for a second offense.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Charlotte pain pill dealer pleads guilty to federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Charlotte drug dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal hydromorphone crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Timothy Fields, 39, entered his guilty plea to distribution of hydromorphone.
Fields admitted that on January 18, 2017, he sold hydromorphone to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in Bluefield. Fields further admitted to all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment, including that he sold hydromorphone on two other occasions, that he sold crack on two occasions, and that he manufactured crack.
Fields faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on March 20, 2018.
The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John L. File is responsible for the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearing.
This case is being prosecuted under the Bluefield Pill Initiative, part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
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Parkersburg woman sentenced to federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg woman who was caught with heroin and methamphetamine in January 2017 was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Megan Kerns, 29, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.
On January 12, 2017, agents with the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force arrested Kerns in Parkersburg. In a search incident to arrest, agents discovered in her possession approximately 30 grams of heroin, 50 grams of methamphetamine, and a Taurus .380 caliber pistol. She also had in her possession a box of sandwich bags, a set of digital scales, and two cell phones. Kerns further admitted to all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment, including that she distributed heroin and methamphetamine in Parkersburg during the months of March 2016 and January 2017.
The Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Chicago man pleads guilty for role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Chicago man pleaded guilty today for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Richard Fleming entered his guilty plea to aiding and abetting the attempted distribution of 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.
Fleming admitted that he traveled to Putnam County on March 12, 2010, to pick up approximately $600,000 of drug proceeds from a March 5, 2010, shipment of over 300 kilograms of marijuana on behalf of a drug trafficking organization operating out of Arizona and Mexico. Unbeknownst to Fleming and the drug trafficking organization, law enforcement intercepted the marijuana before it could be delivered. When Fleming arrived in Putnam County to pick up the cash, he actually met with an undercover officer who provided him with a duffel bag he represented contained approximately $600,000 in drug proceeds. Fleming then left the area and began travelling back to his destination to provide the money to other members of the drug trafficking organization. A traffic stop was conducted on Fleming’s vehicle in Kentucky and the duffel bag was recovered.
Fleming was originally charged in July 2010 and released on bond. On September 7, 2011, he failed to appear for his trial and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Fleming remained a fugitive until he was arrested in Mexico in August 2017. He admitted during his plea hearing that he fled the United States to avoid prosecution in this case.
Fleming faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 12, 2018.
A total of 15 other individuals were successfully prosecuted as a result of this investigation. Additionally, law enforcement seized over a million dollars in drug proceeds and an airplane belonging to this drug trafficking organization.
This prosecution was made possible through the cooperative efforts of several investigating agencies, including the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Department in Ohio, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department in Ohio, the United States Marshals Service, the Kentucky State Police, the Indiana State Police, the Huntington Police Department, and the Policia Federal Ministerial of Mexico. Additionally, several Drug Enforcement Administration agents investigated this case, including agents from Charleston, Columbus, Phoenix, Tucson, Chicago, Denver, and Hermosillo, Mexico.
Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over today’s plea hearing.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Wood County man pleads guilty to possession of stolen mailRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man who stole mail in November 2016 pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Richard Thomas Morris, Jr., 38, of Washington, entered his guilty plea to possession of stolen mail.
Morris was a relief driver for a United States Postal Service contractor whose job it was to collect outgoing mail from post offices along a rural route between Ravenswood and Parkersburg. On November 17, 2016, Morris was stopped at the Belleville Post Office by law enforcement officials with the United States Postal Inspection Service. Morris consented to a search of the truck he was driving, and the search turned up a piece of mail addressed to a home in St. Mary’s. The mail had been opened and contained a greeting card. Morris had stolen the greeting card, as well as $50.00 in cash that had been put inside the card by the sender.
Morris faces up to five years in federal prison and $250,000 in fines when he is sentenced on January 22, 2018.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Eumi L. Choi and R. Gregory McVey are handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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Princeton drug dealer sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Princeton heroin dealer was sentenced today to four years and nine months in federal prison for a drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Terrance Raheem Simmons, 41, previously pleaded guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
Simmons admitted that on April 20, 2017, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in Princeton.
The case was investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John L. File is responsible for the prosecution. Senior United States District David A. Faber imposed the sentence.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Two defendants sentenced to federal prison for gun crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants were sentenced to federal prison today on gun charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Edward William Blake, Jr., 52, of Belle in Kanawha County, was sentenced to a year and nine months in federal prison, having previously pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. In a separate prosecution, Carlos Lamont Gray, 26, of Detroit, was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Blake admitted that on April 18, 2016, officers responded to a domestic violence call at his residence in Belle. The encounter resulted in Blake’s arrest and in his wife being taken to the hospital. When officers returned later that evening with his wife, she informed them that Blake had a gun in the home that he had hidden prior to their arrival earlier in the day. The wife took the officers into the master bedroom and opened a drawer in a small nightstand beside the bed where officers located a Bryco Arms 9mm pistol. Blake was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of two prior misdemeanor domestic battery convictions in Nicholas County Magistrate Court.
In a separate prosecution, Gray admitted that on February 20, 2017, he and another individual traded a Ruger .223 caliber rifle for a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun at Bridgeport Equipment in Charleston. Gray also admitted that on March 9, 2017, he was pulled over on Nancy Street in Charleston and officers found the loaded Smith & Wesson handgun on his person. Gray was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of felony convictions in 2012 in Wayne County, Michigan, for receiving or concealing a stolen vehicle and fleeing a police officer.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation of Blake. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of Blake’s prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
The investigation of Gray was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of Gray’s prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Huntington man pleads guilty to federal heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who received a shipment of heroin in the mail in December 2016 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. David Lee Zirkle, 36, entered his guilty plea to possession with the intent to distribute heroin.
On December 9, 2016, officers were notified that a package suspected of containing controlled substances was scheduled for delivery to a residence at 2422 Collis Avenue in Huntington. A West Virginia State Police K-9 officer gave a positive indication that the package contained drugs, and a search warrant was obtained for the package. Law enforcement found approximately 30 grams of heroin inside the package. Investigators then removed the heroin, replaced it with a representative quantity of heroin, and then conducted a delivery of the package utilizing an undercover postal inspector. Zirkle accepted delivery and took possession of the package at the Collis Avenue address. A search warrant was then executed at that residence, and upon entry, officers located Zirkle with the envelope containing the sample of drugs in his hand. Officers also discovered digital scales and cash in the residence.
Zirkle faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 5, 2018.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Ona Division, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Cross Lanes man sentenced to federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cross Lanes man was sentenced today to three and a half years in federal prison for a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Tristen Paxton, 21, previously pleaded guilty to possessing firearms after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Paxton admitted that on March 27, 2017, during a traffic stop conducted by the Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol (STOP) Team of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, he possessed two firearms in the vehicle. Law enforcement recovered a loaded Taurus Judge .45 caliber/410 gauge handgun from the passenger seat and a Poly Technologies AK-47 rifle with a loaded high capacity magazine in the trunk. As part of his plea agreement, Paxton also admitted that he was responsible for selling two other firearms and methamphetamine.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department’s STOP Team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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U.S. Attorney's Office to Honor Excellence in Law Enforcement and Victim SupportRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Carol Casto will honor more than 60 law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and community leaders during the 2017 U.S. Attorney’s Law Enforcement and Victim Assistance Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 26, 2017, at noon at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston.
During the ceremony, U.S. Attorney Casto will present awards for outstanding law enforcement work on major cases involving drug crime, violent crime, white collar crime and child exploitation. Other awards include Law Enforcement Agency of the Year, Distinguished Law Enforcement and Community Service, Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Crime Victim Service Award, Allied Professional Award, Federal Service Awards, Volunteer for Victims Award, and the Special Courage Award.
The annual awards ceremony, hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, recognizes exemplary service of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, as well as victim advocates, criminal justice professionals, and others who have made significant contributions on behalf of the criminal justice system.
WHO: United States Attorney Carol Casto, joined by representatives from the law enforcement community, crime victim advocates, and others
WHAT: 2017 U.S. Attorney’s Law Enforcement and Victim Assistance Awards Ceremony
WHEN: Thursday, October 26, 2017, at noon
WHERE: Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse – Fifth Floor
300 Virginia Street, East
Charleston, WV 25301*Please be advised that cameras and other recording devices will be permitted on the fifth floor of the Courthouse for the ceremony only.
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Two Beckley felons plead guilty to federal gun crimesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two Beckley felons pleaded guilty today to federal gun charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Ryan Henry Guerrant, 26, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. In a separate prosecution, Clennel Pierre Cobb, 45, also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On August 10, 2017, an officer with the Beckley Police Department conducted a traffic stop in Beckley. Guerrant, a passenger in the back seat, informed the officer that he had an Omega, Model 100, .22 caliber revolver at his feet. Guerrant later admitted to law enforcement that he possessed the gun, and that he knew he was not supposed to possess the gun because he was a convicted felon. Guerrant was prohibited from possessing any firearm because of felony convictions in Raleigh County Circuit Court for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in 2013 and escape and attempted robbery in 2010.
In a separate prosecution, Cobb admitted that on August 12, 2016, he possessed a High Point, Model C9, 9mm pistol. Cobb was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of multiple felony convictions, including drug convictions in 2006 and 2017 in Raleigh County Circuit Court.
Guerrant and Cobb each face up to 10 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on February 7, 2018.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beckley Police Department conducted the investigations. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Michigan man pleads guilty to federal heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Michigan man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. William Henry Stephens, Jr., 45, of Inkster, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
On June 29, 2017, members of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 702 Washington Avenue in Huntington. Prior to the search, investigators conducting surveillance observed Stephens coming and going from the residence and conducting what appeared to be drug transactions. During the search, investigators seized approximately 140 grams of heroin, 44 grams of crack, and a Chinese SKS 7.62mm assault rifle with ammunition. Stephens admitted that he possessed the heroin and crack for distribution. Stephens also admitted that he possessed drugs and firearms seized by investigators during a separate search warrant previously executed on December 15, 2016. On that date, investigators searched 322 West 5th Avenue in Huntington and seized approximately 342 grams of heroin, 69 grams of cocaine, 109 30mg oxycodone pills and multiple firearms. As part of his plea agreement, Stephens admitted to all the drug trafficking and firearms activity charged in the indictment.
Stephens faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 22, 2018.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Federal inmates sentenced to prison on weapons chargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two inmates who possessed weapons at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell were sentenced to prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Antonio Freeman, 30, was sentenced to a year and a month in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of a weapon by an inmate. In a separate prosecution, Robert Aguon, 42, was also sentenced to a year and a month in federal prison after pleaded guilty to the same crime. The new sentences will be served consecutively to the sentences these inmates are currently serving.
Freeman admitted that on August 25, 2016, he ran away from staff members of the prison and threw an object on the roof of a building. A staff member retrieved the object and found that it was a piece of wood over five inches long that was sharpened to a point. There was tape on the other end of the object to serve as a handle and a cord attached as a lanyard. The object was a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank.”
In a separate prosecution, Aguon admitted that on February 24, 2017, during a search, a staff member of the prison discovered an object inside the seam of Aguon’s pants. The object was a “shank,” and was made from a piece of metal, approximately six inches in length, sharpened to a point on one end with duct tape around the opposite end to form a handle.
These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecutions. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentences.
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Two defendants sentenced to federal prison for drug chargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants were sentenced to federal prison today for drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joshua L. Henderson, 27, of Dayton, Ohio, was sentenced to four years in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. In a separate prosecution, Larry Gaynor, 24, was also sentenced to four years in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Henderson admitted that in early February 2017, he traveled from Dayton to Parkersburg several times a week to sell drugs. Using a confidential informant, the Parkersburg Police Department made multiple controlled purchases from Henderson of both heroin and fentanyl. On February 15, 2017, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for a residence where Henderson had been staying in Parkersburg. During the execution of the search warrant, Henderson attempted to flee by jumping from a second story window. Law enforcement caught Henderson and recovered over 13 grams of fentanyl and $1,800 in cash, as well as a Taurus 9mm pistol that had fallen from Henderson’s waistband during the jump. Additionally, law enforcement discovered more fentanyl, digital scales, small plastic baggies, and methamphetamine in or around Henderson’s bedroom. As part of his plea agreement, Henderson admitted to all the drug trafficking activity and to his possession of the gun.
In a separate prosecution, on October 26, 2016, Gaynor and another individual were pulled over in South Charleston. During the traffic stop, officers discovered approximately 100 grams of heroin, digital scales, baggies, and over $1,000 cash. Officers also discovered a 9mm handgun in Gaynor’s possession. As part of his plea agreement, Gaynor admitted to possession of the firearm and to all the charged drug trafficking activity.
The Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation of Henderson. Assistant United States Attorney Eumi L. Choi is in charge of the Henderson prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed Henderson’s sentence. The South Charleston Police Department conducted the Gaynor investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for the Gaynor prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed Gaynor’s sentence.
These cases were prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Kanawha County felon pleads guilty to federal gun and drug crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge and a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Eddie Wayne Chapman, Jr., 32, of Malden, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Chapman admitted that on September 21, 2016, he possessed a Ruger P89, 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a Maverick by Mossberg, Model 88, 12 gauge shotgun that had a modified barrel less than 18 inches in length. Chapman was prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of a 2011 felony drug conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court. Chapman further admitted to possessing with the intent to distribute over 20 grams of methamphetamine. Law enforcement found the methamphetamine in Chapman’s backpack, concealed in a canister containing a hidden compartment.
Chapman faces up to 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 17, 2018.
The investigation was conducted by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case was also prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Mingo County woman pleads guilty to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minorRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mingo County woman pleaded guilty today to a sex trafficking crime involving a minor, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Misty Dawn Baisden, 40, of Delbarton, entered her guilty plea to conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of a minor.
Baisden admitted that in March 2017, she conspired with a codefendant on her cell phone to engage a minor in commercial sex. The communication involved photographs of a minor and the discussion of exchanging money, items, or other things of value for sexually explicit photographs or sexual activity. Baisden admitted that she understood from the entire conversation that her codefendant would be providing her with assistance in engaging in commercial sexual activity with a minor.
Baisden faces up to life in federal prison when she is sentenced on January 23, 2018. She will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Ashland Police Department, and the Boyd County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Former postal worker pleads guilty to stealing methamphetamine from the mailRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former postal worker who stole methamphetamine from a package pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Turner Connolly, 25, of Charleston, entered his guilty plea to theft of mail by a postal employee.
Connolly was a mail processing clerk who was employed at the South Charleston Post Office. Through his work experience, Connolly was able to identify packages that were intended for the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory. On November 4, 2016, he stole a package from the Marshall County Drug Task Force that was to be delivered to the laboratory. This package contained approximately 1.69 grams of methamphetamine. Connolly gave a statement to federal officers in which he admitted stealing the package, and he is no longer an employee of the United States Postal Service.
Connolly faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 22, 2018.
The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
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Charleston man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jason Lee Smith, 39, previously pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. After Smith is released from prison, he will be on federal supervised release for 15 years, and will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Smith admitted that on March 21, 2015, he possessed over 600 images and videos of minors engaged in sexual acts. Many of the images and videos depict prepubescent minors. The images and videos were contained on his personal computer and other media devices seized from two separate locations in Charleston. The investigation revealed that Smith was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download, receive, and distribute child pornography.
The West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Parkersburg Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Two heroin dealers appear in federal court on drug chargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants appeared in federal court today for heroin crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gerald Tyrone King, 38, of White Sulphur Springs, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin and was sentenced in federal court in Beckley to a year and nine months in prison. In a separate prosecution, Dana Stevenson, 26, of Charleston, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to distribution of heroin.
King admitted that on May 27, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in White Sulphur Springs. At sentencing it was determined that King had distributed additional quantities of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl.
In a separate prosecution, Stevenson admitted that on December 14, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant cooperating with police officers. The controlled buy occurred in the area of Garvin Avenue and Washington Street, West in Charleston. Stevenson additionally admitted that in January 2017, he possessed firearms, sold a shotgun, and distributed narcotics on multiple occasions. Stevenson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 18, 2018.
The Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation of King. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the King prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed King’s sentence. The Special Enforcement Unit of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation of Stevenson. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is in charge of Stevenson’s prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston is presiding over the Stevenson case.
The King case was prosecuted under the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative. Stevenson’s case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.
Both cases were brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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South Charleston woman pleads guilty for theft from Tornado Post OfficeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston woman who stole from the Tornado Post Office in Kanawha County pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Martha Edele, 34, entered her guilty plea to theft of government money.
Edele was employed as an Officer-In-Charge at the Tornado Post Office. From December 23, 2013, through January 30, 2014, Edele took money that customers paid for stamps or money order sales. After taking the money, Edele would not report the transaction. Agents with the United States Post Office, Office of Inspector General, noted the account shortfall and spoke with Edele on January 31, 2014. Edele admitted taking the money, and she is no longer working for the United States Postal Service. Edele took $5,470.21 from the Tornado Post Office, and, as part of her plea agreement, has agreed to pay that amount in restitution.
Edele faces up to a year in federal prison and a $100,000 fine when she is sentenced on January 10, 2018.
The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the plea hearing.
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Federal jury finds St. Albans man guilty of gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal jury sitting in Charleston returned a guilty verdict yesterday in the trial of a St. Albans man for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Cleveland McDowell Meador, IV, 43, was convicted following a one-day jury trial.
Witnesses for the United States testified that on May 10, 2017, Meador gave permission to officers with the St. Albans Police Department to search his home on Bard Avenue in St. Albans. During the search, an officer discovered a Hi-Point, Model C9, 9mm pistol in an air register vent in the ceiling of Meador’s home. After Meador’s arrest, law enforcement read him his Miranda rights and in a recorded interview, Meador admitted that he put the gun in the air register vent, that he was a convicted felon, and that he knew that he was not supposed to have a gun. Meador was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2016 felony conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for third offense driving while license revoked for driving under the influence.
Meador faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 17, 2018.
The St. Albans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Bacaj and Clint Carte are in charge of the prosecution and tried the case before a federal jury. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the trial.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Charleston man sentenced to federal prison for failing to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Hershel Vanhoose, 43, was also ordered to serve 10 years of federal supervised release following the completion of his prison sentence.
Vanhoose admitted that from early 2016 until his arrest on February 12, 2017, he failed to register as a sex offender as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. On February 12, 2017, Vanhoose was arrested by the Charleston Police Department on an outstanding warrant for failure to update his registration in Ohio. Vanhoose was required to register as a sex offender because of a 2003 Ohio conviction for gross sexual imposition involving a minor.
The Charleston Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Charleston man pleads guilty to illegally possessing sawed-off shotgunRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joe Orville Fooce, III, 44, entered his guilty plea to possession of a shotgun with a barrel length less than 18 inches and an overall length less than 26 inches not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
In July 2016, South Charleston police officers found Fooce unresponsive at an intersection. After Fooce was transported by medics, officers discovered the sawed-off shotgun in his backpack. Fooce admitted that he knew the firearm had been modified from its original length.
Fooce faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 17, 2018.
The South Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Charleston man pleads guilty for stealing items from the University of Charleston and selling themRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man caught stealing items from the campus of the University of Charleston and selling them on Amazon pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Adam St. Clair, 30, entered his guilty plea to mail fraud.
Between the summer of 2014 and approximately the fall of 2015, St. Clair secretly entered locked offices and rooms in buildings on the campus of the University of Charleston without permission or authority. He then stole textbooks and other items from inside those offices. St. Clair maintained an account with Amazon to offer textbooks, electronic equipment, and other goods he had stolen from the University of Charleston campus for sale over the internet. St. Clair had a page on Amazon’s website that he named “Robin Hood Literature.” As a seller of merchandise on Amazon, St. Clair certified that he had the legal right to sell the items advertised on his site. When someone would order a textbook from the site, St. Clair mailed the order to the customer. On one occasion in August of 2015, an employee of the University of Charleston ordered and received a textbook that had been stolen from her. St. Clair received over $6,000 for selling the stolen merchandise, and, as part of his plea agreement, agreed to pay $6,271 in restitution.
St. Clair faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on January 10, 2018.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the University of Charleston Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the plea hearing.
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Multiple federal inmates plead guilty to weapons chargesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Five federal inmates pleaded guilty today to possessing weapons at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. As part of separate prosecutions, Scott Finnell, 29, Misael Santana-Rivera, 32, Antonio R. Azpeitia, 40, Ernest Shields, 42, and Diego Ninos, 30, entered their guilty pleas to possession of a weapon by an inmate of the institution.
Each inmate admitted to possessing a handcrafted weapon, commonly referred to as a “shank.” This year, from March until June, the weapons were either observed or discovered through searches by staff members of the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell. The objects were made out of a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and wood, and were sharpened to a point at one end. The inmates all admitted that the shanks were designed and intended to be used as weapons.
Each inmate faces up to five years in federal prison in addition to the sentences they are currently serving. Santana-Rivera, Shields, and Azpeitia are scheduled to be sentenced on January 23, 2018. Finnell and Ninos are scheduled for sentencing on January 24, 2018.
These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling these prosecutions. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearings.
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Dunbar felon pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Dunbar woman pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Amanda Renee Taylor, 40, entered her guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Taylor admitted that on February 7, 2017, she possessed two firearms, a Lorcin .380 caliber pistol and a High Standard .22 caliber revolver. Taylor further admitted that she stole mail and possessed methamphetamine and counterfeit money found when she was arrested. Taylor was prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of a 2009 felony drug conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court.
Taylor faces up to 10 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on January 16, 2018.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Detroit man pleads guilty to distributing pain pillsRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man caught selling oxycodone in March 2017 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Lurduea Appling, 37, entered his guilty plea to distribution of oxycodone.
On March 20, 2017, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Ona used a confidential informant to make a controlled buy of oxycodone from Appling. The drug deal took place at 1342 15th Street in Huntington. Appling provided the informant with oxycodone in exchange for $3,750 in cash. As part of the plea agreement, Appling admitted to all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment.
Appling faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 16, 2018.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the West Virginia State Police BCI in Ona conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Two Raleigh County felons plead guilty to federal gun crimesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two Raleigh County felons pleaded guilty today to federal gun charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jerry Wayne Phillips, Jr., 40, of Beckley, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm. In a separate prosecution, Don Edward Christy, Jr., 42, of Prince, also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Phillips admitted that on June 23, 2016, he possessed six stolen firearms, including a Marlin, Model 30AW, .30/.30 caliber rifle; a Norinco, Model Type 56 SKS, 7.62x39mm rifle; a Mossberg, Model 500, 12 gauge shotgun; a Keystone Sporting Arms, Model Cricket, .22 caliber rifle; a Winchester, Model 190, .22 caliber rifle; and a Rossi (Taurus), Model S411220BS, .410/.22 caliber rifle. Phillips was prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of a 1998 felony drug conviction in Raleigh County Circuit Court and a 2004 misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence.
In a separate prosecution, Christy admitted that on July 27, 2017, he sold an SCCY, Model CPX-2, 9mm pistol to a confidential informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The gun deal took place in the parking lot of Walmart on North Eisenhower Drive in Beckley. Christy further admitted that on August 14, 2017, he sold a Taurus, Model PT 111, Millennium G2, 9mm pistol and approximately 7.8 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the ATF. The gun and drug deal took place in the parking lot of AutoZone on Robert C. Byrd Drive in Beckley. Christy was prohibited from possessing any firearms under federal law because of two felony convictions in Raleigh County Circuit Court, one in 2006 for attempt to commit aggravated robbery and another in 2014 for breaking and entering.
Phillips and Christy each face up to 10 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on January 31, 2018.
The investigations were conducted by the ATF and the Beckley Police Department. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Charleston man sentenced for Social Security fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to five years of probation and ordered to pay $36,927 in restitution for Social Security fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Thomas Bennett, 58, previously pleaded guilty to theft of public money.
Bennett admitted that he participated in a scheme in which his family members, in 1986, fraudulently applied for Social Security benefits. The fraudulent application was in the name of a family member who died in 1967 and members of Bennett’s family were not entitled to receive any benefits. Bennett subsequently learned about the fraud and in 2000, he joined his family in participating in the scheme. When the other family members died in 2012 and 2013, Bennett took over the Social Security scheme and continued to cash Social Security benefits checks that he knew he was not entitled to receive. Bennett assisted his other family members in cashing Social Security benefits checks dating back to the year 2000 totaling $36,927.
The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and the Social Security Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
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Two defendants sentenced to federal prison for heroin chargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two defendants who pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal drug crimes were sentenced today in Huntington, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Bradley William McCutchen, 36, of Detroit, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. In a separate prosecution, Judy Kay Smith, 59, of Huntington, was sentenced to a year and three months in federal prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine after previously pleading guilty to distributing heroin.
On March 28, 2015, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force executed a search warrant at “The Sandwich Joint,” a restaurant located at 417 12th Street in Huntington. Agents had previously purchased heroin at the restaurant on several occasions. During the search, agents located and seized over 275 grams of heroin from a safe located on the second floor of the restaurant. Agents also seized various items of drug paraphernalia during the search, including packaging material, a digital scale, and multiple bottles of inositol powder, which is commonly used as a cutting agent in the preparation of heroin for distribution. McCutchen admitted that he used the restaurant to store heroin that he supplied to other individuals and distributed himself. McCutchen further admitted that between August 2014 and March 2015, he supplied the owner of the restaurant with heroin that he transported to Huntington from Detroit.
In a separate prosecution, deputies with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department utilized a confidential informant to make a controlled purchase of heroin from Smith on January 5, 2017. Smith agreed to meet the informant in a parking lot at 4341 U.S. Route 60 in Huntington to complete the drug deal. After the informant and Smith arrived at that location, the informant entered Smith’s vehicle, where she sold the informant approximately 10 grams of heroin in exchange for $1,200 in cash. Smith also admitted that she distributed 20 grams of heroin to the informant on January 9, 2017.
On January 23, 2017, Smith agreed to distribute 20 grams of heroin to an undercover agent with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. Prior to that drug deal, a trooper with the West Virginia State Police conducted a traffic stop of Smith’s vehicle. Smith was arrested and found with approximately 22 grams of heroin. Agents also executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence and seized additional heroin and two firearms. As part of her plea, Smith agreed to forfeit a vehicle that was used to facilitate the heroin trafficking.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted the McCutchen investigation. The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the Smith investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecutions. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.
These prosecutions are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Former nursing home employee pleads guilty for embezzling over $80,000Read the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former nursing home employee who embezzled over $80,000 pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Veneford Blankenship, 35, of Princeton, entered her guilty plea to mail fraud.
Blankenship worked at a nursing home in Princeton as the Business Office Supervisor where she oversaw the financial operations. Her duties included sending patient invoices, recording deposits in the nursing home’s accounting program, and depositing checks into the nursing home’s operations account. The nursing home also had another bank account, which allowed residents to collect funds that were occasionally spent on dinner, outings, and small events for residents. While the nursing home’s parent company received bank statements for its operations account, the parent company did not receive any statements for the other bank account.
Blankenship admitted that in June 2015, she began secretly diverting residents’ payment checks. Instead of depositing these checks into the operations account, she deposited the checks into the other bank account. She then wrote checks to herself from the other account, forging the signatures of the two individuals with signature authority. She hid her crime by writing false memos on the checks and indicating that the withdrawals were for legitimate nursing home purposes, when in reality she took the money for herself. She also falsely updated the nursing home’s accounting program to indicate that the residents paid invoices and that the nursing home received funds that she had stolen.
Blankenship faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on January 23, 2018. As part of her plea agreement, Blankenship agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $82,926.15.
The FBI and the Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
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Detroit man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison today for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. James Otis Daniels, 43, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On March 10, 2016, the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted a search at 1830 10th Avenue in Huntington, where Daniels was living with his codefendant, Thomas Nelson. During the search, agents seized a total of over 80 grams of heroin, including over 75 grams located inside a safe in Daniels’ bedroom, along with four digital scales. Agents also seized over $7,300 in cash, over $3,700 of which was located inside the safe in the bedroom. Agents additionally seized a .45 caliber Taurus pistol from Daniels’ bedroom that had previously been reported stolen from a firearms dealer in Barboursville.
Nelson previously pled guilty to a federal gun crime, and was sentenced to five years in federal prison.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Charleston man pleads guilty to receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jeffrey Scott Beard, 37, entered his guilty plea to receiving child pornography.
Beard admitted that on October 23, 2016, he received images of prepubescent minors engaged in sex acts. The images were received on Beard’s computer and thumb drives located at his residence in Charleston. The investigation revealed that Beard was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download, receive, and distribute images and videos of child pornography. Beard further admitted to possessing over 600 images and videos of minors engaged in sex acts.
Beard faces at least five and up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 11, 2018. Upon his release from prison, he will be required to serve a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Two Lewisburg defendants plead guilty to federal oxymorphone crimesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two Lewisburg defendants pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joshua Adam Smith, 35, entered his guilty plea to distribution of oxymorphone. Jessica Nicole Honaker, 26, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of oxymorphone.
Smith admitted on November 6, 2016, he distributed oxymorphone to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Honaker admitted that on November 17, 2016, she distributed oxymorphone to a confidential informant to complete a drug deal that Smith had arranged. Both of the drug deals took place at a residence on Battle Hill Drive in Lewisburg. As part of their plea agreements, Smith and Honaker took responsibility for all of the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment.
Smith and Honaker each face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on January 24, 2018.
The Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
This case is being prosecuted under the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative, part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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