Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
St. Albans man sentenced to nine years in federal prison for methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Albans man was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jeremiah Joe Johnson, 40, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Johnson admitted that on April 30, 2017, he traveled to Charleston from Atlanta with approximately 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine. Agents with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team were monitoring Johnson’s travels using a GPS tracker and surveillance. Johnson also admitted that he stopped at the Bigley Avenue Go-Mart in Charleston, where an officer saw a passenger with Johnson attempt to hide a meth pipe from view. A drug dog on the scene gave a positive indication for the presence of narcotics, and a subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered the methamphetamine in a bag in the back seat. Johnson additionally admitted that he had obtained the drugs from a source in Georgia, and that he intended to distribute the drugs. Johnson further admitted to several other encounters with law enforcement while he was in possession of dealer amounts of methamphetamine.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the West Virginia State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin 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, 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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Mexican national pleads guilty to immigration crimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today to an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Victor Guevara-De La Paz, 35, entered his guilty plea to illegally reentering the United States.
Agents of the Department of Homeland Security identified Guevara-De La Paz through surveillance and learned that he was residing in Lewisburg. On May 24, 2017, agents stopped Guevara-De La Paz and confirmed his identity during the traffic stop. Agents also learned through fingerprint comparison that Guevara-De La Paz had twice been removed from the United States. On both occasions, after being removed, Guevara-De La Paz then illegally reentered the United States. Furthermore, Guevara-De La Paz had not formally applied for permission to legally enter the United States.
Guevara-De La Paz faces up to two years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 24, 2018. He is also subject to removal proceedings at the conclusion of the case.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
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Former funeral home director pleads guilty to defrauding insurance companyRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A former funeral director who defrauded an insurance company pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joel L. McGuire, 61, of Alderson, entered his guilty plea to wire fraud.
McGuire was the funeral director at Broyles-McGuire Funeral Home in Union, West Virginia. While serving as funeral director, McGuire also sold insurance policies that would pay for clients’ funerals upon their death. On August 31, 2012, McGuire submitted a claim, stating that a client had passed away on August 29, 2012, and that he had provided funeral services at a cost of $3,313.71. McGuire knew that the client was still alive and that he had not provided any funeral services. The insurance company paid McGuire $3,312.71 for the claim. McGuire also admitted that, as a result of his submission of numerous other false claims for clients that had not died, he received more than $50,000.
McGuire faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on January 9, 2018.
The West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner Fraud Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
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Akron drug dealer pleads guilty to federal drug and gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Akron man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime and a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Lonnie Brown, 46, entered his guilty plea to distribution of fentanyl. In a separate proceeding, Brown also pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On September 26, 2016, officers with the Charleston Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a Honda Accord in Charleston. Brown fled the vehicle on foot. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a Glock, Model 27, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in the floorboard where Brown had been sitting. Brown was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2015 felony conviction in Montgomery County, Ohio, for possession of heroin.
On February 15, 2017, agents with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team used a confidential informant to make a controlled drug buy from Brown. The drug deal occurred at 602 Randolph Street in Charleston, and the substance recovered by law enforcement from the confidential informant tested positive for fentanyl. As part of the plea agreement, Brown admitted to all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment, including that he distributed heroin and fentanyl in Charleston on three other occasions in 2016 and 2017.
Brown faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the drug charge and up to 10 years in federal prison for the gun charge when he is sentenced on January 11, 2018.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department’s STOP Team, the Charleston Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
The drug 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. The gun 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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Former Cross Lanes postal worker pleads guilty to stealing pain pills from the mailRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former postal worker who stole oxycodone and hydrocodone pills from packages pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brittany Harrison, 31, of Cross Lanes, entered her guilty plea to theft of mail by a postal employee.
Harrison was a federal postal support employee who worked in the Charleston Main Post Office as a mail processing clerk. Through working at that post office, Harrison learned to identify packages that contained oxycodone and hydrocodone pills. After identifying these packages, Harrison opened them and stole the pain pills inside. On April 8, 2016, she opened a package from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Huntington that was to be delivered to a Charleston resident and stole oxycodone pills from the package. Harrison further admitted to stealing pills contained in at least six other packages, including 168 oxycodone pills on April 12, 2016, and another 168 oxycodone pills on April 13, 2016. On April 13, 2016, Harrison gave a statement to federal officers in which she admitted stealing the pain pills. Harrison is no longer an employee with the United States Postal Service.
Harrison faces up to five years in federal prison when she is sentenced on January 4, 2018.
The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes 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 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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Detroit felon sentenced to federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced today to a year and three months in federal prison for a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Deandre Lamar Harris, 31, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition.
On January 18, 2014, members of the West Virginia State Police conducted a search at 345 Sixth Avenue in Huntington, a residence used by Harris. The search was conducted after law enforcement received information that a stolen firearm had been taken there to pay a drug debt to another individual. Law enforcement located Harris in the residence, along with two other individuals, one of whom was alleged to have received the firearm. At the time of the search, Harris was in possession of several rounds of .25 caliber ammunition. Harris was prohibited from possessing ammunition under federal law because of felony convictions in 2007 in Cabell County Circuit Court for malicious wounding and for attempt to commit a felony.
The West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers 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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Federal inmate sentenced to prison for possessing a weaponRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal inmate was sentenced today to a year and three months in prison for possessing a weapon at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christopher Williams, 31, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by an inmate of the institution.
Williams admitted that on August 25, 2016, he possessed a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank.” The weapon was a piece of metal approximately six inches long, sharpened on one end, with a handle made of duct tape. The weapon was discovered during a search of Williams when a prison staff member observed it fall from his clothing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.
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Charleston heroin dealer sentenced to federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to three years in federal prison for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joseph G. Withrow, 29, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
Withrow admitted that on August 18, 2016, he sold nearly two grams of heroin to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. The drug deal took place at his apartment on Washington Avenue in Charleston. As part of his plea agreement, Withrow further admitted to all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment, including that he was responsible for distributing at least 25 grams of heroin in the area.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team 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 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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Nicholas County man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minorRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nicholas County man was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for a sex crime involving a minor, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. John Marshall Underwood, Jr., 44, of Gilboa, previously pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. After completing his prison sentence, Underwood will be on federal supervised release for 15 years, and he will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Underwood admitted that from December 14, 2016, through February 1, 2017, he used a cell phone to communicate with a woman he believed to be a prostitute who had custody of two minor nieces. The woman Underwood thought was a prostitute was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. Underwood also admitted that he communicated with the woman about engaging in commercial sexual activity with one of the nieces. On at least two occasions, Underwood communicated with an individual he believed to be the niece and attempted to entice her to engage in commercial sexual activity. The individual Underwood thought was the niece was also an undercover law enforcement officer. Underwood admitted that on February 1, 2017, he arranged a meeting with the individuals, who were actually undercover officers, and was arrested after he arrived at the meeting location. Law enforcement recorded all the calls between Underwood and the undercover officers.
The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald 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 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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Federal jury finds Charleston man guilty of methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal jury sitting in Charleston returned a guilty verdict yesterday in the trial of a Charleston man for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brian D. Terry, 32, was convicted following a one-day jury trial.
Witnesses for the United States testified that on April 20, 2016, Terry was the passenger in a vehicle that was stopped for speeding by officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. The traffic stop took place in the St. Albans area, on MacCorkle Avenue close to Oliver Street. During the traffic stop, Terry consented to a search, and officers discovered approximately 195 grams of crystal methamphetamine in his groin area. A chemist with U.S. Customs and Border Protection testified at trial that the methamphetamine found on Terry was approximately 99% pure.
Officers arrested Terry and read him his Miranda rights. Subsequently, during the transport of Terry to South Central Regional Jail, he shared details of his drug trafficking activity with an officer, including the quantity of methamphetamine he sold and the price he charged. Both the traffic stop and the transport to the jail were recorded.
Terry faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 14, 2017.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hanks 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 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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St. Albans man sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A St. Albans man was sentenced today to three years in federal prison for a drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christopher Carte, 44, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
On February 9, 2017, Carte was stopped by law enforcement conducting surveillance of suspected drug activity when officers saw him leaving a room at the Super 8 motel in Dunbar. After Carte consented to a search, officers found approximately one ounce of crystal methamphetamine in his jacket pocket. Carte admitted that he had gotten the methamphetamine from someone in the motel room, and that he intended sell the drugs and pay that individual with the proceeds.
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 Eric Bacaj and Haley Bunn are responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin 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, 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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Charleston man pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Leon Mitchell, III, 24, entered his guilty plea 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 Mitchell what was lying on the ground, Mitchell told the officer 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.
Mitchell faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 6, 2017.
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. 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.
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Kanawha County couple admits to drug distribution conspiracy involving mail theftRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County couple who distributed pain pills from stolen packages pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Amber Fox, 28, of East Bank, entered her guilty plea to mail theft. David Grove, Jr., 39, also of East Bank, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute pain pills.
Fox was a federal postal support employee who worked in the Charleston Processing and Distribution Center. She used her job to steal pain pills by identifying packages that contained oxycodone and hydrocodone. Fox admitted that on March 17, 2015, she stole a package that contained 112 hydrocodone pills. After stealing the packages, Fox took the pills to the home that she shared with Grove in East Bank. Together, they took some of the pills themselves and sold the remaining pills. Fox admitted to stealing between 45 and 50 postal packages containing thousands of oxycodone and hydrocodone pills from August 2014 to April 9, 2015. On April 9, 2015, law enforcement executed search warrants at the East Bank residence and located over 500 stolen oxycodone and hydrocodone pills. Both Fox and Grove gave statements admitting their involvement in the mail theft and drug distribution conspiracy. Fox is no longer an employee with the United States Postal Service.
Fox and Grove are scheduled to be sentenced on December 12, 2017. Grove faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Fox faces up to five years in federal prison.
The United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was conducted before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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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Elkview man pleads guilty to federal methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Elkview man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Randy George Vance, 59, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
On January 13, 2016, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted a traffic stop of Vance as he was returning to West Virginia from Atlanta. During a search of Vance’s vehicle, officers recovered approximately 156 grams of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was lab-tested and confirmed to be over 80% pure. Vance admitted that he got the drugs in Atlanta and that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine.
Vance faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 13, 2017.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriele Wohl is responsible for the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston is presiding over the case.
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, 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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Huntington felon pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pleaded guilty today a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jermaine D. Cathey, 36, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On January 2, 2017, officers from the Huntington Police Department observed Cathey walking and screaming in the middle of Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard in Huntington. When officers approached Cathey, they saw that he had a pistol in his right hand. Cathey was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of multiple felony convictions, including a 2013 conviction in Cabell County Circuit Court for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Cathey faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 11, 2017.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Huntington Police Department 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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Huntington drug dealer pleads guilty to federal heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who sold heroin in June 2016 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. George Holloway, 45, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
On June 7, 2016, a confidential informant working with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force met Holloway at 833 26th Street in Huntington. The informant bought approximately 20.6 grams of heroin from Holloway. As part of the plea agreement, Holloway admitted to all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment, including that he distributed heroin in Huntington on four other occasions in 2015 and 2016.
Holloway faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 11, 2017.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force 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 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 federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced to federal prison today for a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jermain Santell Hill, 38, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. In today’s hearing, he was sentenced to three years and a month in federal prison for that offense. He was also sentenced to an additional eight months in prison for violating his federal supervised release. The sentences will be served consecutively.
In the early morning hours of October 15, 2016, in Charleston, officers with the Charleston Police Department were conducting a traffic stop when they heard a nearby gunshot. As officers ran towards the sound of the gunshot, one of the officers observed Hill leaving the area. The officer pursued Hill to a location behind a residence on Main Street and saw Hill drop an object. After Hill was detained, officers checked that location and recovered a loaded Kel-Tec .380 caliber pistol. Hill was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2015 conviction in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for possession with intent to distribute crack.
The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This 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 working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
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Attorney General's Pilot Program brings new resources to fight opioid epidemicRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Carol Casto announced today that a new attorney position has opened in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. The opening is for a 3-year term as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) assigned to the Violent Crime and Narcotics Section of the Criminal Division. This term position was created as part of the Attorney General’s pilot program to focus on opioid-related health care fraud and prosecute individuals that are contributing to the opioid epidemic.
The United States Attorney’s Office is a part of the Department of Justice, which enforces federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty and the property of citizens. The United States Attorney’s Office currently has 62 employees, with the main office in Charleston and two staffed branch offices in Huntington and Beckley.
An appointment as an AUSA offers unique and challenging opportunities for highly-motivated attorneys to work on their own caseload and handle their own trials and appeals. Working in the Violent Crime and Narcotics Section of the Criminal Division, the AUSA will be part of a dedicated team helping to investigate and prosecute federal criminal cases and to prepare and argue appeals. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. Occasional travel is required. Applicants must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction). In addition, applicants must possess superior oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, and be able to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment. The local rules of the district court require obtaining membership in the bar of West Virginia within one year of entry on duty. Veterans are encouraged to apply. Although there is no formal rating system for applying veterans’ preference to AUSA appointments, the Department of Justice considers veterans’ preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. More information regarding the veterans’ preference may be found in the jobs announcement at https://my.usajobs.gov and on our website, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv.
This is a temporary position not to exceed 3 years. The position will be based in the Charleston office, with a salary range from $60,210 - $141,275. Applications should be submitted online at https://my.usajobs.gov for job announcement number 17-WVS-10044349-AUSA (https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/PrintPreview/478848100). Applicants will have to create an account or log into an existing USAJOBS account. The deadline for submitting an application is 11:59 p.m. (EST), on September 15, 2017. Please contact Administrative Officer Robin Justice at (304) 345-2200 or [email protected] if you have any questions. For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/careers.
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Charleston woman sentenced to federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston woman was sentenced today to a year and a day in federal prison for a drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Terri Mitchell, 26, previously pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute crack.
Mitchell admitted that in March 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at her Charleston residence and discovered approximately 80 grams of cocaine and over 60 grams of crack in her bedroom, along over $7,600 in cash. Mitchell further admitted that in May 2015, law enforcement executed another search warrant at her residence in Charleston. While searching Mitchell’s residence, officers found that Mitchell was in possession of approximately 2.7 grams of crack, which was concealed in the pockets of her pants.
The case against Mitchell was investigated by the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston 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 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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California man sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A California man caught receiving a shipment of crystal methamphetamine in Huntington earlier this year was sentenced today to three years and a month in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christian Duran, 34, of San Jose, previously pleaded guilty to attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
On January 13, 2017, members of the DEA Task Force conducted a controlled delivery of approximately 25 pounds of marijuana and 150 grams of crystal methamphetamine to Duran and Sean Bradsher at a residence on 4th Avenue in Huntington. The drugs were intercepted by agents the previous day after being sent from California to Huntington. When Duran and Bradsher took possession of the drugs, agents executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered the marijuana and methamphetamine, along with $13,842 in cash. Duran admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine, and Bradsher admitted that he allowed Duran to use the residence to receive the methamphetamine from California. As part of the plea agreement, Duran admitted to all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment.
Bradsher previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 30, 2017.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the DEA Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This case 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 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 pain pill dealer sentenced to federal prison for hydromorphone crimeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Bluefield drug dealer was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for selling pain pills, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Timothy Jordan, 48, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of hydromorphone.
Jordan admitted that on December 2, 2015, he distributed hydromorphone in Bluefield to an individual cooperating with law enforcement authorities.
The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File is in charge of the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.
This case was brought 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 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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Guatemalan national pleads guilty to immigration crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty today to an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Juan Us-Sajbin, 36, entered his guilty plea to illegally reentering the United States.
Us-Sajbin admitted that he was not lawfully present in the United States when he was encountered by Department of Homeland Security agents on May 19, 2017. He was identified when agents were looking for another individual residing near Kanawha State Forest. Agents conducted surveillance, confirmed the identity of Us-Sajbin, and then placed him under arrest. Us-Sajbin had not formally applied for permission to legally reenter the United States and was not otherwise in the United States by any legal process. He was previously removed in 2013 after being convicted of misdemeanor assault in Mahoning County, Ohio.
Us-Sajbin faces up to two years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 17, 2017. He is also subject to deportation proceedings at the conclusion of the criminal case.
The Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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Parkersburg felon sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm used in drug-related shootingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Tyrese Antonio McMillon, 32, previously pleaded guilty to a single-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
McMillon admitted that he possessed a Lorcin .380 pistol that was used in a shooting in a 19th Street apartment in Parkersburg on May 27, 2016. McMillon was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2006 felony conviction in Cabell County Circuit Court for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. At the sentencing hearing, the Court found that McMillon shot a heroin dealer from Pittsburgh in the head and robbed him of heroin and a firearm. The Court further found that Parkersburg Police located the stolen heroin and firearm in a hotel room, and that McMillon possessed the key to the hotel room along with some of the heroin when he was arrested during the traffic stop of a taxi in which he was riding. Analysis by the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory confirmed that the Lorcin .380 was the weapon used to shoot the heroin dealer and that gunshot residue was found on McMillon’s clothing.
The Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is in charge of 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 existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Charleston felon sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to eight years and four months in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Randy Allen Taylor, 34, previously pleaded guilty to a single-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On September 4, 2016, Taylor consented to a search by the Charleston Police Department of a hotel room at the Courtyard Marriott in Charleston. During the search, officers recovered a Kel-Tec, Model PF-9, 9mm pistol and approximately 3.7 ounces of methamphetamine. Following the search of the hotel room, Taylor consented to a search of his 2005 Lincoln Aviator. Inside the vehicle, officers recovered a stolen Cobra, Model CA-380, .380 caliber handgun.
Taylor was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2011 felony conviction in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.
The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis handled 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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Two defendants sentenced to federal prison for drug crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two defendants were sentenced to prison today for federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Malik Muhammad Abdull Williams, 24, of Michigan, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack. In a separate prosecution, Jessica Ann Barnett, 29, of South Point, Ohio, was sentenced to six months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.
On May 2, 2016, members of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force were conducting surveillance at the Greyhound Bus Station in Ashland, Kentucky, after receiving information that Williams would be arriving on a bus in possession of drugs. Agents observed Williams exit a bus and enter a vehicle that traveled to Huntington. Agents conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle at 1st Street and 4th Avenue in Huntington and discovered Williams in possession of approximately 31 grams of heroin and 41 grams of crack concealed in his pants. Williams admitted that he intended to sell the drugs in Huntington.
In a separate prosecution, between November 2014 and June 8, 2016, Barnett participated with multiple individuals in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in the Huntington area. At various times during the conspiracy, Barnett was provided with cash that constituted proceeds from heroin sales. Barnett would then wire the money to a third party in Michigan via money transfer companies such as Western Union and MoneyGram. Barnett transferred proceeds from heroin distributions on at least 27 occasions totaling approximately $26,410. On multiple occasions, Barnett also sold small amounts of heroin.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled these prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.
These 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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Detroit drug dealer sentenced to five years in federal prison for pushing pain pillsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for dealing pain pills, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Deangelo Cann, 26, originally from Detroit, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of oxymorphone.
Cann admitted that on February 3, 2015, he sold oxymorphone pills to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in the parking lot of the Embassy Suites Hotel in Charleston. As part of his plea agreement, Cann further admitted to all the drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston 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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Mexican national pleads guilty to immigration crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today to an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Hermino Camacho-Diaz, 41, entered his guilty plea to illegally reentering the United States.
Camacho-Diaz admitted that he was not lawfully present in the United States when he was encountered by Department of Homeland Security agents on June 8, 2017. Camacho-Diaz was living in Nitro when Homeland Security Agents received a tip that he was present in the country unlawfully. Agents conducted surveillance, confirmed his identity, and placed him under arrest. Camacho-Diaz had previously been removed from the United States on three different occasions in 2010. On all three occasions, he was returned to his home country of Mexico. Camacho-Diaz then illegally reentered the United States. Camacho-Diaz had not formally applied for permission to legally reenter the United States, and was not otherwise in the United States by any legal process.
Camacho-Diaz faces up to two years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 27, 2017. He is also subject to deportation proceedings at the conclusion of the criminal case.
The Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
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Logan man sentenced to nine years in federal prison for gun chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan man was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Bryan Keith Lewis, 25, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Lewis admitted that on November 9, 2015, while carrying a Smith & Wesson, Bodyguard, .380 caliber pistol, he entered a residence in Logan by kicking the door open and motioned for a victim in the residence to give over any money. The victim resisted and a struggle began. During the struggle, Lewis admitted that he shot the victim several times. Despite the gunshot wounds, the victim stabbed Lewis multiple times with a box cutter. Lewis fled the house and dropped the gun on the way out. The victim crawled to pick up the firearm and when Lewis returned to the house to retrieve the gun, the victim shot Lewis.
Lewis was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2014 conviction in Logan County Magistrate Court for domestic assault.
The Logan Police Department, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, 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 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 existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Beckley area physician sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for oxycodone crimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley area physician was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison and ordered to pay a fine of $50,000 for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Dr. Michael Kostenko, D.O., 61, of Daniels, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of oxycodone not for legitimate medical purposes and beyond the bounds of medical practice. Kostenko entered his guilty plea in April after a day-and-a-half of jury trial in federal court in Beckley on a 22-count indictment. The trial ended with Kostenko’s guilty plea, and the crime he pleaded to is contained in Count Seven of the Superseding Indictment.
Kostenko admitted that he owned and operated the Coal Country Clinic, a medical practice located in his Raleigh County residence. Kostenko also admitted that on December 9, 2013, he distributed oxycodone, a powerful pain medication, not for legitimate medical purposes. Specifically, Kostenko admitted that on that day, approximately 271 patients arrived at Kostenko’s residence seeking oxycodone prescriptions. Kostenko additionally admitted that his staff collected over $20,000 cash from the patients that he later deposited in a local bank in amounts of less than $10,000. Kostenko further admitted that on that day he wrote over 370 oxycodone prescriptions totaling 22,255 pain pills. Moreover, Kostenko admitted that he wrote these prescriptions from his upstairs bedroom, without seeing any of the patients, and that his staff handed out the prescriptions. Finally, Kostenko admitted that by writing the oxycodone prescriptions, he acted beyond the bounds of professional medical practice.
“This case should send a clear message to drug dealers that we will pursue them regardless of their education and status in the community. As a physician, Dr. Kostenko held a position of trust in the community. Instead of honoring his oath to do no harm, he contributed to the greatest public health crisis of our generation – opioid abuse. Sixteen patients died from overdoses on his watch, but clearly not under his care,” said United States Attorney Carol Casto. “Drug dealers should be aware that we are committed to using every tool in our arsenal to battle the opioid crisis, and the prosecution of health care providers who contribute to the problem will no longer be the exception, but the norm.”
“The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) is pleased with the success of the United States Attorney’s Office in holding Michael Kostenko responsible for his actions,” said DHHR Secretary Bill J. Crouch. “Employees of the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification worked diligently to close the illegal pain clinic operated by Kostenko, and today’s result brings those efforts full circle.”
The investigation of Kostenko and his Coal Country Clinic was led by the West Virginia State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Office of Inspector General, United States Department of Health and Human Services, and West Virginia DHHR’s Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
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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Two defendants plead guilty to child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants pleaded guilty yesterday to child pornography crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Lee Rhodes, 39, of Clendenin, pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography. In a separate prosecution, Kenneth Frederick Stier, 29, of Spencer, entered his guilty plea to distributing child pornography.
Rhodes admitted that on June 4, 2015, he received a video of a prepubescent minor engaged in sex acts. The video was received on Rhodes’ computer, which was located at his residence in Clendenin. The investigation revealed that Rhodes was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download, receive, and distribute child pornography images and videos. Rhodes admitted that he possessed over 600 images and videos of minors engaged in sex acts.
In a separate prosecution, Stier admitted that on December 13, 2016, he distributed two videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sex acts. An undercover law enforcement operation revealed that Stier distributed the videos using a messenger application on his cell phone. Stier also admitted to distributing child pornography videos on another occasion, and to possessing over 600 images and videos depicting child pornography.
Rhodes and Stier both face at least five and up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced, as well as a term of federal supervised release of at least five years and up to life. Rhodes is scheduled to be sentenced on November 14, 2017. Stier is scheduled for sentencing on November 13, 2017. Upon release from federal prison, both Rhodes and Stier will be required to register as sex offenders.
“The penalties for endangering children with sexual predatory behavior are significant, and those who abuse the most vulnerable will pay a heavy price,” said United States Attorney Carol Casto. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute those who exploit the children of our communities.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Parkersburg Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigations. The Roane County Sheriff’s Office also investigated the Stier case. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of these prosecutions.
The plea hearing for Rhodes was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. The plea hearing for Stier was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
These cases were 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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Parkersburg woman pleads guilty to federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg woman caught with heroin and methamphetamine in January 2017 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Megan Kerns, 29, entered her guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.
On January 12, 2017, agents with the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force arrested Kerns in Parkersburg, and in a search incident to arrest, 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. As part of the plea agreement, 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.
Kerns faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on November 13, 2017.
The Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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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Parkersburg carjacker pleads guilty to federal crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to a federal carjacking charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marshall Leroy Saunders, 29, entered his guilty plea to a single-count indictment charging him with carjacking a taxi in Wood County.
Saunders was a suspect in an unrelated crime when police observed him entering a taxi in Vienna on October 6, 2016. Saunders admitted that when police attempted to pull the taxi over, he pointed a loaded pistol at the driver and ordered him out of the vehicle. Saunders then took control of the taxi and fled to Parkersburg, driving at speeds of up to 110 miles per hour, running a red light, and driving the taxi southbound in the northbound lane of Grand Central Avenue. Saunders abandoned the taxi in Parkersburg, then hid in a wooded area until he was apprehended by police.
Saunders faces up to 15 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 15, 2017.
The Vienna Police Department, the Parkersburg Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney James Matthew Davis is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before 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 existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Mason County couple pleads guilty to federal drug chargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Mason County couple pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Eugene “Gene” Asbury, 69, and Natasha “Tess” Clonch, 32, both of Gallipolis Ferry, entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute synthetic cannabinoids.
Asbury and Clonch admitted that from at least 2013 through February 2015, they sold $1.6 million worth of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “Spice” and “Potpourri” from “The Scent Shop,” a store they operated on Huntington Road in Mason County. The synthetic cannabinoids contained controlled substances and controlled substance analogues, and were packaged under a variety of trade names, including Scooby Snax, Heaven’s Grass, Get Real, Black Diamond, Mr. Nice Guy, and Mad Hatter. The couple further admitted that they laundered the proceeds of the sales by using cash or money orders to purchase additional synthetic cannabinoids, as well as vehicles and real property. They also admitted to laundering the proceeds by co-mingling the money through the bank accounts of Natasha Clonch, dba “The Scent Shop” and Asbury Inc., under which Asbury operated several businesses, including the Route 35 Adult Video and Bookstore in Putnam County.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Asbury and Clonch agreed to the forfeiture of $1.6 million in assets obtained by the sale of synthetic cannabinoids, including more than $189,000, a 2015 GMC Yukon, a 1952 Oldsmobile, a fully-restored 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air, and real property located in Glenwood, West Virginia.
Asbury and Clonch each face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on November 27, 2017.
The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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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Logan County man pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan County man who possessed a sawed-off shotgun in October 2016 pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brian Kevin Sigmon, II, 34, of Henlawson, entered his guilty plea 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.
Sigmon faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 29, 2017.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before 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 existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Williamson drug dealer sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Williamson man was sentenced today to eight years and four months in federal prison for a heroin charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jerome Anthony Smith, 42, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
Smith admitted that from May to August 2014, during the course of several controlled purchases, he distributed both heroin and crack to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deals took place in the Williamson area. As part of the plea agreement, Smith admitted to all of the charged drug trafficking conduct, as well as additional drug deals.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force and the Mingo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
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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Wayne County man pleads guilty to federal oxycodone chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Wayne County man who assisted others in distributing oxycodone in the Fort Gay area in 2015 and 2016 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Dennis Ransbottom, Jr., 32, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.
Between November 2015 and November 2016, Ransbottom participated in the conspiracy with others, including an oxycodone source from Detroit. During the conspiracy, the source frequently transported oxycodone pills from Michigan to Fort Gay to distribute, and would notify Ransbottom upon arrival in West Virginia. Ransbottom agreed to introduce individuals to the source, or otherwise arrange for customers to meet the source to buy pills. On November 29, 2016, Ransbottom was arrested along with another individual while they were meeting outside of the Pit Stop gas station in Fort Gay. Investigators located and seized a total of 382 thirty mg oxycodone tablets during the arrest.
Ransbottom faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 20, 2017.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief 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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Two defendants headed to federal prison for participation in heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man and Huntington woman who participated with others distributing heroin in the Huntington area between 2014 and 2016 were sentenced to federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Derrick C. Morris, 27, was sentenced to six years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Dorothy D. Pannell, 23, was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.
Between November 2014 and June 8, 2016, Morris conspired with others, including Mark Bush, to distribute heroin that was transported to Huntington from the Detroit area. During the conspiracy, Morris received heroin that he would distribute in Huntington. Morris subsequently provided proceeds from the distributions back to individuals in Detroit. Morris also enlisted the aid of multiple individuals to conduct wire transfers of cash from Huntington to the Detroit area. At today’s hearing, the Court found that Morris was responsible for the distribution of over a kilogram of heroin in the Huntington area.
Pannell previously admitted she participated in the conspiracy during April and May of 2016. During this period, Pannell allowed Bush to store heroin in her residence located at 729 Oxford Drive in Huntington. Pannell further allowed Bush to retrieve heroin from her residence on various occasions to make distributions in Huntington. On May 23, 2016, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Pannell’s residence. During the search, agents seized approximately 85 grams of heroin and three firearms.
Bush was sentenced to 17 and a half years in federal prison for his involvement in the conspiracy.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.
These prosecutions 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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Charleston dentist pleads guilty to 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 pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Antoine Skaff, 58, entered his guilty plea to health care fraud. Skaff also entered into a civil settlement today 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, admitted that he 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.
First, 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.
Next, Skaff 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.
Skaff faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 13, 2017. As part of his plea agreement, Skaff agreed to pay $738,067 in restitution.
Skaff also entered into a civil settlement agreement today in which he agreed to pay $2.2 million as a result of his fraud. Skaff further agreed to be excluded from Medicare and Medicaid programs for 13 years, which means he will not be able to bill Medicare and Medicaid during this time period.
“This case demonstrates the good that comes when federal and state agencies work together to identify, investigate and prosecute health care fraud,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto. “Through the civil, criminal and administrative processes brought to bear, the Medicaid program will be made whole, Dr. Skaff will be punished, and we will protect federal health care dollars in the future by securing his exclusion from these programs.”
“Collaboration between agencies is the key to continued reduction and prevention of health care fraud and abuse in the state,” said Bill J. Crouch, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Cabinet Secretary. “DHHR and its specially-trained, nationally-recognized Medicaid Fraud Control Unit work daily with our federal and state partners to resolve these issues for the benefit of our citizens and the Medicaid program.”
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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
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Two defendants plead guilty to federal gun crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants pleaded guilty today to federal gun charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Carlos Lamont Gray, 26, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. In a separate prosecution, Edward William Blake, Jr., 52, of Belle in Kanawha County, entered his guilty plea to possessing a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
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.
In a separate prosecution, 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.
Gray and Blake each face up to 10 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on November 6, 2017.
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. The plea hearing for Gray was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
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 presided over Blake’s plea hearing.
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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Charleston meth dealer sentenced to federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston drug dealer was sentenced today to three years and five months in federal prison for a methamphetamine crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Shannon L. Mitchell, 36, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
Mitchell admitted that on July 18, 2016, he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place near Mitchell’s home on Maryland Avenue in Charleston. As part of the plea agreement, Mitchell also admitted to evidence of all the criminal conduct charged in the indictment.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin 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, 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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Boone County man sentenced to six years in federal prison for dealing pain pillsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County pain pill dealer was sentenced today to six years in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Howard D. Williamson, Jr., 55, of Madison, previously pleaded guilty to both counts of a two-count indictment charging him with distribution of oxycodone.
Williamson admitted that on July 23, 2015, and again on October 25, 2015, he sold oxycodone pills to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Williamson further admitted that the drug deals took place at his Lincoln Avenue residence in Madison.
The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police and the U.S. Route 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
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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Three South Charleston meth dealers plead guilty to federal drug crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three methamphetamine dealers from South Charleston pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Carl “Yogi” Clark, 40, Jamie Harmon, 38, and Holly Doub, 34, each entered guilty pleas to distribution of methamphetamine.
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 a gram of methamphetamine. Previously, Christopher Carte entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine for his role in the same drug trafficking organization. As part of their plea agreements, the defendants also admitted to the other drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment.
Carte, Harmon, Clark, and Doub each face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on November 8, 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 Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for the prosecutions. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin is presiding over these cases.
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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Huntington man sentenced to federal prison for role in heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man involved with others in distributing heroin in 2016 was sentenced today to a year and three months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Philip Reed Starkey, 48, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.
From the summer of 2016 to September 2016, Starkey participated with Tonya Lynn Thompson and others in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in the Huntington area. During this time period, Starkey and Thompson received heroin on consignment. Starkey and Thompson would then distribute the heroin and return the proceeds from the distributions back to the heroin source.
On September 5, 2016, a deputy with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department seized $6,407 in cash from Starkey and Thompson during a traffic stop on U.S. Route 60 in Huntington after agents received information they would be delivering the money that day. Starkey and Thompson admitted that the money constituted proceeds from heroin distributions, and that they were delivering the money back to the heroin source. Starkey previously admitted that he and Thompson were responsible for distributing up to 400 grams of heroin during the conspiracy. As part of the plea agreement, Starkey admitted that he was responsible for all the drug trafficking conduct charged in the superseding indictment. Thompson previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on October 30, 2017.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This prosecution was 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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Huntington man pleads guilty to federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man caught with heroin in January 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daniel Justin Watts, 32, entered his guilty plea to a single-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On January 7, 2015, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force arrested Watts in a parking lot at 1034 14th Street West in Huntington after observing Watts distributing heroin in the area. Watts was transported to the Huntington Police Department and, during a search, was found to be in possession of heroin he had concealed in his groin area. The heroin was packaged for distribution, and Watts admitted that he intended to sell the heroin. As part of the plea agreement, Watts further admitted that he distributed heroin in West Huntington during the months of December 2014 and January 2015.
Watts faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 20, 2017.
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 Chief 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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Detroit man sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for involvement in heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced today to 17 and a half years in federal prison for his role in a heroin conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Steven Bush, Jr., 30, of Detroit, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Between November 2014 and June 8, 2016, Bush led a conspiracy with other individuals who either sold heroin for him, rented and purchased cars in their name for him, stored heroin and guns for him, or transferred proceeds of drug trafficking for him. During the conspiracy, those selling drugs for Bush would receive heroin on consignment or “front.” Bush would later receive proceeds from the sales. Bush enlisted the aid of others who permitted Bush to title cars in their names in exchange for payments of heroin. These individuals also provided transportation for Bush and those selling heroin on Bush’s behalf. Bush utilized another individual who made trips to Detroit to deliver money and transport heroin and oxymorphone pills back to Huntington on Bush’s behalf or on the behalf of individuals working with Bush. Bush also stored and distributed heroin at various residences in the Huntington area. In a search at 729 Oxford Drive on May 23, 2016, approximately 85 grams of heroin and four firearms were seized, all of which Bush admitted he possessed. As part of the plea agreement, Bush also admitted to the other drug trafficking activity charged in the indictment.
At today’s hearing, the Court found that Bush was responsible for the distribution of up to 10 kilograms of heroin in the Huntington area. The Court further found that Bush possessed firearms during the conspiracy, and that he served as a leader and organizer of at least five other participants.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by Chief 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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Charleston drug dealer sentenced to over five years in federal prison for heroin chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston heroin dealer was sentenced today to five years and three months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Albert Bowman, Jr., 40, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
Bowman admitted that on July 5, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The controlled purchase took place inside Bowman’s residence on Russell Street in Charleston. Officers also executed a search warrant at the residence and located cash, additional drugs, and firearms. Bowman additionally admitted that he had distributed over 130 grams of heroin in the months leading up to the search warrant. As part of the plea agreement, Bowman also admitted to evidence of the other drug trafficking conduct charged in the indictment.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
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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Virginia man sentenced to over 19 years in federal prison for role in conspiracy to commit armed robberyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Virginia man, Jamaa I. Johnson, 36, of Wytheville, was sentenced today to over 19 years in federal prison after being convicted by a federal jury, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Johnson was convicted after a nearly three week jury trial in January 2015 for his role in a conspiracy to commit armed home invasions of drug dealers. Johnson and his co-defendant, Darrell Gillespie, were both found guilty of conspiracies to commit armed robbery and to use firearms in crimes of violence, as well as obstruction of justice charges.
The conspiracy involved armed robberies dating back to the fall of 2011 in Pittsburgh. Johnson’s co-defendant, Darrell E. Gillespie, who is still awaiting sentencing, joined by others involved in the conspiracy, traveled to Pittsburgh to rob a drug dealer. After the robbery, the men came back to Charleston to split up marijuana stolen in the robbery. Over the next four months, Johnson, Gillespie, or their co-conspirators, participated in six more robberies in West Virginia and Virginia. All involved firearms, and during a January 18, 2012, robbery in Charleston, the victim was shot in the leg and stabbed.
Johnson was also found guilty of witness tampering for attempting to use his ex-girlfriend to craft a false alibi. His ex-girlfriend testified at trial that Johnson sent her a letter requesting her to “please get this prepared” and “I need you to really remember that trip you took to see me.” He was referring to a fake trip to Richmond, but it was confirmed that trip never happened, and that she drove him instead to Charleston on January 18, 2012, the day of the robbery, so he could destroy evidence.
Gillespie faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Charleston Police Department, and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Monica D. Coleman and Meredith George Thomas are in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence and presided over the trial.
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Ohio drug dealing couple sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Proctorville, Ohio, couple was sentenced to federal prison today on drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Charley G. Myers, 37, and Tracie M. Reed, 39, both previously pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. Myers was sentenced to 10 years and a month in federal prison. Reed was sentenced to nine years in federal prison.
Between February and September of 2016, Myers and Reed travelled on several occasions to Texas and returned to the Tri-State area with at least a kilogram of methamphetamine on each trip. The pair would then sell the methamphetamine to customers in Putnam and Kanawha counties in West Virginia, as well as to customers in the Proctorville area. Laboratory results indicated that the methamphetamine seized from the couple was close to 100% pure. As part of their plea agreements, both Myers and Reed admitted responsibility for the other drug trafficking conduct charged in the indictment.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is responsible for these prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.
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, 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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Honduran national pleads guilty to immigration crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Honduran national pleaded guilty today to an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Delvin Rodriguez-Gonzalez, 37, entered his guilty plea to illegally reentering the United States.
Rodriguez-Gonzalez had been arrested for a driving while intoxicated charge in Cabell County, and was identified on May 7, 2017, by agents with the Department of Homeland Security. Rodriguez-Gonzalez admitted that he had been convicted of second degree burglary in El Paso County District Court in Colorado Springs on January 22, 2009, and was removed from the United States on March 19, 2009. On January 18, 2013, Mr. Rodriguez-Gonzalez was found in Florence, Colorado, and was again removed from the United States. Rodriguez-Gonzalez was subsequently found in the Western Regional Jail in Barboursville. Rodriguez-Gonzalez further admitted to having illegally reentered the United States for a third time.
Rodriguez-Gonzalez faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 13, 2017. He is also subject to removal proceedings at the conclusion of any term of incarceration.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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Cross Lanes man pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cross Lanes man pleaded guilty today a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Tristen Paxton, 21, entered his guilty plea 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.
Paxton faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 2, 2017.
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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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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