Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Charleston man sentenced to federal prison for making false statement to FBI agent and for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man who falsely told the FBI that he did not get any money from anyone related to the West Virginia Prep Academy and who separately distributed heroin was sentenced yesterday to a year and a half in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daniel Andrew Hicks, 43, previously pleaded guilty to making a materially false statement to an FBI agent and, in a separate prosecution, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin.
In 2013, the FBI, along with the South Charleston Police Department, investigated whether any federal criminal violations had occurred in connection with the operation of the West Virginia Prep Academy, a college preparatory school purportedly set up to give students the opportunity to compete for college football and basketball scholarships. When an FBI Special Agent, along with an officer with the South Charleston Police Department, served a federal grand jury target letter on Hicks in the course of that investigation, Hicks stated that he “did not get a dime” from anyone related to the Prep Academy. Hicks later admitted that this statement was materially false, as he had deposited a check from the mother of a student into the bank account of the Prep Academy. Hicks further admitted that he did not return those funds to the mother when her son did not attend the Prep Academy. As part of his sentence, Hicks was ordered to pay restitution of $11,808.59 to 23 individuals.
In a separate prosecution, Hicks admitted that on several occasions in January and February of 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Following his arrest on February 18, 2016, law enforcement found Hicks with close to five grams of heroin that he intended to distribute. Additionally, officers executed a search warrant on an apartment Hicks had rented at 112 Henson Avenue in South Charleston and seized $4,924 in cash stored in a shoe box on the kitchen counter. Next to the shoe box, officers also discovered three sets of digital scales and three cell phones.
The investigation of Hicks for his involvement in the West Virginia Prep Academy was conducted by the South Charleston Police Department and the FBI. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith George Thomas and John L. File are in charge of the false statement prosecution. The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the heroin investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution of the drug crime. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston is presiding over these cases.
The drug 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 pain pills 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 man sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who led a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Boone County was sentenced today to 14 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daymeon Damar Johnson, 31, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.
Johnson came to Boone County from Detroit in 2013 and began selling oxycodone from the residence he shared with codefendant Joyce Ann Zornes on Harper Lane in Seth. At some point prior to May 2015, Johnson and Zornes began selling heroin supplied by sources in Detroit. Johnson sold to mid-level dealers and users in Boone County, and occasionally traded drugs for firearms. In July 2015, members of the U.S. Route 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force began making purchases of heroin from local dealers being supplied by Johnson. On March 22, 2016, Zornes was stopped in Jackson County while transporting heroin from Michigan. Two days later, in an effort to obtain bond money for Zornes, Johnson recruited Gregory Runion to sell an SKS assault rifle. Runion sold the rifle to an informant working for the Task Force.
On August 1 and 2, 2016, Task Force officers used an informant to buy heroin directly from Johnson and Zornes at their residence. Officers executed search warrants at the residence and seized more than 40 grams of heroin, ecstasy tablets, cash, and distribution paraphernalia. Both Johnson and Zornes were arrested and remain in custody.
This long-term investigation of heroin trafficking in Boone County has led to several convictions and prison sentences. Christopher Priestly, of Bloomingrose, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Robert Donavan Buzzard, of Bloomingrose, was sentenced to a year and nine months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Gregory Scott Runion, of Seth, was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Joyce Ann Zornes, of Seth, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin and faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on April 27, 2017. Darrell Woodside, of Detroit, previously pleaded guilty to using a telephone to facilitate heroin trafficking and faces up to four years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 22, 2017.
The U.S. Route 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence and is presiding over these cases.
These cases are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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North Carolina man sentenced to federal prison for role in Huntington drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A North Carolina man was sentenced today to two years and three months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Bailey, 53, of Charlotte, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
From October 2014 to late February 2016, Bailey, along with codefendants Jerrell Johnson and Roger Page, both of Huntington, and codefendants Trevor Bethel and Ashara Mayes, both of Atlanta, engaged in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine in the Huntington area. Bailey admitted that on at least two occasions, he brought cocaine from Charlotte to Johnson and Page in Huntington. Bailey further admitted to having a source of drug supply in the Atlanta area.
On February 20, 2016, Bailey admitted that he was in Huntington at Johnson’s residence, along with Bethel. Bailey was later stopped by agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and was found with over $9,000 cash. Approximately $8,000 of that currency represented proceeds from cocaine provided to Johnson earlier that evening. A search of Johnson’s residence that evening resulted in a seizure by law enforcement of approximately nine ounces of cocaine, at least part of which had recently been provided by Bailey.
Johnson previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack and was sentenced to five years in federal prison. Page pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and was sentenced to three years and a month in federal prison. Mayes pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on May 22, 2017. Bethel is currently a fugitive and is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is responsible for these prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers is presiding over these cases.
These prosecutions are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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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Former physician sentenced to federal prison for obtaining pain pills by fraudRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A former physician who practiced in Barboursville was sentenced today to six months in federal prison for a drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gregory Donald Chaney, 52, entered his guilty plea to obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.
Chaney was the owner of Tri-State Medical Center, which is now out of business. On December 1, 2015, Chaney wrote a prescription for one of his employees for 120 thirty milligram oxycodone pills. Chaney admitted that he wrote the prescription without any physical examination of the employee and without medical necessity. Chaney then instructed the employee to have the prescription filled at Ross Drug Pharmacy in Ceredo in Wayne County. Prior to having the prescription filled, it was agreed between Chaney and the employee that the pills would be turned over to him in exchange for approximately $830 in lieu of unpaid wages. The next day, the employee had the prescription filled and gave the pills to Chaney in exchange for the money as planned. Chaney admitted that he wrote the prescription with the intent to illegally obtain oxycodone and to conceal the true recipient of the pain pills.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This prosecution 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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Detroit heroin dealer pleads guilty to federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kenyoda Holmes, 26, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
Holmes admitted that on April 20, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in South Charleston.
Holmes faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 6, 2017.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This prosecution 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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U.S. Attorney's Office and Crime Victim Advocates join to commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights WeekRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, along with federal, state and local advocates of crime victims’ rights, will host an opening ceremony in recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week on Monday, April 3, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. in the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston.
The ceremony will feature officials working in the criminal justice system, agencies and organizations providing services to crime victims, and crime victims themselves who can speak firsthand to their experience. As part of the event, there will be a presentation of the 2016 Excellence in Victim Advocacy and Justice Awards to Corporal Anthony Craigo of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and Certified Victim Advocate Sarah Kingston of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. Crime Victim Survivor Joyce Richmond will also receive the 2017 Special Courage Award.
This ceremony marks the 17th Annual Operation Reach Out event. Operation Reach Out is a collaborative group of federal, state and local agencies and organizations that work to raise awareness about the rights, protections, and services available to crime victims in West Virginia. This event is being held in conjunction with the nationwide observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which begins on April 2 and runs through April 8, 2017. The theme of National Crime Victims' Rights Week this year is "Strength. Resilience. Justice."
WHO:
- United States Attorney Carol Casto
- Joyce Richmond, Crime Victim Survivor, Recipient of the 2017 Special Courage Award
- Corporal Anthony Craigo, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Recipient of the 2017 Excellence in Victim Advocacy and Justice Award
- Certified Victim Advocate Sarah Kingston, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, Recipient of the 2017 Excellence in Victim Advocacy and Justice Award
- Operation Reach Out committee members
- Other federal, state and local officials
- Staff representing the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia
WHAT:
- Operation Reach Out Opening Ceremony for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
WHERE:
- Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse – Fifth Floor
- 300 Virginia Street, East
Charleston, WV 25301
WHEN:
- Monday, April 3, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. The ceremony will be immediately followed by a brief reception.
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Putnam County man sentenced to federal prison for drug crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Putnam County man was sentenced today to four years in federal prison for drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christian Garrett Thornton, 30, previously pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing oxymorphone and one count of possession of oxymorphone with intent to distribute.
Thornton admitted that on four occasions in February and March of 2015, he sold Opana pills to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deals took place in Kanawha and Putnam counties. Thornton additionally admitted that in March 2015, he possessed additional Opana pills that he intended to distribute.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston 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 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 man pleads guilty for role in Boone County heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Darrell Eugene Woodside, 46, entered his guilty plea to using a phone to facilitate the distribution of heroin.
Woodside admitted that from October 2015 through March 2016, while in Detroit, he communicated by phone regarding heroin trafficking with his nephew in Boone County, Daymeon Johnson. Woodside also admitted that these conversations were to help arrange the delivery of heroin from Michigan to West Virginia for distribution in and around Boone County. Woodside additionally admitted making travel arrangements for runners carrying heroin and cash between Michigan and West Virginia.
Woodside faces up to four years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 22, 2017.
This case is part of a long-term investigation of heroin trafficking in Boone County conducted by the West Virginia State Police and the U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force. The investigation has led to the convictions of several defendants. Christopher Priestly, of Bloomingrose, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Robert Donavan Buzzard, of Bloomingrose, was sentenced to a year and nine months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Gregory Scott Runion, of Seth, was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Daymeon Johnson, of Detroit, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 4, 2017. Joyce Ann Zornes, of Seth, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin and faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on April 27, 2017.
Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is in charge of these prosecutions. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
These cases are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Putnam County felon sentenced to federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Putnam County man was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Troy Walter Simpson, 39, of Liberty, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On December 15, 2014, law enforcement went to interview Simpson at his residence located at 198 Fisher Ridge Road in Liberty. Law enforcement had received a report that Simpson had multiple firearms in his residence. When officers spoke with Simpson, he admitted having the guns and gave permission to enter his residence to retrieve them. Officers subsequently located and seized a Marlin Model 30AS, .30-30 caliber rifle and a Harrington & Richardson, Topper Model shotgun. Simpson was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2007 felony conviction in Putnam County Circuit Court for conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Putnam 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 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 woman pleads guilty to federal heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman who was caught with heroin in 2016 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Ashley Dawn Smith, 24, entered her guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On March 30, 2016, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence located at 1814 7th Avenue in Huntington. When agents entered the residence, Smith concealed approximately 45 grams of heroin on her person. During the search, agents recovered a loaded 9mm pistol, digital scales, inositol powder used to cut heroin for distribution, and a magic bullet blender used to mix heroin. Smith was arrested based on a warrant from Putnam County and then transported to the Huntington Police Department, where she provided agents with the heroin that she had hidden.
Smith faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on June 26, 2017.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief 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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Detroit man pleads guilty to federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who was part of a group selling heroin in Huntington in 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Corey Lebron Blevins, 24, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Between July and October of 2015, Blevins and others distributed heroin that was transported from Michigan to the Huntington area. On July 9, 2015, the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 126 Olive Street in Huntington. Agents located Blevins and another individual in the residence. Agents also seized over $6,000 in cash and an AR-style pistol that Blevins admitted he possessed. On October 5, 2015, the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted another search at 1826 Old 16th Street Road in Huntington. Agents again located Blevins inside the residence, as well as two other individuals. During the search, agents seized over 300 grams of heroin and over $51,000 in cash. Blevins admitted that he and the other individuals intended to sell the heroin.
Blevins faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 26, 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 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 gun and drug dealer pleads guilty to illegally possessing firearmsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston felon pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Damian Means, 28, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Means admitted that on August 23, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Means also admitted that on September 13, 2016, he sold two loaded Hi-Point .40 caliber semiautomatic pistols and one Hi-Point 9mm Carbine semiautomatic rifle to an undercover police officer. Means further admitted that during the gun deal, he accidentally discharged one of the firearms. The undercover officer making the controlled firearms purchase also observed Means selling methamphetamine to another individual.
Means additionally admitted that on September 15, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on his residence. During the search, officers discovered an H&R .32 caliber semiautomatic pistol. In a statement to law enforcement, Means admitted to selling guns and drugs. Means was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearm because of a 2012 conviction in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for distribution of crack.
Means faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 22, 2017.
The Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol (STOP Team) of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for 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 with existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case is also being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Charleston felon pleads guilty to federal gun chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston woman pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Tiffany Shaffer, 27, entered her guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Shaffer admitted that on January 9, 2017, she sold crystal methamphetamine at her residence to a confidential informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Shaffer also admitted that during the controlled buy, she displayed a North American Arms .22 magnum pistol to the confidential informant. On January 16, 2017, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Shaffer’s house. During the search, officers found two additional firearms that had been in Shaffer’s possession. Shaffer was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2012 conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for conspiracy to operate a clandestine drug laboratory.
Shaffer faces up to 10 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on June 19, 2017.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking with existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case is also 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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Charleston man pleads guilty for role in large-scale methamphetamine conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking organization, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. David Huffman, 36, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
As part of a comprehensive investigation, agents from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and Homeland Security Investigations intercepted several packages that contained crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “ice.” Since January 2014, several pounds of crystal methamphetamine were transported from California and Nevada into the Southern District of West Virginia via the United States mail or through individuals driving packages of drugs into the area. Huffman admitted that he traveled to Nevada on multiple occasions to obtain methamphetamine from Joseph Cooper. Huffman then brought the drugs back to West Virginia to distribute.
Huffman further admitted that in February 2016, he traveled to Nevada with his codefendant, Morgan Light, to pick up approximately two pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement stopped the vehicle on the way back to West Virginia and located over 400 grams of methamphetamine that was lab tested and found to be at least 95% pure.
Huffman faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 21, 2017.
As a result of this comprehensive drug investigation, several defendants have been sentenced to federal prison. Cooper was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Benjamin Childers, another individual involved with the transport of methamphetamine in this drug trafficking organization, was sentenced to 10 years and a month in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Mark Cobb was sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Shayne Shamblen was also sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Light and Harold Lee Parsons have previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and each faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Light is scheduled to be sentenced on April 27, 2017. Parsons is scheduled to be sentenced on April 26, 2017. Additionally, Mark Bays pleaded guilty to maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine. Bays faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on March 24, 2017.
Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., 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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Charleston felon sentenced to over four years in federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to four years and three months in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. William Cody McClung, 31, previously pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.
McClung admitted that on December 6, 2015, he shot at another man as he drove past him on Falcon Drive in Charleston. Officers subsequently executed a search warrant at McClung’s residence and located the 9mm handgun McClung had used to shoot at the victim, as well as three additional firearms. McClung was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2007 felony conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court for operating a clandestine drug laboratory.
The investigation 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 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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Bluefield man pleads guilty to federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Bluefield man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marvin Gillespie, 65, entered his guilty plea to distribution of hydromorphone.
Gillespie admitted that on March 14, 2016, he sold hydromorphone to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in Bluefield. Gillespie faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 21, 2017.
The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John L. File is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
This case is being prosecuted under the Bluefield Pill Initiative 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 members of Indiana family sentenced to federal prison for pain pill conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two members of a family from Indiana were sentenced today for their involvement in an oxycodone conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Linda Vannatter, 74, of Hammond, was sentenced to three years and a month in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. Vannatter’s son-in-law, Steven Jurick, 57, of Valparaiso, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.
Vannatter and Jurick admitted to conspiring with each other from approximately January 2016 until April 13, 2016, to provide oxycodone to an individual who distributed the pain pills in Logan County. That individual contacted either Vannatter or Jurick on several occasions and met with either or both of them in Indiana to obtain oxycodone. Vannatter admitted that on March 15, 2016, she sold 231 thirty milligram and 17 twenty milligram oxycodone pills to that individual, who on that occasion was acting as a confidential informant. Jurick admitted that on April 13, 2016, he sold 150 thirty milligram oxycodone pills to that individual, who on that occasion was again acting as a confidential informant. The drug deals both took place in Indiana.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentences.
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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Logan businessman pleads guilty to federal tax crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan man pleaded guilty today to a federal tax crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Timothy Moore, 54, entered his guilty plea for making a false statement on a tax return.
Moore admitted that from 2010 through at least 2013, he diverted checks intended for his business, Auto Body Specialists, LLC, an auto body and collision company located in Logan. Moore also admitted that the checks were payment for auto body or other work, and that he diverted the checks by depositing them directly into his personal bank accounts rather than into his company accounts. Moore additionally admitted that he hired an outside bookkeeper to prepare his personal and business taxes and to organize the books and records of the business. He admitted that he did not tell his bookkeeper about the diverted checks, nor did he provide the bookkeeper access to his personal bank accounts. When the bookkeeper filed joint income tax returns for Moore and his wife, Moore admitted that he knew that his tax returns understated his income from his company, as the returns did not take into account those diverted funds. Moore further admitted that he authorized the bookkeeper to file the false returns.
Moore specifically admitted that in tax years 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, he diverted $414,273.58 into his personal accounts that was not reported on his tax returns. Moore also admitted that the total tax loss for his criminal conduct is $127,926.26, and he admitted that he owes that same amount to the IRS as restitution.
Moore faces up to three years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on June 8, 2017.
This case was investigated by agents of the IRS – Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
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Guatemalan national sentenced for immigration crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Guatemalan national was sentenced today to credit for time served for an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Obed Zabaleta, 23, previously pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States. He has been in federal custody since November 9, 2016, and was remanded to the Department of Homeland Security for deportation proceedings.
Zabaleta had previously been removed from the United States to his home country of Guatemala on July 24, 2014, and again on January 15, 2015. Zabaleta then illegally reentered the United States and was found in Charleston after a traffic stop by the West Virginia State Police on November 9, 2016, on I-79 near Exit 1. Zabaleta had not formally applied for permission to legally reenter the United States and was not otherwise in the United States legally.
The Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation, with assistance from the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
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Two heroin dealers plead guilty to federal drug crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two drug dealers pleaded guilty today to federal heroin crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Romeo Devon Marbury, 29, of Detroit, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin. In a separate prosecution, Miana Miller, 20, of Huntington, entered her guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
Marbury admitted that on February 4, 2016, members of the DEA Task Force used a confidential informant to make a controlled acquisition of a free sample of approximately five grams of heroin at the Family Dollar on 5th Avenue in Huntington. Marbury additionally admitted that he provided the free sample of drugs to secure future sales. Marbury further admitted that he participated in additional sales of heroin to the confidential informant on February 24, March 3, and March 16, 2016, either by personally distributing the heroin or arranging for another individual to distribute the heroin. Marbury faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 19, 2017.
In a separate prosecution, Miller admitted that on September 15, 2015, she sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. The drug deal took place at the corner of 9th Street West and Monroe Avenue in Huntington. Miller also admitted that she was involved in two additional sales of heroin to the same confidential informant on September 24 and October 21, 2015. On May 15, 2015, law enforcement conducted a search of Miller’s residence on 9th Avenue in Huntington and found approximately 83 grams of crack in the pocket of a coat in Miller’s bedroom. Law enforcement also discovered a loaded firearm in another bedroom of the home. Furthermore, Miller admitted that from October 3, 2015, to February 19, 2016, she leased a residence located at 1438 Lynn Street in Huntington in her name for another individual. Miller admitted that she did not live at that location and that the residence was unoccupied. Miller additionally admitted that the residence was used as a “stash house” to store drugs. In a search of that location on February 19, 2016, law enforcement seized 98 grams of crack and 11 grams of heroin. Miller faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on June 19, 2017.
The DEA Task Force conducted the investigation of Marbury. The investigation of Miller was conducted by the Huntington Police Department and the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is responsible for these prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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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Ohio man sentenced to federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man was sentenced today to two and a half years in federal prison for a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Stephen Hite Whitt, 30, of Scottown, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Whitt admitted that on June 21, 2014, he pawned a Marlin Model 60, .22 caliber rifle for $50.00 at Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry, located on 29th Street in Huntington. Whitt also admitted that on June 22 and June 30, 2014, he pawned three other rifles at Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry – a Marlin Model .30-30 rifle, a Glenfield Model 60, .22 rifle, and an Old Colony single shot 12-gauge shotgun. Whitt was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because prior to pawning the firearms, he had been convicted in 2007 of two counts of entering without breaking in the Circuit Court of Cabell County.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. Chief 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 working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
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Spencer woman pleads guilty to credit card fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Spencer woman pleaded guilty today to credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Rhonda Kelley Conrad, 49, faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and, as part of her plea agreement, $10,301.70 in restitution to the United Way of Central West Virginia.
Conrad admitted that while she worked for the United Way of Central West Virginia in Charleston, she took a number of company credit cards and fraudulently charged goods and services for herself. From June to December of 2014, she admitted that she charged more than $6,000 in goods and services that she was not entitled to receive. Conrad further admitted that she used the credit cards to pay bills and to charge goods at stores such as Kmart and Sam’s Club. Additionally, Conrad admitted that she set up false accounts within the United Way electronic payment system. Conrad used these false accounts to fraudulently transfer more than $4,000 to her personal bank account. Conrad admitted that she had no authorization to use the credit cards or to electronically transfer the money from the United Way. Conrad’s sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2017.
“There is not much more despicable than theft from organizations established to take care of folks who can’t take care of themselves. Stealing from a charity is a serious crime that carries significant consequences,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to make sure these offenders are held accountable.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin is presiding over the case.
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Two dealers plead guilty to federal drug crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Chelsea Fore, 25, of Charleston, entered her guilty plea to distribution of methamphetamine. In a separate prosecution, Everett Ray Gillespie, 66, of Bluefield, entered his guilty plea to distribution of hydromorphone.
On October 13, 2016, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team used a confidential informant to meet with Fore to purchase methamphetamine. The drug deal took place in the area of the Kmart located at 4th Avenue in Charleston. Once the informant gave Fore the prerecorded buy money, Fore got into the passenger seat of a BMW in the Kmart parking lot. After retrieving the methamphetamine, Fore got out of the car and gave the informant the drugs. Fore faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on June 5, 2017.
In a separate prosecution, Gillespie admitted that on April 15, 2016, he sold hydromorphone to a confidential informant in Bluefield. He also admitted that he distributed hydromorphone on another occasion, and that law enforcement seized 35 hydromorphone pills, more than $500 cash, and a handgun when they executed a search warrant at his residence. Gillespie faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 30, 2017.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team investigated the Fore case. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the Fore prosecution. Fore’s plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston. The Gillespie case was investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution of Gillespie. The Gillespie plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
The case against Gillespie is being prosecuted under the Bluefield Pill Initiative. Both of 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 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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Final four defendants sentenced to federal prison for roles in multistate drug ringRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Four defendants who participated a multistate drug ring were sentenced to federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Atari Seantay Brown, 39, of Detroit, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Sean Lee Braggs, 27, of Dearborn, Michigan, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin. Deandra Sheen Jones, 42, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, was sentenced to a year and three months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack. Samuel E. Nelson, III, 37, of Louisville, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin.
From the summer of 2014 to May 2016, Brown admitted that he helped lead a conspiracy to distribute significant quantities of drugs in the Huntington area. During the conspiracy, Brown arranged for the transportation of large quantities heroin and cocaine from Michigan to the Huntington area. Agents were able to make numerous controlled purchases of heroin from Brown and others during the investigation. On September 2, 2016, a confidential informant working at the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration contacted Brown to arrange for the purchase of heroin. Brown met with the informant at an apartment located at 333 14th Street in Huntington that the group used to store and distribute drugs. Inside the apartment, Brown sold approximately 10 grams of heroin to the informant in exchange for $1,200. Brown also admitted that he possessed firearms during the conspiracy, that he maintained the 14th Street apartment to distribute drugs, and that he served as a leader of the conspiracy.
Braggs admitted that he assisted Brown and others by distributing heroin in the Huntington area, by transporting drugs from Michigan to Huntington, and by transporting money from Huntington to Michigan. On April 18, 2016, Braggs was traveling from Huntington to Michigan when his vehicle broke down in Ohio. Brown arranged for a tow truck to get the vehicle to Michigan. Agents surveilling Brown and Braggs contacted members of the Ohio Highway Patrol and a trooper subsequently conducted a traffic stop of the tow truck in northern Ohio. Agents discovered that Braggs’ vehicle contained a hidden compartment behind the rear seat that concealed $181,490 in cash. Braggs admitted that the hidden cash constituted proceeds from drug sales in the Huntington area.
Jones admitted that she assisted Brown by transporting cocaine from Michigan that was concealed in a rental vehicle. Jones also transported cash from Huntington to Michigan and helped Brown acquire additional heroin in Michigan. On March 26, 2016, Jones arranged for Brown to receive approximately 100 grams of heroin that Brown distributed to Nelson. On April 30, 2016, Jones transported approximately one kilogram of cocaine to Huntington at Brown’s direction. The cocaine was concealed in the spare tire of a rental vehicle Jones was driving. Jones admitted she was aware that Brown intended to convert the cocaine into crack for distribution.
Nelson admitted that he acquired large quantities of heroin from Brown and transported the drugs to the Louisville area for distribution. On April 18, 2016, Nelson traveled from Louisville to acquire heroin from Brown at the 14th Street apartment in Huntington. A trooper with the West Virginia State Police subsequently conducted a traffic stop of Nelson’s vehicle as he traveled toward Interstate 64 to return to Louisville. Law enforcement searched Nelson’s vehicle and discovered approximately 130 grams of heroin concealed in the dashboard.
On May 18, 2016, after a federal grand jury returned an indictment, agents executed arrest warrants and search warrants at eight locations, including residences in Detroit, Proctorville, Ohio, and Huntington. During the searches, agents seized large quantities of heroin, cocaine, crack, and marijuana, as well as an additional $120,531 in cash and 41 firearms.
These prosecutions arose out of a long-term investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the West Virginia State Police, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Huntington Police Department, the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the Ohio Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
In addition to Brown, Braggs, Jones, and Nelson, six other defendants were convicted for their roles in this drug ring. Corey Bruce Toney was sentenced to 10 years and three months in federal prison, Arthur James Canada was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, Matthew Michael Meadows and Tanisha Lynette Wooding were each sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison, and Parker Wyatt Mays and Roy Bills were each sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for their respective roles in the conspiracy.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences and presided over these cases.
These cases were prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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District of Columbia man pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A District of Columbia man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Nicholas Loukas, 31, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to make false statements on records kept by licensed firearms dealers.
Loukas admitted that in September 2015, he directed others to purchase firearms for him so that he would not be named in records required to be maintained by federally-licensed firearms dealers. When the purchases were made, the buyers listed their names on the forms required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, instead of Loukas’ name. Loukas further admitted that four handguns were purchased for him by others at Shooter’s Roost in Beckley. Loukas also admitted that another handgun was purchased for him by an individual at J & S Pawn in Beckley. As part of the investigation, law enforcement additionally recovered another handgun and a shotgun that Loukas unlawfully possessed. Loukas was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2002 robbery conviction in Maryland.
Loukas faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 7, 2017.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
This case is being 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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U.S. Attorney Carol Casto announces forfeiture of over $1 million in structured funds from First National Bank of WilliamsonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Carol Casto announced the filing of a substantial forfeiture action yesterday involving First National Bank of Williamson for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act.
The Bank Secrecy Act requires financial institutions to maintain programs that detect and report suspicious activity to prevent money laundering. Under this law, banks must report all cash transactions over $10,000 in Currency Transaction Reports. The Bank Secrecy Act also helps prevent structuring, a federal crime that involves the breaking down of cash banking transactions in amounts of $10,000 or less to avoid triggering a bank’s reporting requirements. Whenever structuring is detected, banks are additionally required to file Suspicious Activity Reports.
Between April 2006 and November 2008, Arthur White, Jr., and other individuals, structured $1.36 million in withdrawals of exactly $10,000 cash from First National Bank of Williamson in order to avoid the mandatory reports. In March 2013, Arthur White pleaded guilty in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia to tax evasion and structuring. White admitted that he cashed checks made payable to his companies that held accounts at First National Bank of Williamson. According to the complaint, First National Bank permitted White to pay cash for cashier's checks made payable to himself, without first depositing the money into any account.
White and other individuals would receive exactly $10,000 in cash each time they cashed a check. Then they would purchase a new cashier’s check without depositing any of the money, repeating the process until the entire check had been converted to cash. The cash obtained through this structuring was used to pay wages for some of White’s employees. White, and others at his direction, intentionally conducted these transactions to avoid the bank’s reporting requirements and to evade taxes.
This pattern of structuring should have triggered First National Bank’s reporting requirements. As set forth in the complaint, despite First National Bank's knowledge, it permitted this structuring and failed to report these transactions as required by law. As part of its settlement agreement, First National Bank has agreed not to contest the forfeiture of $1,360,000 to the United States.
The investigation of First National Bank of Williamson was conducted by special agents and law enforcement officers of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Eumi Choi and Eric Bacaj handled the forfeiture action. The Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the Department of Justice also provided valuable assistance during the course of the investigation.
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Detroit man pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man pleaded guilty today to a drug-related gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Thomas Lee Nelson, 48, entered his guilty plea to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
On March 10, 2016, the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted a search at Nelson’s residence located at 1830 10th Avenue in Huntington. During the search, agents located and seized a loaded Cobray Model DD .410/.45 caliber handgun from a room later identified as Nelson’s bedroom. Agents also located and seized heroin from the same room. Nelson admitted that he possessed the handgun as protection for himself and for the heroin.
Nelson faces at least five years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 5, 2017.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is responsible for the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.
This case is being 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. This case was also 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 man sentenced to over six years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamineRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston methamphetamine dealer was sentenced today to six and a half years in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Keary Drake, 48, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
Drake admitted that on April 28, 2016, he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol (STOP Team) of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Drake also admitted that he sold additional methamphetamine to a confidential informant in June and July of 2016. On July 13, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Drake’s residence on Bakers Fork Road in Charleston and recovered methamphetamine. After execution of the search warrant, Drake further admitted that had distributed approximately 84 grams of methamphetamine over the previous six months.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
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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Charleston drug dealer pleads guilty to federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Clarence Murray, 40, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
Murray admitted that in February 2014, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement on two different occasions. Following the second controlled purchase, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Murray’s residence and seized over $2,500 in cash and a stolen Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol. The currency found in the search included previously recorded buy money used in one of the controlled purchases. Murray further admitted that he obtained the gun to protect himself because he was selling drugs.
Murray also admitted that on March 9, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in Dunbar. He additionally admitted that he sold heroin to this same confidential informant on four different occasions. Murray further admitted that he sold heroin to a confidential informant in January 2016, and that he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant in March 2016.
Murray faces up to 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 31, 2017.
The case against Murray was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Two men sentenced to federal prison for heroin crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two men were sentenced to federal prison today for drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Antoine Garfield Rushin, 44, of Detroit, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute heroin. In a separate prosecution, Bobby James Mitchell, 35, of Huntington, was sentenced to three years and a month for distribution of heroin.
On June 29, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at 1751 Buffington Avenue in Huntington. Just prior to execution of the warrant, officers observed Rushin enter the residence. During the search, Rushin and other individuals in the residence were arrested and officers seized approximately 65 grams of heroin and digital scales. Rushin admitted that he frequently provided heroin to individuals staying at the residence for those individuals to distribute.
In a separate prosecution, on March 16, 2016, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from Mitchell. Mitchell and a confidential informant working with law enforcement met at 1039 Rear Jefferson Avenue in Huntington to complete the drug deal. The confidential informant provided Mitchell with $500 in exchange for approximately 6.1 grams of heroin.
The investigation of Rushin was conducted by the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution of Rushin. The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted the investigation of Mitchell. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is handling the Mitchell prosecution. 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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Two men plead guilty to federal heroin crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two men pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Earnest Moore, 40, of Ohio, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. In a separate prosecution, Robert Douglas Black, 52, of Huntington, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
From early 2013 until his arrest on July 23, 2014, Moore admitted that he conspired with others to distribute heroin in the Point Pleasant area of Mason County. During the conspiracy, associates of Moore would frequently transport heroin from Detroit and Columbus to a residence in Gallipolis, where they would store and prepare the drugs for distribution. Members of the conspiracy would then distribute the heroin to customers in Gallipolis and to customers who traveled from Point Pleasant. Moore and others also frequently traveled to Point Pleasant where they used various residences to distribute the drugs. Moore faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 30, 2017.
In a separate prosecution, Black admitted that on May 4, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at his residence on 5th Avenue West in Huntington. On May 25, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Black’s residence and seized over $2,000 in cash, a set of digital scales, and additional heroin that Black admitted he intended to distribute. Black faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 30, 2017.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, which includes the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the Gallia-Meigs County, Ohio, Major Crimes Task Force, conducted the investigation of Moore. The investigation of Black was conducted by the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of these prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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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Kentucky man sentenced to federal prison for gun and drug chargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Kentucky man was sentenced today to two years and four months in federal prison for gun and drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marques Dawson, 31, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute crack, cocaine, and marijuana. He was also sentenced to an additional six months in prison for violating his federal supervised release. The sentences will be served consecutively.
On August 30, 2016, deputies with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at 1030 21st Street in Huntington. Deputies previously utilized a confidential informant to make multiple controlled purchases of cocaine from Dawson at the residence. During the search, deputies located Dawson inside the residence. Deputies also seized approximately 17 grams of crack, approximately 137 grams of cocaine, approximately 555 grams of marijuana, digital scales, $1,372 in cash, and a Raven Arms, MP-25, .25 caliber pistol. Dawson was arrested and admitted to selling drugs from the residence from at least May of 2016 because he “needed extra money.” Dawson was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2013 felony conviction in federal court in Kentucky for possession with intent to distribute crack.
The Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This prosecution was brought 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. This prosecution was also 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 illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Kanawha County man sentenced to over four years in federal prison for role in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man was sentenced today to four and a half years in federal prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for his role in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brian Ashby, 38, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Ashby admitted that in December 2015, he received approximately five pounds of crystal methamphetamine that he acquired from a source in California. Ashby further admitted that he distributed the methamphetamine in the Charleston area. On January 11, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Ashby’s property and located over 15 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Ashby also admitted that near the end of February 2016, he traveled to Louisville to obtain 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and paid approximately $40,000 to an individual for the drugs. Ashby additionally admitted that he attempted to obtain another 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine in March 2016. Law enforcement later seized $70,000 in cash from Ashby that he intended to use in that drug deal.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating several defendants, some of whom have already been sentenced to prison. Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 10 years and 11 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 of methamphetamine. Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, were both sentenced to a year and a day in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, a Mexican national residing in California, was sentenced to a year and a half in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.
Three other defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, and Miguel Alejandro Robles-Ibarra, a Mexican national, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Charleston Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence and 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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Two defendants appear in federal court in Huntington for drug crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two defendants appeared in federal court today for drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gerald Harris, 23, of Huntington, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. In a separate prosecution, Ashara Mayes, 29, of Decatur, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
On March 22, 2016, Harris sold approximately 11.8 grams of heroin to a confidential informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force. Harris met the confidential informant on Rear Monroe Avenue in Huntington to conduct the drug deal.
In a separate prosecution, on February 25, 2016, Mayes received a package containing cocaine and crack from codefendant Trevor Bethel in Atlanta. Mayes then transported the package to Huntington for Bethel in exchange for $500. After Mayes arrived in Huntington, she met Bethel and took the package to the residence of Jarrell Johnson, another codefendant, located on Rear 9th Avenue in Huntington. Laboratory analysis found that the package contained over 160 grams of cocaine and over 11 grams of crack. Mayes faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on May 22, 2017. For his part in the drug conspiracy, Johnson was sentenced to five years in federal prison. Bethel remains a fugitive.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted the Harris investigation. The investigation of Mayes was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is handling these prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearings.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Putnam County man pleads guilty to possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A Putnam County man faces up to 20 years in federal prison after pleaded guilty today to a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Scott Allen Forloine II, 36, of Scott Depot, entered his guilty plea to possession of child pornography.
Forloine admitted that in April 2015, he possessed over 600 images and videos of minors engaged in sexual acts. Many of the images and videos depict prepubescent minors. The images and videos were located on his personal computer located in his residence. The investigation also revealed that Forloine was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download, receive, and distribute child pornography.
“My office is committed to the fight against those who contribute to the exploitation and abuse of children,” said United States Attorney Casto. “We will use every available tool to work with our law enforcement partners to track these criminals down and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. The defendant is facing a significant sentence that should serve as a warning to anyone who victimizes children.”
The sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2017.
The FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case is being brought as part of an ongoing initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
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Mexican national sentenced to federal prison for immigration crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison today for an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Adan Zamudio-Escalante, also known as Victor Giron, 39, previously pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed from the United States on two different occasions. He is also subject to removal proceedings.
Zamudio-Escalante admitted that he had twice been convicted of the federal crime of illegally reentering the United States. The first conviction occurred on April 1, 2005, in Texas. After that conviction, Zamudio-Escalante was removed from the United States to his home country of Mexico. Zamudio-Escalante then illegally reentered the United States. He was convicted for a second time of illegally reentering the United States on January 6, 2010, in West Virginia, and was again removed from the United States. Zamudio-Escalante was subsequently found in Charleston by Department of Homeland Security agents on September 20, 2016, having illegally reentered the United States for a third time.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
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Greenbrier County business owner sentenced to federal prison for failing to pay employment taxesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Greenbrier County man was sentenced today to two years in prison for a federal tax crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brandon J. Black, 32, of Maxwelton, previously pleaded guilty to failing to pay employment taxes. He was also ordered to pay $632,583.18 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
Black owned and operated a private security business in Lewisburg that provided services to businesses and individuals throughout West Virginia. The business underwent name changes, initially beginning as Professional Security Services and then operating as CLB Security as of 2014. Black admitted that he was responsible for collecting, accounting for, and paying over to the IRS federal income taxes and Social Security and Medicare taxes that were withheld from the wages of employees. Black further admitted that between January 2010 and June 2015, he withheld over $400,000 from employee paychecks and failed to pay over the money to the IRS. He also admitted that he failed to pay over more than $230,000 to account for his share of additional taxes as an employer. Black admitted that the total tax loss for his criminal conduct is over $630,000, and he also admitted that he owes that same amount to the IRS as restitution.
This case was investigated by agents of the IRS – Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI, and the West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commissioner – Fraud Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
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Former Charleston Job Corps Center employee sentenced to federal prison for misappropriating government fundsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Texas man, formerly of Charleston, was sentenced today to six months in federal prison for a financial crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kevin Mabone, 56, previously pleaded guilty to misappropriating government funds. He was also ordered to pay $6,684.40 in restitution.
Mabone admitted that in 2014 and 2015, while he was the director of social development at the Charleston Job Corps Center, he used government credit cards to fuel his personal vehicle, rather than using the credit cards for legitimate, work-related purchases. He further admitted that from 2007 through 2012, while he was employed at the Miami Job Corps Center in Florida, he stole from the government in the same manner—by misusing government credit cards for personal fuel purchases. Mabone admitted that the total amount stolen from both locations was at least $6,684.40.
The sentencing hearing in this matter was originally scheduled for January 24, 2017. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., continued the sentencing until February 13, 2017, pending the United States Probation Office’s further investigation into this case. In the interim, the Court found that Mabone violated the conditions of his pretrial release because a felony warrant was issued for Mabone’s arrest in Dallas County, Texas, for theft of property. As a result, Mabone has been in federal custody since January 30, 2017.
The General Services Administration Office of Inspector General and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriele Wohl is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
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Federal inmate sentenced to prison for escapeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A federal inmate who was caught approximately a mile from Raleigh General Hospital was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jody Ladd Dellenback, 30, previously pleaded guilty to escape.
Dellenback admitted that on August 25, 2016, he ran away from his Bureau of Prisons escort after the completion of his medical examination at Raleigh General Hospital. Law enforcement authorities searched the area and found him about two hours later, slightly over a mile from the hospital. Dellenback was serving an 18-month sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley for unauthorized use of a credit card.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons with assistance from the Beckley Police Department, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
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Cross Lanes couple prosecuted for methamphetamine conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cross Lanes man was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine with his wife, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Matthew Little, 39, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. Sherri Little, the wife of Matthew Little, was previously sentenced to three years and fourth months in prison for a federal drug charge.
Matthew Little admitted that from early 2014 until December 2014, he conspired to distribute methamphetamine with his wife, Sherri Little. Matthew Little further admitted that he and his wife would sell methamphetamine, either from their residence in Cross Lanes or at different locations throughout Cross Lanes. On September 9, 2014, Matthew Little told a confidential informant working with law enforcement to go to his home for a drug deal. Once the confidential informant arrived at the house, Sherri Little called her husband to confirm the details of the drug deal. After the conversation with her husband, Sherri Little sold methamphetamine to the confidential informant.
On December 11, 2014, Matthew Little was arrested and law enforcement recovered several bags of methamphetamine from his vehicle. Matthew Little also admitted that he possessed three guns that were located in a backpack containing additional methamphetamine found during a search of a vehicle registered to his wife.
The cases against Matthew and Sherri Little were investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is in charge of the prosecution. United States
District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided 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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Mexican national sentenced to nearly 11 years in federal prison for role in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national was sentenced today to 10 years and 11 months in federal prison for his role in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, 31, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Tafolla-Montoya admitted that on March 19, 2016, he arrived in Huntington after traveling from California to pick up money for a delivery of crystal methamphetamine. Some of Tafolla-Montoya’s codefendants had previously driven approximately 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from California to Huntington for delivery. Tafolla-Montoya further admitted that he had helped conceal the drugs in the spare tire of the car that some of his codefendants used to transport the methamphetamine. Tafolla-Montoya was arrested prior to collecting any money for that drug delivery.
Tafolla-Montoya additionally admitted that near the end of February 2016, he had helped conceal 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine in a vehicle that transported drugs from California to Louisville. Furthermore, Tafolla-Montoya admitted his involvement in a drug deal for crystal methamphetamine that took place in late December 2015 in the parking garage of the Embassy Suites in Charleston.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating several defendants, some of whom have already been sentenced to prison. Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, were both sentenced to a year and a day in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, a Mexican national residing in California, was sentenced to a year and a half in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.
Several defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Brian Ashby, of Kanawha County, and Miguel Alejandro Robles-Ibarra, a Mexican national, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Charleston Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence and 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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Two felons sentenced to federal prison for gun crimesRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – Two men were sentenced to federal prison today for gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Paul Martin, 31, of South Charleston, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. In a separate prosecution, Denver Clifton Julious, 67, of Hilltop in Fayette County, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Martin admitted that on July 5, 2016, he was driving a silver Mercedes Benz in South Charleston and law enforcement initiated a traffic stop because officers knew he did not have a valid driver’s license. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded .45 caliber handgun that Martin had previously placed in the glove box. Martin is prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of several previous felony convictions in Kanawha County Circuit Court, including daytime burglary, forgery, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
In a separate prosecution, on May 6, 2016, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department and members of the West Virginia State Police responded to Julious’ Red Star Road residence. Law enforcement went to his residence to execute a search warrant and to arrest Julious on several state charges arising from an armed altercation between Julious and another individual. During the arrest, a deputy sheriff located a Davis Industries .22 caliber derringer in Julious’ pocket. Julious’ criminal history contains felony convictions that prohibit him from possessing any firearm under federal law, including convictions for armed robbery in 1982 and first degree sexual assault in 1988 in Fayette County Circuit Court, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm in 2006 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.
The investigation of Martin was conducted by the South Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of Martin’s prosecution. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation of Julious. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution of Julious. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentences.
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 working with existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Two St. Albans men each sentenced to seven years in federal prison for their roles in large-scale methamphetamine conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two St. Albans men were sentenced to federal prison today for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking organization, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Cobb, 30, of St. Albans, was sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Shayne Shamblen, 47, was also sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
As part of a comprehensive investigation, agents from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and Homeland Security Investigations intercepted several mail packages that contained methamphetamine, other drugs, or drug proceeds. Throughout the course of the conspiracy, several pounds of methamphetamine were transported from California and Nevada into the Southern District of West Virginia via the United States mail or through individuals driving packages of drugs into the area. Cobb and Shamblen each admitted that they worked with Joseph Cooper, a codefendant, to arrange for the shipment and transport of methamphetamine to West Virginia.
Shamblen admitted that in April 2015, he arranged for the shipment of a package sent to him by Cooper containing over 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Shamblen further admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine contained in the package. Cobb lived with Cooper in Nevada for a short time, and also helped with the packaging and distribution of methamphetamine. Cobb’s fingerprint was found on a package containing approximately 3 grams of crystal methamphetamine that was sent to an individual in St. Albans in April 2015. The methamphetamine from both of the packages was laboratory tested and found to be over 90% pure.
Cooper was sentenced to 14 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Benjamin Childers, another individual involved with the transport of methamphetamine in this drug trafficking organization, was sentenced to 10 years and a month in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences and 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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Logan County man sentenced for accepting kickbacks as an employee of a subsidiary of Arch CoalRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – A Logan County man was sentenced today to five years of probation for his role in a kickback scheme, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Chadwick Lusk, 35, of Davin, previously pleaded guilty to honest services mail fraud. He was also ordered to pay $230,000 in restitution to Arch Coal.
Lusk admitted that while he was employed as a purchasing agent at the Mountain Laurel Mining Complex, he defrauded a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arch Coal, the Mingo Logan Coal Company, of its right to honest services by receiving illegal cash kickbacks in a crib block kickback scheme. Crib blocks are used to provide roof support in an underground mine. Beginning around September 2009 and continuing until at least March 2014, Gary L. Roeher, who owned CM Supply, Co., paid Lusk a portion of the profits for the crib blocks that the Mingo Logan Coal Company purchased from CM Supply to use at Mountain Laurel. Roeher usually paid Lusk 7.5% of the crib block sales price. Roeher estimates he paid Lusk approximately $230,000 in cash kickbacks as part of the scheme.
The FBI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
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Beckley man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for role in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Beckley man substantially involved in a California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracy was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Velarian Sylvester Carter, 37, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Carter admitted that from January 2015 to March 2016, he was involved in a drug conspiracy with multiple individuals that included the transportation and distribution of methamphetamine. He admitted that in January 2015, he conspired to have methamphetamine delivered from California to West Virginia. Carter also admitted to receiving methamphetamine from Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a codefendant, until Ortiz-Rivera was arrested in Kansas in June 2015. Ortiz-Rivera’s arrest prompted Carter to begin purchasing drugs directly from Ortiz-Rivera’s supplier.
Carter further admitted that on March 21, 2016, a confidential informant working with law enforcement discussed the logistics of bringing drugs to Charleston with Carter, including cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and heroin. That same day, law enforcement stopped Carter and seized suspected drugs and approximately $28,000 in cash from the vehicle. Carter additionally admitted that on March 24, 2016, he arranged with confidential informants for the pickup of two pounds of methamphetamine in exchange for $12,000 in Charleston. On March 25, 2016, Carter arrived at the pre-arranged location and parked near the vehicle he was told contained methamphetamine. After Carter’s arrival, law enforcement arrested him and seized $11,990 cash that he kept inside a Burger King bag.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating several defendants, some of whom have already been sentenced to prison. Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, were both sentenced to a year and a day in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, a Mexican national residing in California, was sentenced to a year and a half in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.
Several of the defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. A woman who was used as a mule to transport methamphetamine, Cara Linn Monasmith, of Nevada, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Additionally, as part of this conspiracy, Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, Brian Ashby, of Kanawha County, and Miguel Alejandro Robles-Ibarra, a Mexican national, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Charleston Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence and 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 multistate drug ringRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who participated in a multistate drug ring was sentenced today to a year and a day in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Roy Bills, 51, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
Between the summer of 2014 and May 2016, Bills conspired with multiple individuals, including Corey Bruce Toney, to distribute marijuana in the Huntington area. Toney frequently acquired quantities of marijuana from a source in California and arranged for the marijuana to be shipped by courier or transported to Huntington. Bills traveled to California on at least two occasions to transport marijuana for the drug ring. Bills admitted that in October 2015, he transported 100 pounds of marijuana, and in March 2016, he transported 80 pounds of marijuana, in both instances from California to Huntington. Bills provided the marijuana to Toney in Huntington for Toney and others to distribute.
Toney was sentenced to 10 years and three months in federal prison in January 2017, after pleading guilty to distributing heroin. Toney admitted that he conspired with others to distribute large quantities of drugs in the Huntington and Charleston areas, including heroin, crack, marijuana, and Xanax.
These prosecutions arose out of a long-term investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the West Virginia State Police, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Huntington Police Department, the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the Ohio Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
In addition to Bills and Toney, eight other defendants have been convicted for their roles in this drug ring. Sean Lee Braggs, Samuel E. Nelson, III, Deandra Sheen Jones, and Atari Seantay Brown have all pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and are awaiting sentencing. Arthur James Canada was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, Matthew Michael Meadows was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison, Parker Wyatt Mays was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison, and Tanisha Lynette Wooding was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison for their respective roles in the conspiracy.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence and 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. 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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North Carolina drug dealer sentenced to federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A North Carolina heroin dealer was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Adam Denson, 29, of Gastonia, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
Denson admitted that on May 14, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at Little Page Terrace in Charleston. Denson further admitted that he sold heroin to a confidential informant on three additional occasions in May 2015.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of 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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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. Obed Zabaleta, 23, entered his guilty plea to illegally reentering the United States.
Zabaleta had previously been removed from the United States to his home country of Guatemala on July 24, 2014, and again on January 15, 2015. Zabaleta then illegally reentered the United States and was found in Charleston after a traffic stop by the West Virginia State Police on November 9, 2016, on I-79 near Exit 1. Zabaleta had not formally applied for permission to legally reenter the United States and was not otherwise in the United States legally.
Zabaleta faces up to two years in federal prison when he is sentenced in March 2017. He is also subject to deportation proceedings at the conclusion of this case.
The Department of Homeland Security conducted the investigation, with assistance from the West Virginia State Police. 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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Boone County felon sentenced to federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – A Boone County felon who sold a rifle to an informant was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for illegally possessing the firearm, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gregory Scott Runion, 34, of Seth, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On March 25, 2016, Runion sold a KBI Inc., Russian SKS-45 rifle to an informant working for the U.S. 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Runion was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2009 felony firearm possession conviction in Monroe, Michigan.
The U.S. 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled 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 working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
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Mexican national pleads guilty to federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Moises Gamboa, 52, of Rocky Point, Mexico, entered his guilty plea to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.
Gamboa admitted that in 2010, while in Mexico, he arranged for the transportation of 660 pounds of “very good marijuana” to Nitro. The drugs were to be concealed in the walls of a motorcycle trailer. Gamboa also admitted that he informed an individual cooperating with law enforcement that the driver would make contact to set up a meeting. The driver subsequently told the cooperating individual that he would be arriving in West Virginia on March 5, 2010. When the driver arrived in Nitro, law enforcement seized the marijuana hidden in the motorcycle trailer.
Gamboa faces up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 22, 2017.
This prosecution was made possible through the cooperative efforts of several investigating agencies, including the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Department in Ohio, the United States Marshals Service, the Kentucky State Police, the Indiana State Police, the Huntington Police Department, and the Policia Federal Ministerial of Mexico. Several Drug Enforcement Administration agents investigated this case, including agents from Charleston, Columbus, Phoenix, Tucson, Chicago, Denver, and Hermosillo, Mexico.
Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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. 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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