Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mason County man pleads guilty to bringing weapon into federal courthouseRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Mason County man who was caught by court security with a weapon while entering the Sidney L. Christie United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Huntington in April 2016 pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Sidney Huddleston, III, 69, of Apple Grove, entered his guilty plea to attempted possession of a dangerous weapon in a federal court facility.
On April 12, 2016, Huddleston entered the federal courthouse in Huntington and approached the security screening station. Huddleston informed a court security officer that he was there to see his probation officer. Huddleston was walking with a cane and provided the cane to the officer to be x-rayed. The officer subsequently discovered that the cane was concealing a sword-type blade attached to the top handle of the cane. The blade was approximately 14 inches in length and was accessible by unscrewing the handle of the cane from the shaft. Huddleston was detained and provided a statement to an officer, admitting that he knew the cane concealed the blade.
Huddleston faces up to two years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 1, 2017.
The United States Marshals Service 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.
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Detroit man sentenced to federal prison for heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who conspired with others to distribute heroin in Mason County between 2013 and 2014 was sentenced today to three years and nine months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Anthony D. Latham, 25, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.
Between January 2013 and July 21, 2014, Latham conspired with other individuals to distribute heroin in the Point Pleasant area of Mason County. During the conspiracy, Latham and others would frequently transport heroin from Columbus and Chillicothe to a residence in Gallipolis, where they would store and prepare the heroin for distribution. Members of the conspiracy would then distribute the heroin to customers in Gallipolis and to customers who traveled from Point Pleasant. Latham and others also frequently traveled to Point Pleasant, where they used various residences to conduct distributions. Latham admitted that he was responsible for distributing up to 700 grams of heroin during the conspiracy.
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. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams 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 man pleads guilty to federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jimmy Cheatham, also known as “Shoe,” 25, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On August 16, 2016, Cheatham was arrested on an active federal warrant for conspiracy to distribute heroin. In a search incident to arrest, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force located approximately 6 grams of heroin concealed on his person. Agents also located approximately $1,800 in cash, which represented the proceeds from heroin sales. The arrest stemmed from an investigation of Cheatham and others which began in 2015.
Cheatham admitted that on August 5, 2015, he sold over 16 grams of heroin to a confidential informant working for the Task Force. The drug deal took place at 1826 Old 16th Street Road, where the informant exchanged $2,000 for the heroin. In a July 9, 2015, search of 126 Olive Street in Huntington, Task Force agents located Cheatham and two of his co-conspirators inside the residence. Agents recovered $6,314 in cash, along with an AR-15 style firearm concealed in the attic.
Cheatham faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on May 1, 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 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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Huntington woman pleads guilty to federal heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman found with heroin after police responded to a shooting call at her residence in 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Amanda Mae Smith, 33, entered her guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On August 20, 2015, officers with the Huntington Police Department responded to a call of a shooting at Smith’s residence located on the 800 block of 26th Street in Huntington. When officers arrived, they located Smith and an individual who had been shot in the leg during what was reported as an attempted robbery. Officers subsequently obtained search warrants for Smith’s residence and vehicle. When officers searched the vehicle, they located approximately 70 grams of heroin. Smith provided a statement in which she admitted that she had received the heroin from a source for distribution. She further admitted that she and others had been using her residence to distribute heroin.
Smith faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on May 1, 2017.
The Huntington Police Department, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department and 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 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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West Virginia business owners sentenced to prison for failing to pay employment taxesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two Wayne County, West Virginia business owners were sentenced to prison today for failing to pay over employment taxes, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Carol Casto for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Michael Taylor, 48, and his wife, Jeanette Taylor, 44, were sentenced to serve 21 months and 27 months in prison, respectively, by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers of the Southern District of West Virginia.
According to documents filed with the court, from 2000 through 2010, the Taylors owned and operated a construction business in Wayne, West Virginia, that transported steel and sold gravel and concrete throughout West Virginia and Kentucky. The Taylors changed the name of the business several times, though the operations of the business remained the same. From 1999 to 2004, the business was operated as Taylor Contracting & Taylor Ready-Mix LLC. In 2004, the name changed to Taylor Contracting/Taylor Ready-Mix LLC. In 2010, the name changed a third time to Bluegrass Aggregates.
Both Michael Taylor and Jeanette Taylor were responsible for collecting, accounting for, and paying over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) federal income taxes and social security and Medicare taxes that were withheld from the wages of their employees. From July 2007 through 2010, the Taylors withheld over $850,000 from their employees’ paychecks. Instead of paying over the withheld taxes to the IRS, the Taylors used the funds to purchase property and finance their horse farm. The Taylors also failed to pay over $490,000 in employment taxes for their prior business. The total tax loss for the Taylors’ conduct is $1.4 million.
On Oct. 18, 2016, Michael Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States for failing to fully pay over payroll taxes from mid-2007 through 2010, and Jeanette Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of failing to pay over payroll taxes for the last quarter of 2009.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Michael Taylor was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $1,440,130 in restitution to the IRS. Jeanette Taylor was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $766,273 jointly and severally with Michael Taylor to the IRS.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Casto commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Mara Strier and Alexander Effendi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
West Virginia Business Owners Sentenced to Prison for Failing to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
Two Wayne County, West Virginia business owners were sentenced to prison today for failing to pay over employment taxes, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Carol Casto for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Michael Taylor, 48, and his wife, Jeanette Taylor, 44, were sentenced to serve 21 months and 27 months in prison, respectively, by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers of the Southern District of West Virginia.
According to documents filed with the court, from 2000 through 2010, the Taylors owned and operated a construction business in Wayne, West Virginia, that transported steel and sold gravel and concrete throughout West Virginia and Kentucky. The Taylors changed the name of the business several times, though the operations of the business remained the same. From 1999 to 2004, the business was operated as Taylor Contracting & Taylor Ready-Mix LLC. In 2004, the name changed to Taylor Contracting/Taylor Ready-Mix LLC. In 2010, the name changed a third time to Bluegrass Aggregates.
Both Michael Taylor and Jeanette Taylor were responsible for collecting, accounting for, and paying over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) federal income taxes and social security and Medicare taxes that were withheld from the wages of their employees. From July 2007 through 2010, the Taylors withheld over $850,000 from their employees’ paychecks. Instead of paying over the withheld taxes to the IRS, the Taylors used the funds to purchase property and finance their horse farm. The Taylors also failed to pay over $490,000 in employment taxes for their prior business. The total tax loss for the Taylors’ conduct is $1.4 million.
On Oct. 18, 2016, Michael Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States for failing to fully pay over payroll taxes from mid-2007 through 2010, and Jeanette Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of failing to pay over payroll taxes for the last quarter of 2009.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Michael Taylor was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $1,440,130 in restitution to the IRS. Jeanette Taylor was ordered to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $766,273 jointly and severally with Michael Taylor to the IRS.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Casto commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Mara Strier and Alexander Effendi of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Two dealers appear in court on federal drug chargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants appeared in federal court today on drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Keri Browning, 28, of Logan, was sentenced to a year and 11 months in federal prison for distribution of oxycodone. In a separate drug prosecution, Charles York Walker, Jr., 38, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Browning admitted that on February 4, 2016, she sold oxycodone to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at Browning’s Rossmore Road residence in Logan.
In a separate prosecution, law enforcement arrested Walker pursuant to an arrest warrant on July 14, 2016, near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Russell Street in Charleston. Through a search incident to that arrest, an officer found heroin in Walker’s pockets. Walker admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin. Walker faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 20, 2017.
The investigation of Browning was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is in charge of Browning’s prosecution. The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation of Walker. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution of Walker. The defendants appeared before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
These prosecutions are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Cross Lanes man pleads guilty to federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cross Lanes man who sold drugs while on federal supervised release pleaded guilty today to a heroin charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Darrell Spicer, 60, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Spicer admitted that on June 15, 2016, he sold what he believed to be heroin to a confidential informant working with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Based on the controlled drug buy, a detective from the Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol (STOP) Team obtained a search warrant for Spicer’s residence in Cross Lanes. While searching Spicer’s residence, officers discovered heroin and over $7,000 in cash, which included pre-recorded buy money used in the controlled purchase. Spicer was present during the search and admitted that the drugs belonged to him and that the money was from illegal drug activity.
Spicer faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 25, 2017.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department’s STOP Team 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 John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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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Former office manager of Mountain State Justice pleads guilty for embezzling over $1.5 millionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former office manager at Mountain State Justice who embezzled over $1.5 million pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kim Cooper, 55, of St. Albans, entered her guilty plea to wire fraud and tax evasion.
Cooper began working in the late 1990’s in the Charleston office of Mountain State Justice, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides legal services for indigent and low-income West Virginia residents in civil cases. Cooper became the office manager and her duties included overseeing the daily operations of the Charleston office and making deposits of checks in Mountain State Justice’s bank accounts.
Cooper admitted that she opened a money market account at WesBanco Bank in the name of Mountain State Justice, which no one else at Mountain State Justice knew about. Cooper admitted that in late June 2004, she began stealing checks made out to Mountain State Justice that were payment for attorneys’ fees and depositing these checks in the secret bank account. Cooper also admitted that she wrote checks from the secret account to a close family member with notations that made the payments appear legitimate. Cooper additionally admitted that she endorsed those checks, deposited the checks in another account, and used the money to pay rent, make car payments, make credit card payments, and pay for personal expenses.
Cooper further admitted that she hid her crime by omitting these stolen checks from the cash log used to record all incoming monies and by hiding all incoming mail from WesBanco. Cooper perpetuated this fraud by sending false income statements to the board of directors of Mountain State Justice that underreported the income of the organization. Cooper also admitted that she attempted to evade income tax she owed on this embezzled money. Cooper’s scheme ended in late March 2016 when she was interviewed by federal law enforcement agents and her employment was terminated.
Cooper faces up to 25 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on April 20, 2017. As part of her plea agreement, Cooper agreed to pay restitution of $1,462,023.83 to Mountain State Justice and $377,776.89 to the United States.
The FBI and the IRS - Criminal Investigation division conducted the investigation. First Assistant United States Attorney Philip H. Wright is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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Two defendants headed to prison for methamphetamine trafficking crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants were sentenced to federal prison today for their roles in a methamphetamine trafficking organization, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Joseph Cooper, 41, of Charleston and Las Vegas, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for possession of 50 or more grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Benjamin Childers, 41, of South Charleston, was sentenced to 10 years and a month in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Law enforcement pulled Cooper over on January 20, 2016, in St. Albans, and seized over 170 grams of methamphetamine, 70 grams of crack, and over $30,000 in cash from the car. Cooper admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine throughout the Southern West Virginia area.
Officers pulled over Childers in Kansas on November 14, 2015, and located approximately 1.7 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden underneath the vehicle. Lab testing confirmed that the crystal methamphetamine seized by law enforcement was 90% pure. Childers admitted that he was part of a conspiracy that involved Joseph Cooper to bring methamphetamine from Nevada for distribution in and around Charleston.
As part of this comprehensive drug investigation, three other codefendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Morgan Light, of Charleston and Las Vegas, Mark Cobb, of St. Albans, and Shayne Shamblen, of St. Albans, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Light, Cobb, and Shamblen each admitted that they worked with Joseph Cooper to arrange for the shipment and transport of methamphetamine to West Virginia. Light, Cobb, and Shamblen each face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on February 2, 2017.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences and is presiding over these cases.
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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Parkersburg man and woman sentenced to federal prison for heroin crimesRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – A man and woman from Parkersburg who were caught transporting heroin were sentenced to prison this week after being convicted of federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. David J. Kerns, 27, and Katie M. Kerns, 26 (no relation), previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. Katie Kerns was sentenced yesterday to two years and five months in federal prison. David Kerns was sentenced today to two years and eight months in federal prison.
On February 19, 2015, members of the West Virginia State Police stopped the vehicle that David Kerns and Katie Kerns were driving in Parkersburg. Troopers observed them cross from Ohio into West Virginia over the U.S. Route 50 “Dupont Bridge” as they were bringing heroin from Cincinnati. Troopers searched the vehicle and recovered approximately 10 ounces of heroin concealed in tubes of grease. At the plea hearing, the defendants admitted that David Kerns purchased the heroin for $20,000 from a source Katie Kerns introduced him to in Cincinnati.
This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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 pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Boone County heroin dealer sentenced to federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man was sentenced today to a year and nine months in federal prison for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Robert Donavan Buzzard, 42, of Bloomingrose, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
Buzzard admitted that on two occasions in January 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deals took place in Bloomingrose and Seth in Boone County.
Other defendants who have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing as a result of this investigation include Daymeon Johnson of Detroit, and Joyce Ann Zornes and Gregory Runion, both of Boone County. Another codefendant, Christopher Priestley, of Boone County, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for distribution of heroin.
The U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence and is presiding over these cases.
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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Second former lab manager sentenced to federal prison for falsifying water sample dataRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A former lab manager from Raleigh County who falsified data was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for violating the Clean Water Act, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. John Brewer, 62, of Beaver, is the second former employee of Appalachian Laboratories to be prosecuted for a violation of the Clean Water Act.
Appalachian Laboratories performed water sampling and analysis for coal mining operations to ensure that the discharges of pollutants into public waterways were within the limits of permits issued by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. From at least 2008 through the summer of 2013, law enforcement found evidence of irregularities in the sampling. Brewer admitted that he knew and approved of employees falsifying the date that water samples were taken, as well as falsifying dates himself. Brewer further admitted that Appalachian Laboratories employees would falsify the date a sample was taken in order to avoid collecting samples that they believed to be in violation of permit limits. Instead, the employees would wait until they believed the water was within permit limits and then take a sample. They then backdated the samples to make it appear as though the samples had been collected in the previous month as required. Brewer additionally admitted that he caused this falsified data to be submitted in a report to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
John Shelton, another former lab manager at Appalachian Laboratories, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act. Shelton was sentenced in February 2015 to a year and nine months in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj and Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry McDaniel are in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
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New York man sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for transporting a minor to engage in sexual activityRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A New York man was sentenced today to 17 and a half years in federal prison for transporting a minor from West Virginia to Virginia for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Ian Michael Cramer, 27, of Amherst, previously pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. After Cramer is released from prison, he will be on federal supervised release for 25 years and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Cramer admitted that in September 2015, he used an app on his cell phone to persuade a 15-year-old from Cross Lanes to engage in sexual activity. During the evening hours of September 18, 2015, Cramer drove from Richmond, where he was residing at the time, to Cross Lanes and picked up the minor. He then drove the minor back to his apartment in Richmond, where the two of them engaged in sexual activity. Law enforcement arrived at Cramer’s apartment on September 20, 2015, and rescued the minor.
“My office has made it a priority to work with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and prosecute predators who exploit and abuse minors. This prison sentence should send a clear message that there are serious consequences for such behavior,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto. “We will continue to use all of the tools available to us in order to protect children from predators and bring those who do commit such crimes to justice. I am grateful to the dedicated law enforcement officers for their commitment to keeping our children and our communities safe.”
The FBI, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, and the New York State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case is being prosecuted 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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Roane County man pleads guilty to federal methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Roane County man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Chadrick Rogers, 39, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Rogers admitted that on October 2, 2016, he was arrested by members of the United States Marshals Service and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department on a warrant for violation of his federal supervised release. At the time of his arrest, Rogers was found in possession of approximately 33 grams of methamphetamine and over $3,800 in cash. Rogers further admitted that it was his intent to distribute the methamphetamine in and around Kanawha County.
Rogers faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 13, 2017.
The case against Rogers was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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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North Carolina man pleads guilty for role in Huntington drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A North Carolina man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Bailey, 53, of Charlotte, entered his guilty plea 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.
Bailey faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 3, 2017. 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. The trial of Mayes is scheduled for March 14, 2017. Bethel is currently a fugitive. Mayes and Bethel are 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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Federal jury finds Roane County man guilty of gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal jury sitting in Charleston returned a guilty verdict yesterday in the trial of a Roane County man for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. William Leon Rhodes, 50, of Gandeeville, was convicted following a one-and-a-half-day jury trial.
Witnesses for the United States testified that on June 17, 2016, Rhodes gave consent to law enforcement to search his residence. Officers discovered a loaded Heritage .22 caliber revolver under the pillow in Rhodes’ bedroom. Officers additionally discovered a box for the gun on the night stand in the bedroom and a box of .22 caliber ammunition in the living room. The evidence showed that in an interview with law enforcement after his arrest, Rhodes admitted that he knew the gun was in his bedroom and he referred to the firearm as “my pistol.”
Rhodes was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 1990 conviction for grand larceny in Jackson County Circuit Court and a 2012 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. Additionally, Rhodes was on federal supervised release at the time he possessed the Heritage revolver.
Rhodes faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 12, 2017.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the West Virginia State Police, and the Roane County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith George Thomas and R. Gregory McVey are in charge of the prosecution and tried the case before a federal jury. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the trial.
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Boone County heroin dealer sentenced to federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – A Boone County man who sold heroin to an informant was sentenced today to two and a half years in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christopher Priestley, 38, of Bloomingrose, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
On four occasions from July to December 2015, Priestley sold heroin to an informant working with the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force. Priestley was a low-level distributor for a larger drug ring supplied by sources in Detroit that was operating in and around Seth in Boone County. Other defendants who have pleaded guilty as a result of this investigation and are awaiting sentencing include Daymeon Johnson, of Detroit, and Joyce Ann Zornes, Robert Buzzard, and Gregory Runion, all of Boone County.
This case was investigated by the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Two Huntington men sentenced to federal prison for drug crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Huntington men were sentenced to federal prison today for drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Darnell Lamar Anderson, 37, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In a separate prosecution, Roger Page, 50, was sentenced to three years and a month in prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
On April 14, 2016, officers with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force were notified by a United States Postal Inspector that a package suspected of containing drugs was scheduled for delivery to a residence at 219 8th Avenue West in Huntington. Investigators secured a search warrant and the package was found to contain approximately 572 grams of methamphetamine. Investigators then conducted a controlled delivery of the package utilizing an undercover postal inspector. The postal inspector traveled to the residence where Anderson accepted delivery and took possession of the package.
In a separate drug prosecution, between October 2014 and February 25, 2016, Page, along with codefendant Jerrell Johnson, also of Huntington, used sources from North Carolina and Georgia to supply cocaine for sale in Huntington. The sources would travel from North Carolina and Georgia to deliver the drugs to both Johnson and Page. On the weekend of February 20, 2016, Johnson and Page met with the Georgia source in Huntington. Page received approximately one ounce of cocaine on that occasion. The Georgia source provided cocaine to Page on approximately five different occasions. The North Carolina source provided cocaine to Page on approximately two occasions. Johnson and Page worked together to arrange deliveries of cocaine, which were usually delivered to Johnson’s residence. Johnson was sentenced to five years in prison for a federal drug charge.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation of Anderson. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for Anderson’s prosecution. The Page case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is in charge of the Page prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.
These cases were prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. 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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Ohio man responsible for Huntington overdoses pleads guilty to federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man who was responsible for numerous overdoses in Huntington in August 2016 pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Bruce Lamar Griggs, also known as “Ben” and “Benz,” 22, of Akron, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
On the afternoon of August 15, 2016, Griggs went to the area of 914 Marcum Terrace in Huntington and sold heroin to a number of individuals. Several of those individuals provided information to the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force indicating that they bought what they believed to be heroin from someone they knew as “Benz” or “Ben.” Ultimately, those individuals identified Griggs as “Benz” or “Ben.” Approximately 26 individuals who bought heroin from Griggs that afternoon suffered overdoses very shortly after using the drug. Many of the overdose victims required medical attention, which involved taking blood and urine samples. Laboratory tests on those samples indicated the presence of heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil. Carfentanil is an opioid that is 10,000 times stronger than morphine and is used as an elephant tranquilizer. Griggs admitted that he was responsible for the overdoses and, in his plea agreement, further stipulated to a sentencing enhancement as a result.
Griggs faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on April 10, 2017.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force led the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney R. Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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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Huntington man and woman sentenced to federal prison for roles in multistate drug ringRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man and woman who participated a multistate drug ring were sentenced to federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Corey Bruce Toney, 27, was sentenced to 10 years and three months in prison for distributing heroin. Tanisha Lynette Wooding, 37, was sentenced to a year and a half in prison for possession with intent to distribute crack.
On September 29, 2015, a confidential informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration contacted Toney to arrange a heroin deal. Toney agreed to meet the informant, who was accompanied by undercover agents. Toney subsequently distributed 10 grams of heroin to the informant in exchange for $1,250. Agents were able to make numerous additional controlled purchases of heroin from Toney and others during the course of the investigation.
Toney also admitted that from the summer of 2014 to May of 2016, he conspired with others to distribute large quantities of drugs in the Huntington and Charleston areas, including heroin, crack, cocaine, marijuana, and Xanax. Toney admitted that he was supplied large quantities of heroin and cocaine for distribution by codefendant Atari Seantay Brown after the drugs were transported to the Huntington area from Detroit. Toney further admitted that he maintained a leadership role in the conspiracy, and that he possessed a number of firearms during the conspiracy.
On May 18, 2016, after a federal grand jury returned an indictment in this case, agents executed arrest warrants and search warrants at eight residences in Detroit, Proctorville, Ohio, and Huntington, including Wooding’s residence located on the 1800 block of 9th Avenue in Huntington. During the searches, agents seized large quantities of heroin, cocaine, crack, marijuana, $120,531 in cash, and a total of 41 firearms.
Wooding was arrested on May 18, 2016, and admitted that she was in possession of crack when agents executed the search warrant at her residence. During the search, agents seized approximately two ounces of crack stored in the residence. Wooding admitted to conspiring with Brown and others to distribute crack in Huntington for approximately one year. During this period, Brown regularly supplied Wooding with crack. After Wooding sold the crack, she returned the proceeds to Brown and received additional quantities of crack. Wooding also admitted that she was responsible for the distribution of up to 840 grams of crack during the conspiracy.
Brown previously pleaded guilty to distributing heroin and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 6, 2017. In addition to Toney, Wooding, and Brown, seven additional defendants have been convicted for their roles in this drug ring. Sean Lee Braggs, Samuel E. Nelson, III, Deandra Sheen Jones, and Roy Bills 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, and Parker Wyatt Mays was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for their respective roles in the conspiracy.
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.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers 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. 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 defendant in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracy pleads guiltyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The final defendant charged in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Miguel Alejandro Robles-Ibarra, 30, a Mexican national, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Robles-Ibarra admitted that from February 2016 to March 19, 2016, he was involved in a drug conspiracy with multiple individuals. Robles-Ibarra also admitted that near the end of February 2016, he helped package ten pound of crystal methamphetamine in a spare tire in the trunk of a vehicle for transport to Kentucky. Two females involved in the conspiracy drove the vehicle from California to meet Brian Ashby, a codefendant residing in Charleston who traveled to Kentucky to pick up the drugs. Robles-Ibarra also admitted that he received a share of the money paid by Ashby for the drugs. Robles-Ibarra further admitted that in March 2016, he helped package another delivery to Ashby - ten pounds of crystal methamphetamine concealed in the spare tire of a vehicle, this time for transport from California to Huntington. Robles-Ibarra never received any money for the March drug shipment because he was arrested in West Virginia where he had traveled to pick up more money from Ashby. Law enforcement found a fingerprint matching Robles-Ibarra on the spare tire in which the methamphetamine was packaged.
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, Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, and Ashby, of Kanawha County, 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., 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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Detroit man sentenced to federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced today to three years and 11 months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Djuan Levell Washington, 28, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On July 24, 2015, Washington was involved in a traffic stop on the 300 block of 31st Street in Huntington. As the car began to stop, Washington was seen throwing three plastic bags out of the passenger window. A police dashboard camera also recorded Washington throwing the bags out of the car. The bags were recovered and were found to contain 126 individual baggies of heroin. Officers additionally located 10 individually wrapped baggies of crack within the three plastic bags. Washington admitted that he intended to sell the drugs. In a further search of the vehicle, investigating officers discovered a loaded Hi-Point 9 millimeter pistol in a backpack belonging to Washington.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. 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 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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Two defendants plead guilty for roles in Boone County heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man and a Boone County woman pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daymeon Damar Johnson, 31, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin. Joyce Ann Zornes, 33, of Seth, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin.
Johnson and Zornes admitted that they both took part in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Boone County. Johnson admitted that from 2013 to August 2016, he ordered heroin from his supplier, arranged to get the drugs to Boone County, and distributed the heroin to drug users and other drug dealers. Zornes admitted that from May 2015 to August 2016, she transported heroin from Detroit to Boone County for distribution. Zornes additionally admitted that she used her residence in Seth to distribute heroin.
Johnson also admitted that he traded drugs for guns. One such gun was a KBI, Inc. SKS-45, 7.62 x 39 caliber semiautomatic rifle, which Johnson agreed to sell on March 25, 2016, in order to raise bail money for Zornes, who had been arrested in Jackson County. Johnson gave the gun to an individual who sold the firearm to an informant working with the U.S. 119 Task Force.
Johnson and Zornes further admitted that on August 1, 2016, they worked together to sell heroin to an informant working with the U.S. 119 Task Force. Zornes admitted that the drug deal took place at her residence, and that she took the informant’s money while Johnson distributed the heroin. On August 3, 2016, the U.S. 119 Task Force executed a search warrant at Zornes’ residence. Johnson and Zornes were both present when agents seized heroin, prescription drugs, cash, scales, and ammunition. On August 9, 2016, the U.S. 119 Task Force executed another search warrant at Zornes’ residence based on information from a phone call Zornes had placed from South Central Regional Jail. Agents recovered additional heroin, prescription drugs, and cash that included $90.00 in prerecorded buy money from the August 2, 2016, controlled purchase of heroin.
Johnson and Zornes each face up to 20 years in federal prison. Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2017. Zornes is scheduled to be sentenced on March 30, 2017.
The U.S. 119 Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is in charge of these prosecutions. The plea hearings were 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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Texas man sentenced to over seven years in federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Texas man was sentenced today to seven years and three months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mason Earl Gonzales, 28, of Pasadena, previously pleaded guilty to attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Gonzales admitted that on June 13, 2016, he traveled with a confidential source working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) to the Boone Motor Inn in Boone County and searched behind the motel for methamphetamine. Gonzales further admitted that he was unable to locate the methamphetamine and that he planned to return the next day to find the drugs. MDENT went to the same area the following day, located the methamphetamine buried under a rock, and replaced the drugs with a substance resembling methamphetamine. MDENT also set up a surveillance camera in the area. Gonzales admitted that he returned to the area of the motel later that evening and found the bag containing the substance resembling methamphetamine. MDENT then conducted a traffic stop of his vehicle and Gonzales admitted that he went to the area of the motel to get what he believed was methamphetamine and that he intended to distribute the drugs. Lab testing of the methamphetamine seized by MDENT confirmed a weight of over 270 grams and a purity level greater than 97%.
MDENT conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities, 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 illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Sissonville man sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Sissonville man was sentenced today to three years and five months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jacob Reed, 43, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Reed admitted that on February 14, 2016, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Reed’s vehicle. In a subsequent search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered a camera bag in the floor of the front passenger side that contained cash and several plastic bags of methamphetamine. Law enforcement also found additional cash and a set of digital scales in the center console of the vehicle. In total, officers recovered over 230 grams of methamphetamine and nearly $15,000 in cash.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin 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 illegal drugs in our communities, 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 illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Charleston man pleads guilty to making false statement to FBI agentRead 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 pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daniel Andrew Hicks, 43, entered his guilty plea to making a materially false statement to an FBI agent.
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 the plea agreement, Hicks agreed to pay restitution of $11,808.59 to 23 individuals.
As part of a separate prosecution, Hicks previously pleaded guilty to a federal heroin crime, admitting 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.
Hicks faces a total of up to 25 years in federal prison for his crimes - up to five years for making a false statement to an FBI agent and up to 20 years for distribution of heroin. Hicks will be sentenced for both federal crimes in a consolidated proceeding on April 4, 2017.
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 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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Huntington man sentenced to federal prison for role in multistate drug conspiracyRead 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. Parker Wyatt Mays, 27, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
Mays admitted that from the summer of 2014 to May of 2016, he conspired with others, including codefendants Corey Bruce Toney and Roy Bills, to distribute marijuana from California in the Huntington area. Mays and others regularly acquired large quantities of marijuana from a source in California. The marijuana was transported to Huntington by automobile and through the mail. Once in Huntington, Mays and others distributed the marijuana to various customers and then pooled the proceeds to acquire additional marijuana. Mays admitted that the group distributed up to 400 kilograms of marijuana during the conspiracy.
Toney pleaded guilty in September 2016 to distributing heroin and is awaiting sentencing. Toney admitted that he conspired with others to distribute large quantities of drugs that were transported from California and Michigan to Huntington, including heroin, crack, marijuana, and Xanax. Bills pleaded guilty in November 2017 to conspiracy to distribute marijuana and is also awaiting sentencing.
This prosecution 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 Mays, Toney, and Bills, seven additional defendants have been convicted for their roles in this drug ring. Atari Seantay Brown, Sean Lee Braggs, Samuel E. Nelson, III, Tanisha Lynette Wooding, and Deandra Sheen Jones 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 and Matthew Michael Meadows was sentenced to a year and a half in federal prison for their 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 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. 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 pleads guilty to obtaining pain pills by fraudRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A former physician who practiced in Barboursville pleaded guilty today to a federal 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.
Chaney faces up to four years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on April 3, 2017.
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 presided over the plea hearing.
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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Columbus man sentenced to prison for possessing heroin in HuntingtonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Columbus man caught with heroin in Huntington in 2015 was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Tyshawn Desmeon Davis, 28, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On June 29, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at 1751 Buffington Avenue in Huntington after a confidential informant purchased heroin at the residence. Agents located Davis in the residence during the search and found him in possession of approximately 18 grams of heroin. Davis admitted to agents that he had been involved with other individuals in distributing heroin from the residence.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This prosecution was 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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Mexican national pleads guilty to immigration crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today to an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Adan Zamudio-Escalante, also known as Victor Giron, 39, entered his guilty plea to illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed from the United States on two different occasions.
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.
Zamudio-Escalante faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 13, 2017. He is also subject to removal proceedings at the conclusion of the case.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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Parkersburg man sentenced to federal prison for gun crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man was sentenced to prison today for federal gun charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Austin Russell Ash, 21, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Ash was also sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. The sentences will be served concurrently.
As part of an investigation in June 2015, the Parkersburg Police Department conducted a search at the house where Austin Ash resided on Laird Avenue in Parkersburg. During the search, law enforcement discovered a CBC, 715T model, .22 caliber rifle with an obliterated serial number in Ash’s bedroom. Ash admitted to law enforcement that he possessed the gun and that he had removed the serial number. He further admitted to law enforcement that at the time he possessed the gun he was a user of marijuana.
The Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
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South Charleston man pleads guilty to federal methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Bays, 53, entered his guilty plea to maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine.
Bays admitted that from late 2013 through at least March 2014, that he, along with codefendant Joseph Cooper and other individuals, received methamphetamine from California, which they stored and distributed from Bays’ residence in Charleston. During that time period, Bays allowed Cooper to live in the residence part-time while they worked together to distribute methamphetamine.
Bays faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on March 21, 2017.
Cooper previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on January 19, 2017. Benjamin Childers, another individual implicated in this investigation, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison when he is sentenced on January 4, 2017. Also as a result of this investigation, four other codefendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Morgan Light, Mark Cobb, Harold Lee Parsons, and Shayne Shamblen each face up to 20 years in prison when they are sentenced in February 2017.
The investigation of these cases was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and Homeland Security Investigations. 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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Huntington woman sentenced to over six years in federal prison for heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman caught with heroin was sentenced today to six years and eight months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Misty Renee Wentz, 38, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On September 1, 2015, Wentz was approached and interviewed by Drug Enforcement Administration agents in Huntington. Wentz admitted to the agents that she was concealing heroin on her person. Wentz then provided the heroin to agents and admitted that she possessed the heroin for purposes of distribution. Wentz further admitted that she had conspired with multiple individuals over the previous year to distribute up to three kilograms of heroin that was transported to the Huntington area from Detroit.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This prosecution was 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 federal prison for role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man who participated in a multistate drug ring was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Matthew Michael Meadows, 31, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.
From the summer of 2014 to March 2016, Meadows conspired with codefendant Corey Bruce Toney and other individuals to distribute heroin in the Huntington and Charleston areas. Meadows frequently met with Toney at various locations in Huntington and received quantities of heroin ranging from five grams to an ounce. Meadows would subsequently distribute the heroin in the Charleston area and then return the proceeds back to Toney.
Toney pleaded guilty in September 2016 to distributing heroin. Toney admitted that he conspired with others to distribute large quantities of drugs that were transported from California and Michigan to Huntington, including heroin, crack, marijuana, and Xanax.
This prosecution 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.
Nine additional defendants have been convicted for their roles in this drug ring. In addition to Toney, Atari Seantay Brown, Parker Wyatt Mays, Sean Lee Braggs, Samuel E. Nelson, III, Tanisha Lynette Wooding, Deandra Sheen Jones, and Roy Bills have all pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and are awaiting sentencing. Arthur James Canada was previously sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for his role 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 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. 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 crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. William Cody McClung, 31, entered his guilty plea 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.
McClung faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on March 16, 2017.
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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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U.S. Attorney's Office collects over $6.5 million for taxpayers in Fiscal Year 2016Read the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia has collected $6,668,404.52 in the last year, which represents over $1.1 million more than the office’s annual direct budget, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Of this amount, $1,511,417.96 was collected in criminal actions, $4,591,072.32 was collected in civil actions, and $565,914.24 was collected in asset forfeiture. The U.S. Attorney’s Office collected this amount through the efforts of the attorneys and staff within the office, and also by working with other U.S. Attorneys’ offices, components of the Department of Justice, and other federal agencies.
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced today that the Justice Department collected nearly $15.4 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2016. The $15,380,130,434 in collections in FY 2016 represents more than five times the appropriated $2.93 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period.
“Every day, the men and women of the Department of Justice work tirelessly to enforce our laws, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used properly and that the American people are protected from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Lynch. “Today’s announcement is a testament to that work, and it makes clear that our actions deliver a significant return on public investment. I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this year's collections possible, and I want to emphasize that the department remains committed to the well-being of our people and our nation.”
United States Attorney Carol Casto noted, “The over $6 million collected by this office more than covers the direct operating budget of the office for the entire fiscal year. The strong collaboration of the attorneys and staff of the civil and criminal divisions with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies makes these significant collections possible. Though our top priority is always ensuring the safety of our communities, we also work together with our law enforcement partners to hold wrongdoers responsible for the financial losses associated with their offenses.”
A substantial amount of the collection total came from the prosecution of Freedom Industries and six defendants associated with Freedom for the 2014 chemical spill that left hundreds of thousands of people in the Kanawha Valley without water for several days. Freedom paid nearly $600,000 to resolve its federal bankruptcy case. Additionally, the individuals prosecuted, including two former presidents of Freedom, have paid over $86,000 in fines as part of their sentences. Another corporate officer held accountable for criminal activity was former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship. Never before in U.S. history had the CEO of a publicly traded company been convicted of a workplace safety crime. His trial ended with a jury finding him guilty, and in April 2016, as part of his sentence, Blankenship was ordered to spend one year in federal prison and to pay a $250,000 fine.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.
In addition to the civil and criminal collections, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $565,914.24 in asset forfeiture actions in fiscal year 2016. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. This brings the total amount collected by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in fiscal year 2016 to $6,668,404.52. The fiscal year began on October 1, 2015, and ended on September 30, 2016.
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Poca man sentenced to over seven years in federal prison for gun chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Poca man caught with a loaded gun and drugs after a car chase was sentenced today to seven years and three months in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Eugene Adkins, 37, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Adkins admitted that on January 14, 2016, he possessed a loaded Smith & Wesson Model 22A-1 pistol. Adkins was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearm because of two previous convictions in Kanawha County Circuit Court for possession with intent to deliver marijuana. At the time Adkins possessed the handgun, Adkins additionally admitted that he ran a red light in St. Albans. In response, a St. Albans Police Department patrol officer attempted a traffic stop. Adkins further admitted that he did not attempt to stop, and during the course of the subsequent chase, he exceeded the speed limit, passed vehicles despite the double yellow line, and drove the wrong way on a one-way street. The car chase ended in Nitro and Adkins admitted that he exited the vehicle and was apprehended after a brief foot chase. Law enforcement recovered the gun and methamphetamine from Adkins. Officers also seized 40 knives and a machete from the vehicle.
The investigation was conducted by the St. Albans Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the West Virginia State Police and the South Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case was also prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities, 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 illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Nitro woman sentenced for failing to report to prisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nitro woman was sentenced today to eight months for failing to report to serve her prison sentence, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kelli Engler, also known as Kelli Reed and Kelli Reed-Engler, 39, previously pleaded guilty to the federal crime.
Engler admitted that she was ordered by the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia to serve 90 days of incarceration for a violation of her supervised release. Engler was ordered to report to prison by March 25, 2016, and was permitted by the Court to voluntarily self-report. She did not report to prison as required, and on June 28, 2016, law enforcement apprehended her in Tennessee.
Engler was on supervised release as part of her sentence for a 2011 federal conviction for access device fraud. The violations of her supervised release included not paying restitution and not reporting to the United States Probation Office as required.
The United States Marshals Service and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee conducted the apprehension and investigation. 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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Charleston crack dealer sentenced to over five years in federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man who violated his federal supervised release by selling crack was sentenced to prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Terrance Wilson, 27, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of crack. In today’s hearing, he was sentenced to four years in federal prison for that offense. He was also sentenced to an additional one and a half years in prison for violating his federal supervised release. The sentences will be served consecutively.
Wilson admitted that on January 25, 2016, he sold crack to a confidential informant working with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place at a local business on Bigley Avenue in Charleston. Wilson further admitted that he also sold crack to a confidential informant on January 26 and 27, 2016.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., 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 illegal drugs in our communities. 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 admits accepting kickbacks as an employee of a subsidiary of Arch CoalRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan County man pleaded guilty today for his role in a kickback scheme, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Chadwick Lusk, 35, of Davin, entered his guilty plea to honest services mail fraud.
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, and Lusk agreed to pay $230,000 in restitution as part of his plea agreement.
Lusk faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 3, 2017.
The FBI, the Criminal Investigation division of the IRS, 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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
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Charleston drug dealer sentenced to federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to two years and eight months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Antonio Tarvares Johnson, 39, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
Johnson admitted that on September 28, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at the Motel 6 in Cross Lanes. Johnson additionally admitted that on November 9, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant at America’s Best Value Inn in St. Albans. Following that drug deal, law enforcement arrested Johnson and recovered over $6,000 in cash from his pocket and wallet, which included $100 in prerecorded buy money from the November 9, 2015, controlled purchase. Johnson further admitted that he also sold drugs to a confidential informant on September 29, 2015, and on December 16, 2015.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Two members of Indiana family plead guilty to pain pill conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two members of a family from Indiana pleaded guilty today to an oxycodone conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Jurick, 57, of Valparaiso, and his mother-in-law, Linda Vannatter, 74, of Hammond, entered their guilty pleas to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.
Jurick and Vannatter 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 Jurick or Vannatter 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.
Jurick and Vannatter each face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on March 15, 2017.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Another Mexican national sentenced to federal prison for role in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national heavily involved in a California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracy was sentenced today to 12 years and seven months in federal prison for a drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, 24, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Ortiz-Rivera admitted that from January 2015 to June 2015, 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 and supplied drugs to individuals in West Virginia. Ortiz-Rivera additionally admitted that he had methamphetamine delivered to him in West Virginia and traveled himself to California to pick up methamphetamine. From January 2015 through May 2015, he delivered at least eight pounds of methamphetamine to an individual in West Virginia. He also admitted that on June 5, 2015, he was driving from California to transport methamphetamine to Charleston and was stopped by law enforcement in Kansas. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered approximately four pounds of methamphetamine.
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. All of the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 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. Two other women who were used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Rachel Arlene Garay, of California, and 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, Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, and Brian Ashby, of Kanawha County, 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., is presiding over these cases and imposed the sentences.
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 federal prison for role in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for his role in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, 21, a Mexican national residing in California, previously pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.
Bojorquez-Rojas admitted that in January 2016, he traveled with some of his codefendants to Charleston from California to collect money for methamphetamine that had been delivered to West Virginia. On January 11, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on a hotel room where Bojorquez-Rojas and some of his codefendants, including Rafael Garcia Serrato and Cesar Garcia, were staying and recovered a bag containing $12,000 cash. Bojorquez-Rojas also admitted that this cash was payment for a portion of the methamphetamine that had been delivered to West Virginia. Bojorquez-Rojas additionally admitted that in March 2016, he traveled from California to Huntington to collect money for methamphetamine that had been driven to Huntington by codefendants Kelly Newcomb and Cara Linn Monasmith. Shortly after the arrival of Bojorquez-Rojas in Huntington on March 19, 2016, law enforcement arrested him and three of his codefendants in a Huntington hotel room.
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. All of the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Newcomb, of Nevada, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, was also sentenced to a year and a day in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.
Several of the defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Two other women who were used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Rachel Arlene Garay, of California, and Monasmith, of Nevada, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Additionally, as part of this conspiracy, Serrato, of Los Angeles, Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, and Brian Ashby, of Kanawha County, 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., is presiding over these cases and imposed the sentences.
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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California methamphetamine trafficker sentenced to 10 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A California man who traveled to West Virginia to facilitate methamphetamine trafficking was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gary Liberty, 52, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Liberty admitted that in January 2012, he made arrangements with a confidential informant working with law enforcement to ship crystal methamphetamine from California to West Virginia. On January 5, 2012, Liberty traveled from California to West Virginia by airplane. The next day, Liberty provided the confidential informant with a U.S. Postal Service tracking number for a package containing crystal methamphetamine that Liberty had arranged to be sent from California to the informant’s residence in Sissonville. On January 7, 2012, officers intercepted the package and seized over 80 grams of methamphetamine. Officers then conducted a controlled delivery of the package to the confidential informant’s residence with a fake substance in the package. After the informant took delivery of the package, officers entered the informant’s home and found Liberty standing over the package with the package open and several items from inside the package on the table. Liberty then gave a statement to law enforcement and admitted his involvement with methamphetamine trafficking.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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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Cross Lanes carjacker sentenced to 10 years in prison for crime spree resulting in multiple federal chargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cross Lanes man was sentenced today to a total of 10 years in federal prison for carjacking and a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. David Allen Young, 24, previously pleaded guilty to two counts of carjacking and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Young was sentenced to 10 years on each count and the sentences will be served concurrently.
Young admitted that from summer 2014 through January 2016, he was part of a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking network. During that time period, he received at least 40 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from his sources and distributed it to individuals in and around Kanawha County.
Young further admitted that on January 24, 2016, he stole a Ford Expedition in Putnam County and fired a shot at an occupied vehicle in St. Albans. Later that same day, Young approached a Ford Edge SUV on foot near the intersection of Big Tyler Road and Waycross Drive in Cross Lanes. Young pointed a 9 mm handgun at a man occupying the SUV and ordered him to get out of the vehicle. The man complied and Young got into the Ford Edge and drove away. Young drove until he approached a Chevrolet S-10 truck in Cross Lanes occupied by another man and his juvenile son. Young pointed the same handgun at those individuals and ordered them out of the truck. Young then got into the truck and drove to the Dalewood Trailer Park in Cross Lanes. He shot through the glass door of a residence in the trailer park and stole a television, which he intended to trade for drugs. Young was arrested on January 26, 2016.
The investigation into the drug conspiracy was handled by the FBI and the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit. The carjackings were investigated by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s 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 prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat 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. This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Two Huntington dealers headed to federal prison for drug crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Huntington dealers were sentenced today to federal prison for drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jerrell Leon Johnson, 53, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack. In a separate prosecution, Ashley Nicole Farley, 25, was sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On January 20, 2016, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a search of Johnson’s residence located at 709 Rear 9th Avenue in Huntington. During that search, agents located approximately 48 grams of crack inside a kitchen drawer. Johnson admitted that he intended to sell the crack seized by law enforcement.
In a separate drug prosecution, on August 27, 2015, Farley was arrested on a warrant for distribution of heroin. In a search of Farley incident to her arrest, officers located a gray tan powder and cash. The cash contained marked currency from a previous undercover heroin buy from Farley.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation of Jerrell Johnson. The investigation of Farley was conducted by the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is handling the prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.
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 heroin and crack. 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 Marriott employee sentenced to federal prison for embezzling nearly $1 millionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former employee of the Charleston Marriott Town Center who defrauded the hotel out of close to a million dollars was sentenced today to two and a half years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Kuhn, 53, of Milton in Cabell County, previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud for his embezzlement from the hotel. He was also ordered to pay $955,317.17 in restitution.
Kuhn worked for the Marriott as an accountant and general cashier. His duties included collecting cash from the various departments of the hotel, including the gift shop, the front desk, and the restaurant and bar. Kuhn admitted that beginning in November 2005 and continuing through February 2016, he embezzled over $955,000 from the hotel. He covered up his embezzlement by regularly posting false entries in the hotel’s accounting system to make it appear as if the hotel had paid out cash for various goods or services. Typically, the false entries reflected fictitious payments for commissions or fees owed to a travel agency or online travel company. The false entries for any particular day would match the amount of cash that Kuhn had embezzled from the cash receipts for that day.
Over the course of his fraudulent scheme, Kuhn used the embezzled funds for personal expenses. He admitted that he took vacations to Hawaii, the Bahamas, Myrtle Beach, and Disney World. He also admitted that he went on a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. He additionally admitted to using the money to buy cars, a truck, and a recreational vehicle. Furthermore, he admitted that he used the embezzled funds to make payments on Chase MasterCard accounts, Sears credit card accounts, and a revolving credit account at Home Depot.
The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation. First Assistant United States Attorney Philip H. Wright is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
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Dunbar heroin dealer sentenced to federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Dunbar man was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christian Bowles, 25, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
Bowles admitted that on March 24, 2015, he sold over four grams of heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement in exchange for $1,000. Bowles made the drug deal outside of his Dunbar residence. He further admitted that he was involved in the distribution of up to 20 grams of heroin.
The Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., 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 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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