Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Charleston woman pleads guilty to obtaining pain pills by fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston woman pleaded guilty today to obtaining oxycodone and Xanax by fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Greer Elizabeth Ramsey, 32, entered her guilty plea to obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and subterfuge.
Ramsey admitted that on April 14, 2015, she obtained oxycodone and Xanax by presenting a prescription that she knew to be fraudulent to the Kroger pharmacy in Dunbar. Ramsey further admitted that she knew the prescription was not valid because she had never been a patient of the doctor whose name was on the preprinted prescription pad.
Ramsey faces up to four years in federal prison when she is sentenced on March 9, 2017.
The Dunbar Police Department, the South Charleston Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration 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 Thomas E. Johnston.
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 federal inmates sentenced for crimes committed while serving time in prisonRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two inmates were sentenced today for crimes they committed while serving time in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Larry Antoine Smith, 49, who possessed a weapon at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley, was sentenced today to a year and nine months in federal prison, to be served consecutively to his current sentence for violating his federal supervised release. He previously pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by an inmate of the institution. Smith admitted that on September 28, 2015, he possessed a combination lock attached to a belt. The weapon was discovered when a prison staff member observed Smith swinging the belt. Smith further admitted that he attached the lock to the belt with the intention of using it as a weapon.
In a separate prosecution, Christina Kimble, 33, who escaped from the Federal Prison Camp at Alderson, was sentenced today to a year in prison, to be served consecutively to her current sentence for a federal drug charge. She previously pleaded guilty to escape, admitting that on November 17, 2015, she left the Federal Prison Camp at Alderson without authorization. Kimble was apprehended several hours later by the Alderson Police Department.
The Smith case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Alderson Police Department conducted the investigation of Kimble. Assistant United States Attorney John File is in charge of the prosecutions. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentences.
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Hurricane meth dealer sentenced to federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Hurricane man was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for a methamphetamine crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Shawn Keathley, 26, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine.
Keathley admitted that on March 20, 2014, he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. The drug deal took place in the parking lot of a restaurant in Cross Lanes. Keathley further admitted to having distributed methamphetamine for approximately five months in the Kanawha County area.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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St. Albans man pleads guilty to conspiracy to obtain pain pills by fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Albans man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kenneth Dale White, Jr., 31, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to obtain controlled substances by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and subterfuge.
White admitted that prior to April 2015, he came into possession of a pre-printed prescription pad belonging to a local doctor. Between April 12, 2015, and May 7, 2015, White and a codefendant recruited other individuals to fraudulently obtain pain pills. The recruited individuals were directed by White or the codefendant to go to pharmacies in the Kanawha County area to obtain oxycodone and Xanax by presenting fraudulent and forged prescriptions to the pharmacies. The recruited individuals would be paid cash to fill the fraudulent prescription or be allowed to keep a small amount of the pain pills fraudulently obtained. The remaining pills were returned to White or the codefendant.
White faces up to four years in federal prison when he is sentenced on March 6, 2017.
The case against White was investigated by the Dunbar Police Department, the South Charleston Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This case 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.
Ohio man pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man pled guilty today in the United States District Court in Huntington to a federal firearm charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Stephen W. Whitt, age 30, of Scottown, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On June 21, 2014, Whitt pawned a Marlin Model 60, .22 caliber rifle at Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry, located on 29th Street in Huntington in exchange for 50.00. On June 22 and June 30, 2014, Whitt also pawned three other rifles at Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry – a Marlin Model .30-30 rifle, a Glenfield Model 60 .22 rifle, and an Old Colony single shot 12-gauge shotgun.
Prior to pawning the firearms, Whitt had been convicted of two counts of entering without breaking in the Circuit Court of Cabell County and was prohibited from possessing firearms. United States District Court Chief Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing. Whitt faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on March 13, 2017.
Four more defendants plead guilty in multistate drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Four additional defendants who participated in a multistate drug ring pleaded guilty today to various federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Atari Seantay Brown, 39, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin. Sean Lee Braggs, 26, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin. Deandra Sheen Jones, 41, entered her guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack. Samuel E. Nelson, III, 37, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
From the summer of 2014 to May 2016, Brown helped lead a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of drugs in the Huntington area, including heroin and crack. During the conspiracy, Brown arranged for the transportation of large quantities heroin and cocaine from Michigan to the Huntington area. Agents were able to make numerous controlled purchases of heroin from Brown and others during the investigation. Brown admitted at his hearing that, on September 2, 2016, a confidential informant working at the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration contacted him to arrange for the purchase of heroin. Brown met with the informant at an apartment located at 333 14th Street in Huntington which the group used to store and distribute drugs. Inside the apartment, Brown sold approximately 10 grams of heroin to the informant in exchange for $1,200. Brown also admitted that he possessed firearms during the conspiracy, that he maintained the 14th Street apartment to distribute drugs, and that he served as a leader of the conspiracy.
Braggs admitted that he assisted Brown and others by conducting distributions of heroin in the Huntington area, by transporting drugs from Michigan to Huntington, and by transporting money from Huntington to Michigan. On April 18, 2016, Braggs was traveling from Huntington to Michigan when his vehicle broke down in Ohio. Brown arranged for a tow truck to tow the vehicle to Michigan. Agents surveilling Brown and Braggs contacted members of the Ohio Highway Patrol and a trooper subsequently conducted a traffic stop of the tow truck in northern Ohio. Agents discovered that Braggs’ vehicle contained a hidden compartment behind the rear seat which could be accessed through electronic controls. Agents discovered $181,490 in cash concealed in the hidden compartment which Braggs admitted constituted proceeds from drug sales in the Huntington area.
Jones admitted that she assisted Brown by transporting cocaine from Michigan concealed in a rental vehicle. Jones admitted that she also transported cash from Huntington to Michigan and helped Brown acquire additional quantities of heroin in Michigan. On March 26, 2016, Jones arranged for Brown to receive approximately 100 grams of heroin which Brown distributed to Nelson. On April 30, 2016, Jones transported approximately 1 kilogram of cocaine to Huntington at Brown’s direction. The cocaine was concealed in the spare tire of a rental vehicle Jones was driving and Jones was aware Brown intended to convert the cocaine to crack for distribution.
Nelson admitted that he acquired large quantities of heroin from Brown which Nelson transported to the Louisville, Kentucky area for distribution. On April 18, 2016, Nelson traveled from Louisville to acquire heroin from Brown at the 14th Street apartment. Agents observed Nelson meet with Brown and a trooper with the West Virginia State Police subsequently conducted a traffic stop of Nelson’s vehicle as he traveled on 16th Street Road toward Interstate 64 to return to Louisville. Agents searched Nelson’s vehicle and discovered approximately 130 grams of heroin concealed in the dashboard of the vehicle.
On May 18, 2016, after a federal grand jury returned an indictment, agents executed arrest warrants and search warrants at eight residences in Detroit, Michigan, Proctorville, Ohio, and Huntington. During the searches, agents seized large quantities of heroin, cocaine, crack, and marijuana, an additional $120,531 in cash, and a total of 41 firearms.
All four defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison and are each scheduled to be sentenced on March 6, 2017.
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, which resulted in charging 12 defendants for offenses related to the distribution of heroin, crack, marijuana and alprazolam in Huntington.
Six defendants have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this drug ring. Matthew Michael Meadows, Arthur James Canada, Tanisha Lynette Wooding, Parker Wyatt Mays, Corey Bruce Toney and Roy Bills have all pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and are awaiting sentencing.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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.
Two men plead guilty to federal heroin crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two men pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Bobby James Mitchell, 35, of Huntington, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin. In a separate prosecution, Antoine Garfield Rushin, 44, of Detroit, entered his guilty plea to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On March 16, 2016, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted a controlled purchase of heroin from Mitchell. Mitchell and a confidential informant working with law enforcement met at 1039 Rear Jefferson Avenue in Huntington to complete the drug deal. The confidential informant provided Mitchell with $500 in exchange for approximately 6.1 grams of heroin. Mitchell faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 21, 2017.
In a separate prosecution, law enforcement executed a search warrant on June 29, 2015, at 1751 Buffington Avenue in Huntington. Just prior to execution of the warrant, officers observed Rushin enter the residence. During the search, Rushin and other individuals in the residence were arrested and officers seized approximately 65 grams of heroin and digital scales. Rushin admitted that he frequently provided heroin to individuals staying at the residence for those individuals to distribute. Rushin faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 21, 2017.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted the investigation of Mitchell. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is handling the Mitchell prosecution. The investigation of Rushin was conducted by the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution of Rushin. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearings.
These prosecutions were brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Kanawha County felon caught by homeowner during break-in sentenced to nearly five years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man who violated his federal supervised release by breaking into a house and stealing a pistol was sentenced to federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Travis Lee Hudnall, 32, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. In today’s hearing, he was sentenced to three years and ten months in federal prison for that offense. He was also sentenced to an additional year in prison for violating his federal supervised release. The sentences will be served consecutively.
Hudnall admitted that on June 7, 2016, he broke into a residence in Hansford and stole a computer tablet and a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson Model SW40C pistol. Hudnall additionally admitted that he stole a chainsaw from the surrounding property. As Hudnall was leaving the residence, the homeowner arrived and confronted Hudnall. Following a struggle, the homeowner detained Hudnall on the ground until law enforcement arrived. Hudnall was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearm because of two previous felony convictions, one in Kanawha County Circuit Court for daytime entering without breaking and another in federal court in the Southern District of West Virginia for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The investigation was conducted by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Two defendants appear in federal court for gun crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants appeared in federal court today for gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Lachance D. Woodson, 28, of Charleston, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. In a separate prosecution, Denver Clifton Julious, 66, of Hilltop, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Woodson admitted that on December 22, 2015, he possessed a Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol in Charleston. Woodson was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2010 conviction in federal court in the Southern District of West Virginia for possession of a firearm after a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence.
In a separate prosecution, Fayette County Deputy Sheriffs arrested Julious on May 6, 2016, at his home on an outstanding arrest warrant. During a search of Julious incident to the arrest, officers found a Davis Industries .22 caliber revolver in his pocket. Julious was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms as a result of a 1988 first-degree sexual assault conviction in Fayette County Circuit Court and a 2006 felon in possession of a firearm conviction in federal court in the Southern District of West Virginia. Julious faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 9, 2017.
The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation of Woodson. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for Woodson’s prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed Woodson’s sentence.
The investigation of Julious was conducted by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia State Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution of Julious. The plea hearing for Julious was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
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Charleston man sentenced to federal prison for escape and heroin chargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to three years in federal prison for separate charges of escape and possession with intent to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brandon Christopher Solomon, 21, originally from Detroit, previously entered his guilty plea to a two-count indictment.
Solomon admitted that in December 2015, he escaped from a halfway house in St. Albans. Solomon was at the halfway house finishing a sentence for violating his federal supervised release from a prior drug conviction. Solomon’s whereabouts were unknown for several months until April 28, 2016, when officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team located him while executing a search warrant on Daniel Boone Drive in Charleston. Solomon was arrested on the outstanding escape warrant, and when he was searched, officers located six baggies of heroin and cash in his pocket.
The United States Marshals Service and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin 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 drug dealer pleads guilty to distributing methamphetamineRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston methamphetamine dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Keary Drake, 48, entered his guilty plea to distribution of methamphetamine.
Drake admitted that on April 28, 2016, he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol (STOP) team of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. Drake also admitted that he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on two more occasions in June and July of 2016. On July 13, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Drake’s residence on Bakers Fork Road in Charleston and recovered methamphetamine. Drake admitted to law enforcement that he had been dealing methamphetamine for six months and had sold approximately 84 grams.
Drake faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 23, 2017.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
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 sentenced to federal prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man was sentenced today to two years in federal prison for possessing over 600 images of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. John Leslie Hess, 64, previously pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. After completing his prison term, he will be on federal supervised release for 10 years, the first of which will be served on home confinement. Hess will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Hess admitted that on March 2, 2015, he possessed images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The images were contained on his personal computers and multiple media devices found at his residence in Parkersburg. The investigation revealed that Hess was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download, receive, and distribute child pornography.
The FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case is being brought as part of an ongoing initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
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Two Charleston men sentenced to federal prison for gun crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Charleston men were sentenced today to federal prison for gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Joseph Sampson, 36, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was also sentenced to an additional six months in prison for violating his federal supervised release. The sentences will be served consecutively. Sampson admitted that on May 8, 2016, he was found in possession of a New England Arms 12 gauge short-barreled shotgun. The firearm was discovered during a traffic stop in Charleston. Sampson was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2003 felony drug conviction in federal court in the Southern District of West Virginia.
In a separate prosecution, Michael Brooks Burgess, 46, was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine for possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. On February 8, 2016, Burgess was stopped for speeding and a suspected DUI in Sissonville. During the stop, officers found a vial of methamphetamine in his pocket and over 30 grams of methamphetamine under the driver’s seat. The officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded .45 caliber handgun, three high capacity magazines for a MAC-10 firearm, approximately 50 rounds of ammunition, and over an ounce of marijuana in the trunk of the vehicle. Burgess admitted that he was a habitual, unlawful user of methamphetamine at the time he possessed the gun.
The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation of Sampson. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is responsible for the Sampson prosecution. The investigation of Burgess was conducted by the FBI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the Burgess prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences.
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Kentucky man pleads guilty to federal gun and drug chargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Kentucky man pleaded guilty today to federal gun and drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marques Stephon Dawson, 31, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute crack, cocaine, and marijuana.
On August 30, 2016, deputies with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at 1030 21st Street in Huntington. Deputies previously utilized a confidential informant to make multiple controlled purchases of cocaine from Dawson at the residence. During the search, deputies located Dawson inside the residence. Deputies also seized approximately 17 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 137 grams of cocaine, approximately 555 grams of marijuana, digital scales, $1,372 in cash, and a Raven Arms, MP-25, .25 caliber pistol. Dawson was arrested and admitted to selling drugs from the residence from at least May of 2016 because he “needed extra money.” Dawson was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2013 felony conviction in federal court in Kentucky for possession with intent to distribute crack.
Dawson faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the drug crime and up to 10 years in federal prison for the gun crime for a total of up to 30 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 13, 2017.
The Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This prosecution was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime. This prosecution was also brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Huntington heroin dealer sentenced to over seven years in federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man was sentenced today to seven and a half years in federal prison for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Lamont Walter Haywood, 38, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
Haywood admitted that on January 22, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. The drug deal took place at Star Communications, located on 8th Avenue in Huntington, and was captured on video. Haywood further admitted that he was responsible for selling up to 700 grams of heroin during 2014 and 2015.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is responsible for the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers 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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Huntington drug dealer pleads guilty to federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington heroin dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gerald Harris, 23, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
On March 22, 2016, Harris sold approximately 11.8 grams of heroin to a confidential informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force. Harris met the confidential informant on Rear Monroe Avenue in Huntington to conduct the sale.
Harris faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 14, 2017.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Detroit man sentenced to federal prison for role in heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who participated in a heroin conspiracy in 2014 was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Rasheed T. Latham, 28, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.
Between March and July 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 it 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 distribute the drugs.
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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Columbus heroin dealer sentenced to five years in federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Columbus drug dealer was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christopher E. Butts, 42, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
Butts admitted that on May 24, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. The drug deal took place at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Randolph Street in Charleston. Butts further admitted that he sold drugs to a confidential informant again the next day. On May 26, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence where Butts was staying. During the search, officers seized over six grams of heroin from Butts that was in his pocket, a firearm located near his feet, and cash from the residence. Officers additionally located approximately 75 grams of heroin behind the couch in the residence. All of the heroin recovered in the search was field tested by law enforcement and came up positive for the presence of fentanyl, which is anywhere from 25 to 50 times more potent than heroin.
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 is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Charleston felon sentenced to federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to a year and nine months in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Ronald Sayles, 39, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Sayles admitted that in December 2014, he possessed two handguns, a Taurus .32 caliber pistol and a Ruger 9 mm pistol, at his Charleston residence. Charleston Police Department officers discovered the guns while executing a search warrant on December 7, 2014. Sayles was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2002 felony drug conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court.
The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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St. Albans woman pleads guilty to conspiracy to obtain pain pills by fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Albans woman pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Luci Jane McCormick, 39, entered her guilty plea to conspiracy to obtain controlled substances by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and subterfuge.
McCormick admitted that between April 12, 2015, and May 7, 2015, she and a codefendant recruited other individuals to fraudulently obtain pain pills. The recruited individuals were directed by McCormick or the codefendant to go to pharmacies in the Kanawha County area to obtain oxycodone and Xanax by presenting fraudulent and forged prescriptions to the pharmacies. The recruited individuals would be paid cash to fill the fraudulent prescription or allowed to keep a small amount of the pain pills fraudulently obtained. The remaining pills were returned to McCormick and the codefendant.
McCormick faces up to four years in federal prison when she is sentenced on February 16, 2017.
The case against McCormick was investigated by the Dunbar Police Department, the South Charleston Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This case 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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St. Albans man pleads guilty to federal methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Albans man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Harold Lee Parsons III, 40, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On February 5, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Parsons’ residence on 2nd Avenue in St. Albans. Parsons was present in his residence during the search and he admitted that he opened a safe for law enforcement. Inside the safe were 12 baggies containing approximately 330 grams of methamphetamine. Parsons further admitted that he received the drugs from Joseph Cooper, a codefendant, and that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine.
Parsons faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 7, 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, three other codefendants pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Morgan Light, Mark Cobb, and Shayne Shamblen each face up to 20 years in prison when they are sentenced on February 2, 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 five years in federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jessica Dawn Prince, 30, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
Prince admitted that on October 19, 2015, she sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in Prince’s residence at 5400 Altizer Avenue in Huntington. Following her arrest for the October 2015 controlled buy, law enforcement discovered that Prince was in possession of additional heroin for distribution. Prince was ultimately found to be responsible for selling over 600 grams of heroin in the Huntington area.
The Drug Unit of the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is responsible for 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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Huntington man sixth to plead guilty for role in drug ringRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who participated in a multistate drug ring pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Roy Bills, 51, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
Between the summer of 2014 and May of 2016, Bills conspired with multiple individuals, including codefendants Corey Bruce Toney and Parker Wyatt Mays, to distribute marijuana in the Huntington area. Toney and Mays frequently acquired marijuana from a source in California and arranged for the marijuana to be shipped by courier or transported to Huntington. Bills traveled to California on at least two occasions to transport marijuana to Huntington as part of the conspiracy. He admitted that in October 2015 he transported 100 pounds of marijuana and in March 2016 he transported 80 pounds of marijuana. After arriving in Huntington with the drugs, Bills further admitted that he provided the marijuana to Toney for Toney and others to distribute.
Bills faces up to 5 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 6, 2017.
These prosecutions arose out of a comprehensive 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, which resulted in charging 12 defendants for offenses related to the distribution of heroin, crack, marijuana, and alprazolam in Huntington.
Five defendants have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this drug ring. Matthew Michael Meadows, Arthur James Canada, Tanisha Lynette Wooding, Mays, and Toney have all pleaded guilty to various federal drug charges and are awaiting sentencing. All of the other defendants charged in the prosecution of this drug ring are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of 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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Charleston man caught with over a kilogram of meth sentenced to four years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man caught with a significant amount of methamphetamine was sentenced today to four years in federal prison for a drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Craig Jason Hundley, 40, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Hundley admitted that on April 4, 2016, he was stopped on Interstate 64 in Cabell County by a member of the West Virginia State Police. A K-9 named Feera utilized by the West Virginia State Police performed an exterior sniff of Hundley’s car and indicated that drugs were present. When law enforcement searched the car, they found approximately 1,065 grams of methamphetamine concealed in the trunk.
The case against Hundley was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess 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 illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Boone County man pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gregory Scott Runion, 33, of Seth, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Runion admitted that on March 25, 2016, he sold a KBI SKS-45 rifle to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The deal took place in Seth in Boone County. Runion was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2009 felony gun possession conviction in Monroe, Michigan.
Runion faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 2, 2017.
The U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Fourth Chicago woman sentenced for credit card fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Chicago woman was sentenced today to five years of probation, with the first eight months to be served on home confinement, for credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Stephanie Stevenson previously pleaded guilty to possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices. A counterfeit access device is a credit card that has been altered so that it contains stolen information that has been re-encoded on the magnetic strip on the back of the card.
Stevenson admitted that she, along with three codefendants, Wynesha Wilson-Robinson, Christine Johnson, and Crystal Merritt, possessed over 100 counterfeit access devices. Stevenson, along with the other codefendants, drove from Chicago to attempt to use these credit cards. On June 5, 2015, they were observed at the South Charleston Target and Walmart attempting to use the counterfeit cards. The four were arrested by law enforcement after store employees became suspicious of the multiple attempts to use the credit cards to complete a purchase.
The South Charleston Police Department and the United States Secret Service conducted the 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.
This is the final sentencing as a result of this investigation. Wilson-Robinson was sentenced on August 11, 2016, to five months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of probation. Wilson-Robinson was further ordered to serve the first five months of her probation on home confinement. Johnson was sentenced on October 3, 2016, to six months of home confinement, to be followed by three years of probation. Merritt was sentenced on October 18, 2016, to five years of probation, with the first eight months to be served on home confinement.
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Three defendants plead guilty to roles in large-scale methamphetamine conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three defendants pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking organization, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Morgan Light, 24, of Charleston and Las Vegas, Mark Cobb, 30, of St. Albans, and Shayne Shamblen, 47, of St. Albans, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
As part of a comprehensive investigation, agents from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and Homeland Security Investigations intercepted several mail packages that contained methamphetamine, other drugs, or drug proceeds. Since January 2014, several pounds of methamphetamine were transported from California and Nevada into the Southern District of West Virginia via the United States mail or through individuals driving packages of drugs into the area. Light, Cobb, and Shamblen each admitted that they worked with Joseph Cooper, a codefendant, to arrange for the shipment and transport of methamphetamine to West Virginia.
Light’s handwriting was found on at least one package that contained over 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Shamblen admitted that he arranged for the shipment of that same package and intended to distribute the methamphetamine contained in the package. Cobb lived with Light and Cooper in Nevada for a short time, and also helped with the packaging and distribution of methamphetamine. Cobb’s fingerprint was found on a package containing approximately 3 grams of crystal methamphetamine that was sent to an individual in St. Albans. The methamphetamine from both of the packages was laboratory tested and found to be over 90% pure.
Light, Cobb, and Shamblen each face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on February 2, 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 involved with the transport of methamphetamine in this drug trafficking organization, 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for the prosecution. 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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Raleigh County felon sentenced to federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A convicted felon from Sophia was sentenced today to three years and one month in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gene A. James, 46, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
James admitted that on February 23, 2016, while in Sophia, he possessed a Leinad model DD derringer pistol. James was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2014 conviction in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for distribution of oxycodone.
The United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Greenbrier County business owner pleads guilty for failing to pay employment taxesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Greenbrier County man pleaded guilty today to a federal tax crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brandon J. Black, 32, of Rainelle, entered his guilty plea for failing to pay employment taxes.
Black owned and operated a private security business in Lewisburg that provided services to businesses and individuals throughout West Virginia. The business initially began as Professional Security Services and then started operating as CLB Security in 2014. Black admitted that he was responsible for collecting, accounting for, and paying over to the IRS federal income taxes and Social Security and Medicare taxes that were withheld from the wages of employees. Black further admitted that between January 2010 and June 2015, he withheld over $400,000 from employee paychecks and failed to pay over the money to the IRS. He also admitted that he failed to pay over more than $230,000 to account for his share of additional taxes as an employer. Black admitted that the total tax loss for his criminal conduct is over $630,000, and he also admitted that he owes that same amount to the IRS as restitution.
Black faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on February 8, 2017.
This case was investigated by agents of the IRS – Criminal Investigation Division, the FBI, and the West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commissioner – Fraud Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
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St. Albans woman pleads guilty to obtaining pain pills by fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Albans woman pleaded guilty today to federal crimes involving obtaining oxycodone and Xanax by fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Virginia Scarberry, 52, entered her guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to obtain controlled substances by fraud and one count of obtaining controlled substances by fraud.
Scarberry admitted that on April 14, 2015, she obtained oxycodone and Xanax by presenting a prescription that she knew to be fraudulent to the Kroger pharmacy in St. Albans. Scarberry further admitted that she was paid $250 to get the fraudulent prescription filled and that she also knew the prescription was not valid because she had never been a patient of the doctor whose name was on the preprinted prescription pad.
Scarberry faces up to four years in federal prison for each count, for a total of up to eight years, when she is sentenced on February 1, 2017.
The Dunbar Police Department, the South Charleston Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration 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 Thomas E. Johnston.
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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New York meth dealer sentenced to over seven years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A New York City drug dealer was sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison for a methamphetamine crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jamel Proctor, 31, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
On May 13, 2016, a suspicious parcel was searched by an inspector with the United States Postal Service. The parcel was addressed to Jamel Proctor’s residence at 515 Flora Court in Huntington. The package contained over 900 grams of methamphetamine. Agents then conducted a controlled delivery of the package to 515 Flora Court, and Proctor’s girlfriend accepted the package. In a search of the residence immediately following the controlled delivery, the package was recovered and the agents located Proctor inside the residence. Agents also discovered a loaded firearm inside the residence. In a subsequent search of Proctor’s vehicle, agents located four additional firearms and an additional 173 grams of methamphetamine in two separate duffel bags. A surveillance team had seen Proctor place the bags in his vehicle earlier that day.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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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Dunbar heroin dealer sentenced to federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Dunbar drug dealer was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jamario Dobbs, 36, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
Dobbs admitted that on three occasions in February and March of 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant cooperating with law enforcement. On April 27, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the residence where Dobbs was staying and seized a handgun, over $7,000 in cash, and approximately 48 grams of crack. Dobbs was arrested immediately prior to the search and he informed officers that he had swallowed several bags of heroin. Officers took Dobbs to the hospital for treatment and recovered over two grams of heroin.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman 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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U.S. Attorney's Office implements Election Day Program to stop fraud and protect voting rightsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Carol Casto announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Gabriele Wohl will lead the efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general election. AUSA Wohl has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Southern District of West Virginia, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Carol Casto said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination. My office and the Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Casto stated that AUSA/DEO Wohl will be on duty in the Southern District of West Virginia while the polls are open. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 304-345-2200.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office in Charleston can be reached by the public at 304-346-2300.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, D.C., by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or 202-307-2767, by fax at 202-307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
United States Attorney Casto said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of American voters. We rely on you to be our eyes and ears in the community and at the polling places and to report any irregularities you observe in the voting process. It is imperative that if you have specific information about discrimination or election fraud you communicate that information immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. We want to make sure that every voter and every vote counts.”
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Former Charleston Job Corps Center employee pleads guilty to misappropriating government fundsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Texas man, formerly of Charleston, pleaded guilty Monday to a federal financial crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto, General Services Administration Inspector General Carol Fortine Ochoa, and Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office Richard Deer. Kevin Mabone, 56, entered his guilty plea to misappropriating government funds while he was working at the Charleston Job Corps Center.
Mabone admitted that in 2014 and 2015, while he was the director of social development at the Charleston Job Corps Center, he used government credit cards to fuel his personal vehicle, rather than using the credit cards for legitimate work-related purchases. He further admitted that from 2007 through 2012, while he was employed at the Miami Job Corps Center in Florida, he stole from the government in the same manner—by misusing government credit cards for personal fuel purchases. Mabone admitted that the total amount stolen from both locations was at least $6,684.40, and he has agreed to pay this amount in restitution.
“Stealing from the government is a serious crime that carries major consequences,” said United States Attorney Carol Casto. “I commend the work of the investigators to uncover this fraud and we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to prosecute these important cases.”
"I appreciate the skilled work of the special agents who brought this gas card thief to justice,” said General Services Administration Inspector General Carol Fortine Ochoa.
“Mabone’s fraudulent abuse of Job Corps credit cards for personal purposes improperly took needed funds away from valuable youth programs at these centers. Our agents will continue to investigate fraud schemes that pose a risk to the integrity of programs designed to help eligible youth develop job skills,” said Richard Deer, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Philadelphia Regional Office of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Mabone faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 when he is sentenced on January 24, 2017.
The General Services Administration Office of Inspector General and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriele Wohl is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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Federal inmate pleads guilty to escapeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A federal inmate who was caught approximately a mile from Raleigh General Hospital pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jody Ladd Dellenback, 30, entered his guilty plea to escape.
Dellenback admitted that on August 25, 2016, he ran away from his Bureau of Prisons escort after the completion of his medical examination at Raleigh General Hospital. Law enforcement authorities searched the area and found him about two hours later, slightly over a mile from the hospital. Dellenback was serving an 18-month sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley for unauthorized use of a credit card.
Dellenback faces up to an additional five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on February 8, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons with assistance from the Beckley Police Department, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
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Detroit man pleads guilty for role in heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man pleaded guilty today for his role in distributing heroin in 2013 and 2014, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Anthony D. Latham, 25, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute heroin.
Between January 2013 and July 2014, Latham admitted that he conspired with other individuals to distribute heroin in the Point Pleasant area of Mason County. Latham further admitted that during the course of the conspiracy, he and others would frequently transport heroin from Columbus and Chillicothe to a residence in Gallipolis, where they would store and prepare it for distribution. Latham also admitted that members of the conspiracy would then distribute the heroin to customers in Gallipolis and to customers traveling from Point Pleasant. Latham additionally admitted that he 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.
Latham faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 30, 2017.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force, which includes the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the Gallia-Meigs County, Ohio, Major Crimes Task Force, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This prosecution 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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Boone County heroin dealer pleads guilty to federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Robert Donavan Buzzard, 42, of Bloomingrose, entered his guilty plea 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.
Buzzard faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 19, 2017.
The U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Federal jury finds Raleigh County man guilty of crimes involving witness tampering and obstruction of justiceRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A federal jury sitting in Beckley returned a guilty verdict yesterday in the trial of a Raleigh County man for conspiracy to tamper with a witness and aiding and abetting obstruction of justice, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Radcliffe, 59, of Shady Spring, was convicted following a three-day jury trial.
On December 23, 2015, Seth Radcliffe, the son of Mark Radcliffe, was facing kidnapping charges in an unrelated case. Witnesses for the United States testified that Mark Radcliffe directed Jimmie Harper, a codefendant, to take actions to illegally influence Seth Radcliffe’s case. Harper testified that immediately following Seth Radcliffe’s arrest for kidnapping on December 23, 2015, he and Mark Radcliffe began discussing how they needed to get a witness to minimize Seth Radcliffe’s actions. Harper further testified that he and Mark Radcliffe formed a plan on December 24, 2015, to have a witness lie to law enforcement about the kidnapping.
Harper additionally testified that on January 24, 2016, he met with witnesses in Seth Radcliffe’s case in an attempt to influence testimony before a federal grand jury. Before the meeting, Harper testified that he spoke to Mark Radcliffe about the plan and obtained a letter written by Seth Radcliffe that was read aloud during the meeting. Harper also testified that during the same meeting, at Mark Radcliffe’s direction, he emphasized that the kidnapping charges against Seth Radcliffe needed to go away because of the severe penalties. Harper additionally testified that he suggested, also at Mark Radcliffe’s direction, limiting answers that could be damaging to Seth Radcliffe by responding with “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember.” Harper testified that Seth Radcliffe’s letter was not factually correct, and that he and Mark Radcliffe intended to corruptly influence witness testimony.
Text messages and phone calls admitted into evidence during the trial showed significant communication between Mark Radcliffe and Jimmie Harper prior to Harper’s meeting with the witnesses. Additionally, calls between Seth Radcliffe and Mark Radcliffe that were also admitted into evidence showed extensive communication regarding an unlawful strategy to get Seth Radcliffe’s charges dismissed.
Radcliffe faces up to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to tamper with a witness and up to 10 years in federal prison for aiding and abetting the obstruction of justice. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1, 2017. Harper was sentenced in August 2016 to seven years for an unrelated federal arson crime, followed by a consecutive sentence of two years for the witness tampering crime.
The West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Monica D. Coleman and Haley Bunn handled the prosecution and tried the case before a federal jury. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the trial.
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U.S. Attorney's Office and DEA announce collection sites for DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back DayRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Charleston Regional Office announced today the location of collection sites for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event provides safe venues for West Virginians to responsibly dispose of prescription drugs. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is on Saturday, October 22, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. West Virginians will have the option of visiting several conveniently located sites that are equipped to properly dispose of prescription medication.
“Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and opioids are the leading cause of overdoses. Sadly, West Virginia leads the nation in drug overdose deaths,” said United States Attorney Carol Casto. “About 50 percent of opioids used for non-medical purposes come from a prescription. These drugs, often legitimately prescribed, are too readily available for abuse. By taking advantage of Prescription Drug Take Back Day, you can help us eliminate a large portion of the opiates that are available for abuse. Clean out your medicine cabinets, and get rid of unnecessary and dangerous prescription medications – you may be saving a life.”
“We encourage everyone to take a look at your existing medication and anything that is not being used or has expired and take it to your local drop off location and get rid of it,” said Acting Resident Agent in Charge David Gourley of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Charleston Regional Office.
Nearby collection sites can be found by visiting www.dea.gov, clicking on the “Got Drugs?” icon, and searching by zip code, county, city, and state. Another option for locating collection sites is to call 800-882-9529. West Virginians have the option of visiting over 100 sites throughout the state to dispose of prescription drugs. Only pills and other solids, such as patches, can be brought to collection sites – liquids, needles, or other sharps will not be accepted.
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Third Chicago woman sentenced for credit card fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Chicago woman was sentenced today to five years of probation, with the first eight months to be served on home confinement, for credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Crystal Merritt, 29, previously entered her guilty plea to possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices. A counterfeit access device is a credit card that has been altered so that it contains stolen information that has been re-encoded on the magnetic strip on the back of the card.
Merritt admitted that she, along with three codefendants, Wynesha Wilson-Robinson, Christine Johnson, and Stephanie Stevenson, possessed over 100 counterfeit access devices. Merritt, along with the other codefendants, drove from Chicago to attempt to use these credit cards. On June 5, 2015, they were observed at the South Charleston Target and Walmart attempting to use the counterfeit cards. The four were arrested by law enforcement after store employees became suspicious of the multiple attempts to use credit cards to complete a purchase.
The South Charleston Police Department and the United States Secret Service conducted the 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.
One remaining codefendant is awaiting sentencing. Stephanie Stevenson is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2016. Wilson-Robsinson was sentenced in August 2016 to five months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of probation. Wilson-Robinson was further ordered to serve the first five months of her probation on home confinement. Johnson was sentenced on October 3, 2016, to six months of home confinement, to be followed by three years of probation.
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West Virginia business owners plead guilty to failing to pay employment taxesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two Wayne County, West Virginia business owners pleaded guilty today to federal employment tax charges, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney Carol A. Casto for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Michael Taylor, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States in the ascertainment, computation, assessment and collection of employment tax from mid-2007 through 2010. Jeanette Taylor, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of failing to pay over employment tax for the last quarter of 2009.
According to documents filed with the court, from 2000 through 2010, Michael Taylor and Jeanette Taylor 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 operated as Taylor Contracting & Taylor Ready-Mix LLC. In 2004, the name changed again 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 a prior business. The total tax loss for the Taylors’ conduct is $1.4 million.
The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 23, 2017. The Taylors each face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release and monetary penalties.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Casto commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Alexander Effendi and Mara Strier of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting this case. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo also thanked IRS Field Collection for their significant work on this matter.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Two Charleston crack dealers appear in federal court for drug crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Charleston drug dealers appeared in federal court today for crimes involving crack, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Dushawn D. Williams, 40, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for distribution of crack. In a separate prosecution, Terri Mitchell, 25, entered her guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute crack.
Williams admitted that on July 24, 2015, he sold approximately an ounce of crack to a confidential informant working with law enforcement in exchange for $1,600. The drug deal took place in the parking lot of the Dollar General store in Cross Lanes.
In a separate drug prosecution, Mitchell admitted that in March 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at her Charleston residence and discovered approximately 80 grams of cocaine and over 60 grams of crack in her bedroom, along over $7,600 in cash. Mitchell further admitted that in May 2015, law enforcement executed another search warrant at her residence in Charleston. While searching Mitchell’s residence, officers found that Mitchell was in possession of approximately 2.7 grams of crack in the pockets of her pants. Mitchell faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on January 25, 2017.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation of Williams. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is in charge of the Williams prosecution. The case against Mitchell was investigated by the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for the Mitchell prosecution. The hearings were held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
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 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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Kentucky veteran sentenced to two years in prison after federal jury found him guilty of defrauding the Veterans Health AdministrationRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Kentucky man was sentenced today to two years in federal prison and ordered to pay $789,472 in restitution for defrauding the Veterans Health Administration, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Phillip M. Henderson, 51, of Olive Hill, was previously found guilty by a federal jury sitting in Huntington following a five-day jury trial. The jury required only an hour of deliberations before finding Henderson guilty.
Henderson served in the United States Army from 1983 to 1986. After he was discharged, Henderson filed multiple claims for benefits with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In 1995, Henderson received a diagnosis from the VA of Retinitis Pigmentosa, an inherited and degenerative eye disease which can lead to total blindness. After this diagnosis, Henderson continued to undergo VA eye examinations through 2013, during which time VA medical staff continued to conduct tests to determine the extent of his vision loss. The results of these tests relied significantly, if not completely, on Henderson’s cooperation and accurate reporting of his vision levels.
Witnesses for the United States, including four medical doctors, testified that Henderson falsely responded to the vision testing and significantly misrepresented his vision loss. Witnesses further testified that Henderson pretended he could barely read the letters on the eye charts and pretended that his peripheral vision was severely reduced. As part of his scheme to defraud the VA, Henderson did not reveal that he had a Kentucky driver’s license and that he could and did drive.
Henderson received the maximum disability and healthcare benefits he could get for his claimed disability and vision loss. VA benefits representatives testified that from 1996 to 2015, Henderson received approximately $697,000 in disability compensation. In addition to this monthly monetary compensation, Henderson also received an $11,000 grant to purchase an automobile in 2006, which was intended for another person to drive Henderson, and another $10,000 grant towards the installation of an in-ground swimming pool, which was intended for his exercise and to maintain his well-being as a blind veteran. Furthermore, Henderson received the maximum healthcare benefits possible for him and his family based upon his claimed diagnosis and vision loss. During the same time period, Henderson received the highest priority in getting medical treatment from the VA, free medical and dental services, free prescriptions, reimbursement for travel from his home in Kentucky to the VA Medical Center in Huntington for medical appointments, free training for the blind in Connecticut and Alabama for extended periods of time, and free equipment designed to assist the blind, such as canes, computers, talking telephones, and night vision goggles.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, Pittsburgh Resident Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Eumi Choi and Jennifer Rada Herrald handled the prosecution and tried the case before a federal jury. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
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Boone County heroin dealer pleads guilty to federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County drug dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christopher Priestley, 38, of Bloomingrose, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
Priestley admitted that he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement on four occasions from July to December 2015. The drug deals took place in Bloomingrose and Seth in Boone County.
Priestley faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 12, 2017.
The U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
This case was brought as part of 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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Williamson man sentenced to federal prison for escaping halfway houseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Williamson man was sentenced to a year in prison for escape, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Damien Bagut, 37, previously pleaded guilty to escaping from a halfway house where he was serving a sentence for distribution of cocaine.
Bagut admitted that he was transferred to Dismas Charities in St. Albans to complete the remainder of his sentence in a residential halfway house. On November 28, 2015, Bagut left the halfway house with permission to attend his work shift. He failed to report to his job, however, and did not return to the halfway house. He was apprehended by law enforcement in Williamson on January 14, 2016, and he was incarcerated for the remainder of his sentence.
The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriele Wohl is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This is the third case this year for escaping from a halfway house prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office. The permissions granted to residents of halfway houses are designed to make transitions from federal prison back into society successful. These cases are part of an effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to deter those serving the remainder of their prison sentences in halfway houses from unlawfully abandoning this transition period before their sentences are complete.
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U.S. Attorney's Office to honor excellence in law enforcement and victim supportRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Carol Casto will honor more than 60 law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and community leaders during the 2016 U.S. Attorney’s Law Enforcement and Victim Assistance Awards Ceremony on Friday, October 14, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston.
During the ceremony, U.S. Attorney Casto will present awards for outstanding law enforcement work on major cases involving drug crime, violent crime, white collar crime and child exploitation. Other awards include Law Enforcement Agency of the Year, Outstanding Criminal Justice Partner, Outstanding Community-Police Partnership Initiative, Outstanding Child Advocacy Center, and West Virginia Crime Victim Service Awards.
The annual awards ceremony, hosted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, recognizes exemplary service of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, as well as victim advocates, criminal justice professionals, and others who have made significant contributions on behalf of the criminal justice system.
WHO:
- United States Attorney Carol Casto, joined by representatives from the law enforcement community, crime victim advocates, and others
WHAT:
- 2016 U.S. Attorney’s Law Enforcement and Victim Assistance Awards Ceremony
WHEN:
- Friday, October 14, 2016, at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE:
- Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse – Fifth Floor
- 300 Virginia Street, East
- Charleston, WV 25301
*Please be advised that cameras and other recording devices will be permitted on the fifth floor of the Courthouse for the ceremony only.
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Inmate art for charity auction to benefit West Virginia youth now on display at United States Courthouse in CharlestonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A variety of inmate art is currently on display at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston in preparation for a charity auction to benefit West Virginia youth, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Federal and state inmates, as well as young people in the custody of the West Virginia Division of Juvenile Services, created the art for “Giving Back with HeART,” a charity art auction. The event is put together by Mission West Virginia, a non-profit organization, in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Corrections, the West Virginia Division of Juvenile Services, Highland Hospital, and some of West Virginia’s federal correctional facilities.
The art on display at the United States Courthouse is entirely provided by inmates and includes handcrafted musical instruments, paintings, pencil drawings, dioramas, leatherwork, and many more examples of unique artistic creations. The charity auction that will feature this art provides a way for inmates serving time in West Virginia to give back to the community and be an integral part of helping others. Proceeds from the auction provide scholarships for youth in West Virginia who experienced foster care or had a parent incarcerated for a year or more during childhood. Research shows that nearly half of former foster youth will end up homeless or incarcerated within the first two years on their own because they lack the skills to live independently. Organizers of this event have found that many of the inmates who contribute art were a part of the foster system themselves at one time.
“I encourage everyone to visit the United States Courthouse to see this impressive art showcase,” said United States Attorney Carol Casto. “This program taps the incredible creativity of these inmates, and provides them the opportunity to give back to children who have been negatively impacted by crime. These folks have value and talent and are sharing it in a positive and productive way to provide opportunities for kids that most of them did not have growing up.”
This year’s charity auction will be held at the Culture Center at the Capitol Complex in Charleston on October 20 at 6:00 p.m., where the art currently on display in the United States Courthouse, as well as additional art created by West Virginia inmates, will be made available for bidding. The art will remain on display at the United States Courthouse until the day before the charity auction. This is the third annual charity auction to feature inmate art. With proceeds from last year’s event, and additional assistance from private donors, Mission West Virginia was able to award $20,000 in scholarships to youth starting college this fall. As the event grows, the eventual goal is to make an award to every scholarship applicant. As a result of the auction, Mission West Virginia was also able to launch “The Bridge,” a program of comprehensive support for children from kindergarten through high school that includes providing academic mentoring and working with foster families on how to best advocate for their children.
Mission West Virginia is a non-profit organization that collaborates with public, private, and faith communities by equipping them to utilize existing resources to form new partnerships, encouraging innovative social change, and building stronger communities in West Virginia. More information about the charity art auction and this art program can be found at http://missionwv.org/giving-back-with-heart/.
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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. Miguel Quinones, 38, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On October 19, 2013, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a unit in a storage facility in Dunbar. Quinones admitted that he had rented the storage unit, and that law enforcement discovered a number of his belongings within the storage unit. Quinones also admitted that among the items law enforcement found were two firearms that belonged to him, a Harrington & Richardson 20 gauge shotgun and a Marlin, Model 120 Revelation Western Auto Supply Company .22 caliber rifle. Quinones was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2000 felony conviction in Fayette County Circuit Court for second degree murder.
Quinones faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 5, 2017.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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North Carolina drug dealer pleads guilty to federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A North Carolina heroin dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Adam Denson, 28, of Gastonia, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
Denson admitted that on May 14, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at Little Page Terrace in Charleston. Denson further admitted that he sold heroin to a confidential informant on three additional occasions in May 2015.
Denson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 23, 2017.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
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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Montgomery meth dealer sentenced to over 10 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Montgomery man caught with substantial amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana was sentenced today to 10 years and a month in federal prison for a drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Bryan Lee Palmer, 43, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Palmer admitted that on February 26, 2016, he made arrangements for a drug deal to take place at a hotel in South Charleston. When Palmer arrived at the hotel, he was met by law enforcement. The officers obtained a search warrant for a duffel bag and backpack that was in Palmer’s possession. When officers searched the bags, they found over 1,500 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 700 grams of heroin, over a half a kilogram of marijuana, a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and over $30,000 in cash. Palmer further admitted that it was his intent to distribute the drugs in the Charleston area. Law enforcement estimated the street value of the seized drugs to be approximately $466,000.
The case against Palmer was investigated by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and members of its Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol (STOP) team. 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 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 and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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