Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Detroit heroin dealer sentenced to over six years in federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit drug dealer was sentenced today to six and a half years in federal prison for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jason Matthew Brown, 35, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Brown admitted that on January 24, 2015, he was traveling from Detroit to Charleston with a codefendant and approximately 100 grams of heroin that Brown and his codefendant intended to sell. The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department stopped the vehicle and located the heroin, which was hidden in a spare tire in the trunk and wrapped in black tape. Brown further admitted that he had been responsible for bringing up to 1,000 grams of heroin from Detroit for distribution in the Rand area of Kanawha County.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Texas man pleads guilty to federal methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Texas man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mason Earl Gonzales, 27, of Pasadena, entered his guilty plea to attempting to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Gonzales admitted that on June 13, 2016, he traveled with a confidential source working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) to the Boone Motor Inn in Boone County and searched behind the motel for methamphetamine. Gonzales further admitted that he was unable to locate the methamphetamine and that he planned to return the next day to find the drugs. MDENT went to the same area the following day, located the methamphetamine buried under a rock, and replaced the drugs with a substance resembling methamphetamine. MDENT also set up a surveillance camera in the area. Gonzales admitted that he returned to the area of the motel later that evening and found the bag containing the substance resembling methamphetamine. MDENT then conducted a traffic stop of his vehicle and Gonzales admitted that he went to the area of the motel to get what he believed was methamphetamine and that he intended to distribute the drugs. Lab testing of the methamphetamine seized by MDENT confirmed a weight of over 270 grams and a purity level greater than 97%.
Gonzales faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 4, 2017.
MDENT conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling 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 illegal drugs in our communities, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Richmond man admits to transporting a minor to engage in sexual activityRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Richmond man pleaded guilty today to transporting a minor from West Virginia to Virginia for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Ian Michael Cramer, 27, entered his guilty plea to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Cramer admitted that in September 2015, he used an app on his cell phone to persuade a 15-year-old from Cross Lanes to engage in sexual activity. During the evening hours of September 18, 2015, Cramer drove from Richmond to Cross Lanes and picked up the minor. He then drove the minor back to his apartment in Richmond, where the two of them engaged in sexual activity. Law enforcement arrived at Cramer’s apartment on September 20, 2015, and rescued the minor.
Cramer faces a federal prison sentence of 10 years to life, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Cramer will also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2017.
“The United States Attorney’s Office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to keep children safe from dangerous predators like this defendant,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto. “The consequences of these crimes should send a clear message - if you endanger the children of our community, we will use all of our resources to make sure that you face serious prison time.”
The FBI, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Virginia State Police, and the New York State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
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Parkersburg heroin dealers plead guilty to federal drug crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A man and woman from Parkersburg who were caught transporting heroin pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. David J. Kerns, 27, and Katie M. Kerns, 26 (no relation), entered their guilty pleas to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On February 19, 2015, members of the West Virginia State Police stopped the vehicle in which David Kerns and Katie Kerns were driving in Parkersburg. Law enforcement had observed them cross into West Virginia from Ohio over the U.S. Route 50 Dupont Bridge. Troopers searched the vehicle and recovered approximately 10 ounces of heroin concealed in tubes of grease. At the plea hearing, the defendants admitted that David Kerns purchased the heroin for $20,000 from a source Katie Kerns introduced him to in Cincinnati.
The defendants each face up to 20 years in federal prison. Katie Kerns is scheduled to be sentenced on January 18, 2017. David Kerns is scheduled to be sentenced on January 19, 2017.
This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is handling the prosecution. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
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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Nitro woman pleads guilty for failing to report to prisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nitro woman pleaded guilty today for failing to report to serve her prison sentence, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kelli Engler, also known as Kelli Reed and Kelli Reed-Engler, 39, faces up to five years in federal prison when she is sentenced on December 14, 2016.
Engler admitted that she was ordered by the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia to serve 90 days of incarceration for a violation of her supervised release. Engler was ordered to report to prison by March 25, 2016, and was permitted by the Court to voluntarily self-report. She did not report to prison as required, and on June 28, 2016, law enforcement apprehended her in Tennessee.
Engler was on supervised release as part of her sentence for a 2011 federal conviction for access device fraud. The violations of her supervised release included not paying restitution and not reporting to the United States Probation Office as required.
The United States Marshals Service and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee conducted the apprehension and investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., conducted the plea hearing.
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Two meth mules sentenced to federal prison for roles in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two women caught transporting significant quantities of crystal methamphetamine from California to West Virginia were sentenced to federal prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kelly Newcomb, 56, of Nevada, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Danielle Dessaray Estrada, 21, of Los Angeles, was also sentenced to a year and a day in prison for interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.
Newcomb admitted that on March 10, 2016, she rented a vehicle in Las Vegas and drove with Cara Linn Monasmith, a codefendant, to California, where 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine were concealed in the vehicle for transportation to West Virginia. Newcomb and Monasmith then began the drive to West Virginia, and during the course of the trip Newcomb learned about the concealed drugs. Newcomb further admitted that on March 18, 2016, she arrived in West Virginia, rented a room at the Super 8 Motel in Huntington, and followed the instructions of another codefendant by leaving the vehicle unlocked in the parking lot. After Newcomb’s arrival, an undercover officer, in accordance with instructions obtained through a cooperating individual, removed the spare tire where the drugs were concealed.
Estrada admitted that in March 2016, she picked up approximately five pounds of crystal methamphetamine in California. Estrada also admitted that with the help of Rafael Garcia Serrato and Cesar Garcia, two codefendants, she repackaged the methamphetamine and concealed the drugs in the back seat of her car. Estrada further admitted that she and Rachel Arlene Garay, another codefendant, drove from California to West Virginia and they were stopped by officers in South Charleston on March 26, 2016. Law enforcement discovered the drugs during the traffic stop. Estrada additionally admitted that she had previously driven to Charleston in December 2015 to deliver drugs.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating several defendants. All of the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Two other women who were used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Garay, of California, and Monasmith, of Nevada, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Garay is scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2016. Monasmith is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2016. Additionally, as part of this conspiracy, Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, and Brian Ashby, of Kanawha County, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Serrato and Garcia are scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2016. Ortiz-Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2016. Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2016. Tafolla-Montoya is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2016. Ashby is scheduled to be sentenced on December 13, 2016. Also, as part of this conspiracy, Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime, and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2016.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Charleston Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of these prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Sissonville man pleads guilty to federal methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Sissonville man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jacob Reed, 43, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Reed admitted that on February 14, 2016, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Reed’s vehicle. In a subsequent search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered a camera bag in the floor of the front passenger side that contained cash and several plastic bags of methamphetamine. Law enforcement also found additional cash and a set of digital scales in the center console of the vehicle. In total, officers recovered over 230 grams of methamphetamine and nearly $15,000 in cash.
Reed faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 4, 2017.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. 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 illegal drugs in our communities, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Parkersburg man headed to federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man was sentenced to federal prison today for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Lawrence Matthew Garner, 34, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. In today’s hearing, he was sentenced to two years and nine months for that offense. He was also sentenced to an additional two years in prison for violating his federal supervised release. The sentences will be served consecutively.
Garner admitted that on July 16, 2015, he was arrested by members of the South Charleston Police Department for delivery of a controlled substance. During a search incident to arrest, officers found over 37 grams of heroin in Garner’s possession.
The case against Garner was investigated by the South Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Virginia man sentenced to prison for defrauding the Greenbrier through cancer schemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Virginia man was sentenced today to a year and two months in federal prison for defrauding The Greenbrier, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Carmelo “Carmine” Carrozza, 57, of Charlottesville, previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Carrozza was also ordered to pay $48,355.73 in restitution to The Greenbrier.
In the spring of 2013, Carrozza began working at the resort as the Director of Fine Dining. In June 2013, he told senior management that he had cancer. However, Carrozza did not have cancer. Carrozza then left the resort, purportedly to receive cancer treatment, and kept collecting his salary. He continued to receive a salary during his purported cancer diagnosis and treatments from June through mid-December 2013. During this period, Carrozza falsely informed employees of the resort about his supposed cancer prognosis and treatments.
Instead of spending time getting cancer treatment, Carrozza obtained a position with the University of Virginia Darden School Foundation beginning in August 2013.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
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Second former lab manager pleads guilty to tampering with water samplesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A former lab manager from Raleigh County who falsified data pleaded guilty today to a violation of the Clean Water Act, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. John Brewer, 62, of Beaver, is the second former employee of Appalachian Laboratories to be prosecuted for a federal crime involving the Clean Water Act.
Appalachian Laboratories performed water sampling and analysis for coal mining operations to ensure that the discharges of pollutants into public waterways were within the limits of permits issued by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. From at least 2008 through the summer of 2013, law enforcement found evidence of irregularities in the sampling. Brewer admitted that he knew and approved of employees falsifying the date that water samples were taken, as well as falsifying dates himself. Brewer further admitted that Appalachian Laboratories employees would falsify the date a sample was taken in order to avoid collecting samples that they believed to be in violation of permit limits. Instead, the employees would wait until they believed the water was within permit limits and then take a sample. They then backdated the samples to make it appear as though the samples had been collected in the previous month as required. Brewer additionally admitted that he caused this falsified data to be submitted in a report to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
Brewer faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 when he is sentenced on January 18, 2017. John Shelton, another former lab manager at Appalachian Laboratories, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act. Shelton was sentenced in February 2015 to a year and nine months in federal prison.
The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Bacaj and Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry McDaniel are in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
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Nitro man sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for enticement of a minorRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nitro man was sentenced today to 12 years in federal prison for a sex crime involving a minor, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Anthony Levitt, 38, previously pleaded guilty to using an app on his cell phone to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. After Levitt is released from prison, he will be on federal supervised release for 25 years and will be required to register as a sex offender.
Levitt admitted that from June 2015 through July 2015, he used his cell phone to send sexually explicit messages to persuade and induce a 14-year-old minor to engage in criminal sexual activity.
“This sentence sends a clear message that those who exploit and abuse minors face serious consequences,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue making it a top priority to hold sexual predators accountable by working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. We are willing to dedicate whatever resources are necessary to make sure these cases are prosecuted.”
The Nitro Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI 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 prosecution was 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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Greenbrier County man sentenced to federal prison for oxycodone crimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Greenbrier County man was sentenced today to a year and two months in prison for a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Edgar Crislip, 48, of Ronceverte, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of oxycodone.
Crislip admitted that on November 30, 2015, he distributed oxycodone pills to a confidential informant in Ronceverte. He further admitted that he sold oxycodone pills on three other occasions.
The Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted under the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative, part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Two St. Albans men plead guilty to obtaining pain pills by fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two St. Albans men pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Travis Matthew Scarberry, 33, and Christopher David Ford, 37, both entered guilty pleas to obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, and subterfuge.
Scarberry admitted that on April 18, 2015, he obtained oxycodone and Xanax by presenting a prescription that he knew to be fraudulent to the Rite Aid pharmacy in St. Albans. Ford admitted that on April 16, 2015, he obtained oxycodone by presenting a prescription that he knew to be fraudulent to the Fruth Pharmacy in Cross Lanes. Both Scarberry and Ford admitted that they knew the prescriptions were not valid because they had never been patients of the doctor whose name was on the preprinted prescription pad.
Scarberry and Ford each face up to four years in federal prison when they are sentenced. Scarberry is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2017. Ford is scheduled to be sentenced on January 11, 2017.
The case against Scarberry was investigated by the Dunbar Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case against Ford 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 prosecutions. The plea 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 prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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South Charleston man pleads guilty to federal methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Benjamin Childers, 41, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Law enforcement pulled over Childers in Kansas on November 14, 2015, and officers located approximately 1.7 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden underneath the vehicle. Lab testing confirmed that the crystal methamphetamine seized by law enforcement was 90% pure. Childers was part of a conspiracy that involved Joseph Cooper to bring methamphetamine from Nevada for distribution in and around Charleston. Cooper previously pleaded guilty to a federal drug crime and is awaiting sentencing.
Childers faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 4, 2017.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
These cases were brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Charleston felon sentenced to federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston felon caught with a gun while on federal supervised release was sentenced to prison today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Timothy Lee Leftenant, 37, previously pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. In today’s hearing, he was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for that offense. He was also sentenced to an additional six months in prison for violating his federal supervised release. The sentences will be served consecutively.
On December 28, 2015, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call at America’s Best Value Inn in St. Albans and encountered Leftenant after smelling marijuana outside his room. Leftenant ran from the officers when they attempted to pat him down. As he was running, Leftenant threw his hat, which contained heroin and a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. Leftenant was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of previous felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute crack and for carrying a firearm in relation to a drug crime. Additionally, Leftenant was on federal supervised release for the two prior felony convictions at the time he possessed the handgun.
The investigation was conducted by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Second Chicago woman sentenced for credit card fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Chicago woman was sentenced today to six months of home incarceration, to be followed by three years of probation, for credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christine Johnson, 26, 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.
Johnson admitted that she, along with three codefendants, Wynesha Wilson-Robinson, Stephanie Stevenson, and Crystal Merritt, possessed over 100 counterfeit access devices. Johnson, 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.
Two of Johnson’s codefendants are awaiting sentencing and one has already been sentenced. Crystal Merritt is scheduled to be sentenced on October 19, 2016. Stephanie Stevenson is scheduled to be sentenced on November 3, 2016. Wilson-Robsinson was sentenced 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 incarceration.
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Former medical practice manager sentenced for obtaining prescription opioids by fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nicholas County woman who issued herself prescriptions without authorization from a doctor was sentenced today after being convicted of obtaining the prescription opioid pain medication tramadol by fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Cary Lynn Eades, 47, of Mount Nebo, was sentenced to three years of probation.
On numerous occasions between January 2012 and March 2015, Eades took advantage of her position as a medical practice manager to issue herself prescriptions for tramadol using the names and DEA registration numbers of doctors for whom she worked. Eades filled prescriptions at pharmacies in Nicholas, Fayette, and Kanawha counties. The Central West Virginia Drug Task Force became involved in February 2015 when one of the medical practices reported suspicious prescriptions being issued to Eades.
Eades was indicted in Fayette and Nicholas counties in 2015 on more than 30 felony counts of obtaining a prescription by fraud. Her guilty plea in federal court reflects a consolidation of those charges as well as potential charges in Kanawha County.
This case was investigated by the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled 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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Charleston woman sentenced to prison for federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – A Charleston woman was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison for a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Alisha Watts, 33, previously pleaded guilty to maintaining a drug-involved premises.
On March 18, 2016, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team executed a search warrant at 1210 Stonebrook Road in Charleston. Upon entering the residence, officers found Watts asleep in the bedroom. Watts admitted to being the occupant of the residence. Beside the bed, officers found a loaded handgun, over 600 grams of methamphetamine in the kitchen cabinets, and over 100 pounds of marijuana packaged in one-pound blocks throughout the residence. Additionally, officers located approximately $34,000 cash. Watts admitted that the drugs were being stored at her residence and were intended for distribution by a codefendant, Terrus Carter.
Carter was previously sentenced to eight years in federal prison for a methamphetamine charge. As part of Carter’s plea agreement, he agreed to forfeit a St. Albans residence and over $79,000 in cash.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
These cases were brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of heroin and other drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Charleston felon sentenced to federal prison for illegal gun possessionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to three and a half years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Dereck Skylar Brown, 33, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On July 4, 2015, Charleston Police Detectives responded to a shooting at a bar on Leon Sullivan Way and observed Brown leaving the bar immediately after they heard several gunshots from inside the bar. Brown appeared to be concealing something in his waistband as he exited the front door of the bar. Brown ignored the detectives’ commands to stop until after he briefly leaned into an unoccupied vehicle parked with its driver side door open. One detective detained Brown while another looked into the vehicle and observed a Colt .380 semiautomatic pistol on the passenger seat of the vehicle.
The West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory later identified a fingerprint lifted from the pistol’s magazine as having been made by Brown’s right thumb. Brown was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of his numerous felony convictions, including armed robbery, attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and malicious wounding.
Three people inside the bar suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds. Through law enforcement’s forensic analysis, Brown was excluded as a suspect in the shooting.
The case against Brown was investigated by the Charleston Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory also provided invaluable assistance to the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Mexican national sentenced for immigration crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national was sentenced yesterday to four months for an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Edilberto Sanchez-Galvan, 35, previously pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States. Sanchez-Galvan is also subject to immediate deportation proceedings.
Sanchez-Galvan admitted that he had previously been convicted of the federal crime of illegally reentering the United States in February 2010. After that conviction, Sanchez-Galvan was deported from the United States to his home country of Mexico. Sanchez-Galvan then illegally reentered the United States and he was found in South Charleston by Department of Homeland Security agents on May 17, 2016.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
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Huntington man pleads guilty to cocaine conspiracy chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pleaded guilty today to a federal cocaine crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Roger Page, 50, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Between October 2014 and February 25, 2016, Page, along with codefendant Jerrell Johnson, also of Huntington, used sources from North Carolina and Georgia to supply cocaine for sale in Huntington. The sources would travel from North Carolina and Georgia to deliver the drugs to both Johnson and Page. On the weekend of February 20, 2016, Johnson and Page met with the Georgia source in Huntington. Page received approximately one ounce of cocaine on that occasion. The Georgia source provided cocaine to Page on approximately five different occasions. The North Carolina source provided cocaine to Page on approximately two occasions. Johnson and Page worked together to arrange deliveries of cocaine, which were usually delivered to Johnson’s residence. Johnson previously pleaded guilty on related charges and is awaiting sentencing.
Page faces up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 9, 2017.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including cocaine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Huntington man first sentenced for role in drug ringRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Arthur James Canada, 25, previously pleaded guilty to using a phone to facilitate a felony drug offense.
Canada admitted that from February 2016 to May 2016, he conspired with other individuals to distribute marijuana that had been transported from California. Members of the conspiracy were also involved in the distribution of other controlled substances, including heroin, crack, and pain pills. During the conspiracy, Canada further admitted to receiving marijuana that he sold in the Huntington area. On March 28, 2016, he placed a call to a co-conspirator that was intercepted by law enforcement. During the call, Canada and the co-conspirator discussed the price at which to sell a certain type of marijuana. As part of the plea agreement, Canada agreed to forfeit approximately $181,490 seized by law enforcement during the investigation.
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.
Four other defendants have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this drug ring. Matthew Michael Meadows, Tanisha Lynette Wooding, Parker Wyatt Mays, and Corey Bruce Toney have all pleaded guilty to 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 the prosecutions. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. 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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Heroin dealer residing near Marshall University sentenced to federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington drug dealer residing in close proximity to Marshall University was sentenced today to three years and a month for a heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Derrick Linwood Thomas, 25, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin within 1,000 feet of a university.
On March 21, 2016, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant at 213 19th Street in Huntington. Thomas admitted this was his residence and that it was located within 1,000 feet of Marshall University. Officers found Thomas in the residence and seized over 15 grams of heroin from him. Officers also seized four additional bags of heroin weighing approximately 2 grams, $950 in cash that included $70 in marked currency from a previous controlled drug purchase, a .32 caliber pistol, and a shotgun. Thomas was arrested and admitted that he had been distributing heroin in the Huntington area.
The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This prosecution was brought as part of 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 sentenced to eight years in federal prison for methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison for a methamphetamine charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Terrus Carter, 36, previously entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Carter admitted that from December 2015 to March 2016, he conspired with Alisha Watts to distribute methamphetamine from their residence at 7270 Stonebrook Road in Charleston. Carter further admitted that he would bring methamphetamine and marijuana to the residence to store, repackage, and distribute the drugs. Watts permitted this criminal activity in exchange for Carter paying the rent and all of the bills at the residence.
On March 18, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Stonebrook residence and seized a loaded handgun, over 620 grams of methamphetamine, over 120 pounds of marijuana, and over $34,000 in cash. On March 20, 2016, officers executed another search warrant at 111 1st Avenue in St. Albans. During the execution of the search warrant, Carter attempted to flee out of the back door and was quickly detained by law enforcement. Officers discovered over $45,000 in cash at the St. Albans residence. As part of his plea agreement, Carter agreed to forfeit the St. Albans residence and the cash seized by law enforcement.
Carter faces a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 18, 2016. Watts previously pleaded guilty in April 2016 to maintaining a drug-involved premises. Watts faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on August 17, 2016.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution. United States District John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities. 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 drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Federal inmate sentenced for weapons violation at FCI BeckleyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A prison inmate was sentenced today to a year and three months for possession of a weapon, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Elliott Tubbs, Jr., 30, previously pleaded guilty in July 2016 to the federal crime. This new sentence will run consecutively to the sentence of five years that Tubbs is serving for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Tubbs admitted that on February 20, 2016, while serving time as an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley, a staff member at the prison searched him and found a sharpened wooden object in his sock. The object, a handcrafted weapon, is commonly called a “shank.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John File is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
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Another meth mule pleads guilty for role in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A California woman caught transporting a significant amount of crystal methamphetamine from California to West Virginia pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Rachel Arlene Garay, 18, of Indio, entered her guilty plea to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.
Garay admitted that in March 2016, she and Danielle Dessaray Estrada, a codefendant, drove from Los Angeles to West Virginia with approximately five pounds of crystal methamphetamine. Garay also admitted that she maintained contact with codefendants Cesar Garcia and Rafael Garcia Serrato to find out instructions on where to deliver the drugs. Garay additionally admitted that on March 26, 2016, she and Estrada arrived in West Virginia and Garay removed the drugs from a hiding place in the vehicle and placed the drugs into a bag for delivery. Shortly after Garay moved the drugs, law enforcement officers in South Charleston stopped the vehicle and arrested Garay and Estrada. During the course of the arrest, law enforcement seized over 2,200 grams of methamphetamine which was later analyzed and had a substance purity level of 98%.
Garay faces up to five years in federal prison when she is sentenced on December 15, 2016.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating 14 defendants, including Garay. All of Garay’s codefendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Three other women who were used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Cara Linn Monasmith, also of Nevada, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Estrada and Newcomb are scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 2016. Monasmith is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2016. Additionally, as part of this conspiracy, Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, and Brian Ashby, of Kanawha County, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Serrato and Garcia are scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2016. Ortiz-Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2016. Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2016. Tafolla-Montoya is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2016. Ashby is scheduled to be sentenced on December 13, 2016. Also, as part of this conspiracy, Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime, and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2016.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Charleston Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of these prosecutions. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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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Akron man indicted by federal grand jury in connection with Huntington overdosesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Akron, Ohio, man was indicted today in connection with a rash of overdoses in Huntington in August, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. A federal grand jury sitting in Huntington indicted Bruce Lamar Griggs, 21, on one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
The indictment alleges that on or about August 15, 2016, at or near Huntington, Griggs, also known as “Benz,” conspired with others to distribute heroin and fentanyl. The indictment further alleges that serious injury resulted from the use of those drugs. A copy of the indictment, which is publicly available, is attached to this release.
Griggs has been in federal custody since his arrest in Ohio in late August on a federal criminal complaint. According to an affidavit submitted in support of the criminal complaint by Huntington Police Department (“HPD”) Sgt. Paul Hunter, the investigation of Griggs began August 15, 2016, when the HPD responded to a large number of overdoses in a short period of time in the area of St. Louis Avenue and Marcum Terrace. The affidavit states that one of the overdose victims identified the seller of the heroin as Griggs and that numerous others provided corroborating information linking the heroin to Griggs. The affidavit also states that surveillance video shows a person matching Griggs’ description engaging in activity indicative of hand-to-hand drug distribution in the Marcum Terrace area shortly before the overdoses began.
The investigation is being conducted by the HPD and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
NOTE: The criminal complaint and the indictment in this case are only accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court proceeding.
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Huntington man fifth to plead guilty for role in drug ringRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who helped lead a multistate drug ring pleaded guilty today to a federal crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Corey Bruce Toney, 27, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
On September 29, 2016, a confidential informant working at the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration contacted Toney to arrange for the purchase of heroin. Toney agreed to meet the informant, who was accompanied by undercover agents. Toney admitted that he subsequently distributed 10 grams of heroin to the informant in exchange for $1,250. Agents were also able to make numerous additional controlled purchases of heroin from Toney and others during the course of the investigation.
Toney also admitted that from the summer of 2014 to May 2016, he conspired with others to distribute large quantities of drugs in the Huntington and Charleston areas, including heroin, crack, marijuana, and alprazolam pills, commonly known as Xanax. Toney further admitted that he maintained a leadership role in the conspiracy, and that he possessed a number of firearms during the conspiracy.
Toney faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 9, 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.
Four defendants have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this drug ring. Matthew Michael Meadows, Arthur James Canada, Tanisha Lynette Wooding, and Parker Wyatt Mays have all pleaded guilty to 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 the prosecutions. The plea hearing was 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.
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New York women sentenced for credit card fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two New York City women were sentenced today for credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Sasha Nelson, 21, was sentenced to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of federal supervised release. Nayosha Aice, 25, was sentenced to five years of probation, with the first six months to be served on home incarceration, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. Both women previously pleaded guilty to possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices. A counterfeit access device is a credit card that has been altered to contain stolen account information that is magnetically re-encoded on the credit card.
Nelson and Aice admitted that as part of their credit card fraud scheme, they possessed 78 counterfeit access devices. Nelson and Aice drove from New York City to West Virginia, using these counterfeit credit cards to buy cartons of Newport cigarettes and other merchandise. They were observed at the St. Albans Go-Mart using multiple counterfeit cards on June 25, 2015, buying cartons of cigarettes. After noticing the suspicious behavior, store employees contacted law enforcement. Nelson and Aice further admitted that once they realized officers were observing them, they attempted to get rid of the counterfeit credit cards in nearby stores by hiding the cards or throwing the cards in the garbage. Officers successfully recovered the credit cards and subsequently confirmed that the credit cards were counterfeit access devices.
Nelson also pleaded guilty in January 2016 in Virginia to the felony offenses of use of a stolen credit card and credit card fraud. Nelson received a suspended sentence in April 2016. Nelson’s plea in the Virginia state prosecution was based on criminal conduct from May 10, 2015, six weeks prior to the conduct in West Virginia. Nelson was stopped for speeding and was found to have 30 cartons of cigarettes, 44 counterfeit credit cards that were re-encoded with stolen credit card numbers, a laptop computer, and a credit card reader/re-encoder.
The St. Albans Police Department and the United States Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Eric Bacaj are in charge of the prosecutions. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences.
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California methamphetamine trafficker pleads guilty to federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A California man who traveled to West Virginia to facilitate methamphetamine trafficking pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gary Liberty, 52, entered his guilty plea to attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Liberty admitted that in January 2012, he made arrangements with a confidential informant working with law enforcement to ship crystal methamphetamine from California to West Virginia. On January 5, 2012, Liberty traveled from California to West Virginia by airplane. The next day, Liberty provided the confidential informant with a U.S. Postal Service tracking number for a package containing crystal methamphetamine that Liberty had arranged to be sent from California to the informant’s residence in Sissonville. On January 7, 2012, officers intercepted the package and seized over 80 grams of methamphetamine. Officers then conducted a controlled delivery of the package to the confidential informant’s residence with a fake substance in the package. After the informant took delivery of the package, officers entered the informant’s home and found Liberty standing over the package with the package open and several items from inside the package on the table. Liberty then gave a statement to law enforcement and admitted his involvement with methamphetamine trafficking.
Liberty faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 7, 2016.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. 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 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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Columbus drug trafficker sentenced to over 10 years in prisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Columbus man caught with drugs in a Parkersburg hotel room was sentenced today to eight years and four months in federal prison for his conviction at trial and a year and nine months in federal prison for violating his supervised release, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Toby Germaine Person, 40, was convicted by a federal jury on June 23, 2015, of possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine, and crack. The sentences are to be served consecutively.
On August 4, 2013, after receiving reports that Person had come from Columbus to sell drugs in Parkersburg, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on his hotel room. Inside the room, officers located heroin, cocaine, crack, digital scales, packaging materials, and other evidence of drug trafficking. Person and his companion, Amanda White, 26, also of Columbus, were arrested. White pleaded guilty in July 2014 to conspiracy charges in Wood County Circuit Court.
At the time of the offense, Person was serving two concurrent terms of federal supervised release. In February 2008, Person was sentenced in federal court in Columbus to five years in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack. In October 2008, Person was sentenced in federal court in Parkersburg to five years and 11 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack. He was released from prison in October 2012.
The Parkersburg Police Department, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, and the West Virginia State Police investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Kanawha County man pleads guilty for role in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man pleaded guilty today for his role in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brian Ashby, 38, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Ashby admitted that in December 2015, he received approximately five pounds of crystal methamphetamine that he acquired from a source in California. Ashby further admitted that he distributed the methamphetamine in the Charleston area. On January 11, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Ashby’s property and located over 15 grams of crystal methamphetamine. Ashby also admitted that near the end of February 2016, he traveled to Louisville to obtain 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and paid approximately $40,000 to an individual for the drugs. Ashby additionally admitted that he attempted to obtain another 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine in March 2016. Law enforcement later seized $70,000 in cash from Ashby that he intended to use in that drug deal.
Ashby faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 13, 2016.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating 14 defendants, including Ashby. All of Ashby’s codefendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. As part of this conspiracy, Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, and Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, a Mexican national, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Serrato and Garcia are scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2016. Ortiz-Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2016. Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2016. Tafolla-Montoya is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2016. Also, as part of this conspiracy, Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime, and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2016. Additionally, three women who were used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Cara Linn Monasmith, also of Nevada, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Estrada and Newcomb are scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 2016. Monasmith is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2016.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Charleston Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of these prosecutions. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Huntington man and woman plead guilty for roles in drug ringRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man and woman who participated in a multistate drug ring pleaded guilty today to federal crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Parker Wyatt Mays, 27, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Tanisha Lynette Wooding, 37, entered her guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute crack.
Mays admitted that from the summer of 2014 to May 2016, he conspired with others to distribute marijuana in the Huntington area. Mays and others regularly acquired large quantities of marijuana from a source in California. The marijuana was transported to Huntington using vehicles and through the mail. Once in Huntington, Mays and others distributed the marijuana to customers and pooled the proceeds to acquire additional marijuana. Mays admitted that the group distributed up to 400 kilograms of marijuana during the conspiracy.
Wooding admitted that she was in possession of crack on May 18, 2016, when agents executed a search warrant at her residence located on the 1800 block of 9th Avenue in Huntington. During the search, Wooding told agents that she had approximately two ounces of crack stored in the residence and then provided the drugs to the agents. Wooding further admitted to conspiring with others to distribute crack in Huntington for approximately one year. During this period, Wooding was regularly provided crack from a source. After Wooding sold the crack, she returned the proceeds to the source and received additional quantities of crack. Wooding also admitted that she was responsible for the distribution of at least 840 grams of crack during the conspiracy.
Wooding faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on January 3, 2017. Mays faces up to 5 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on January 3, 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.
Two defendants have previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this drug ring. Matthew Michael Meadows and Arthur James Canada pleaded guilty to federal drug charges and are scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2016. 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 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.
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Detroit man pleads guilty to federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Djuan Levell Washington, 28, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On July 24, 2015, Washington was involved in a traffic stop on the 300 block of 31st Street in Huntington. As the car began to stop, Washington was seen throwing three plastic bags out of the passenger window. A police dashboard camera also recorded Washington throwing the bags out of the car. The bags were recovered and were found to contain 126 individual baggies of heroin. Officers additionally located 10 individually wrapped baggies of crack within the three plastic bags. Washington admitted that he intended to sell the drugs. In a further search of the vehicle, investigating officers discovered a loaded Hi-Point 9 millimeter pistol in a backpack belonging to Washington.
Washington faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 19, 2016.
Members of the Huntington Police Department and the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Ohio man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of minorsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a sex crime involving minors, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Robert N. Bray, III, 39, of Logan, Ohio, previously pleaded guilty to enticing minors to engage in sexual activity. After Bray is released from prison, he will be on supervised release for 20 years, and will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Bray admitted that in July 2015, he used a computer and cell phone to communicate with an individual he believed to be the mother of a 10-year-old female and a 5-year-old male in Parkersburg. In reality, Bray was communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer. Bray continued communicating with the undercover officer, thinking he was arranging to engage in sexual activity with the minors. Bray arranged a meeting on July 22, 2015, and when he arrived in West Virginia, he was arrested. That same day, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Bray’s Ohio residence and seized a computer containing almost 300 images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This prosecution is the culmination of a comprehensive investigation conducted by the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Parkersburg Police Department, the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, the Hocking County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the FBI.
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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Mexican national is latest to plead guilty for role in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today for his role in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Miguel Tafolla-Montoya, 31, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Tafolla-Montoya admitted that on March 19, 2016, he arrived in Huntington after traveling from California to pick up money for a delivery of crystal methamphetamine. Cara Linn Monasmith and Kelly Newcomb, codefendants of Tafolla-Montoya, had previously driven approximately 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from California to Huntington for delivery. Tafolla-Montoya further admitted that he had helped conceal the drugs in the spare tire of the car that Monasmith and Newcomb used to transport the methamphetamine. Tafolla-Montoya was arrested prior to collecting any money for that drug delivery.
Tafolla-Montoya additionally admitted that near the end of February 2016, he had helped conceal 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine in a vehicle that transported drugs from California to Louisville. Furthermore, Tafolla-Montoya admitted his involvement in a drug deal for crystal methamphetamine that took place in late December 2015 in the parking garage of the Embassy Suites in Charleston.
Tafolla-Montoya faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 8, 2016.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating 14 defendants, including Tafolla-Montoya. All of Tafolla-Montoya’s codefendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. As part of this conspiracy, Rafael Garcia Serrato, of Los Angeles, Cesar Garcia, also of Los Angeles, Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, and Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Serrato and Garcia are scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2016. Ortiz-Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2016. Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2016. Also, as part of this conspiracy, Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime, and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 7, 2016. Additionally, three women who were used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Cara Linn Monasmith, also of Nevada, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Estrada and Newcomb are scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 2016. Monasmith is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2016.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Charleston Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Kanawha County felon caught by homeowner during break-in pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead 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 pleaded guilty today to a gun charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Travis Lee Hudnall, 31, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
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 the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Hudnall faces up to 10 years in federal prison on the gun charge, as well as up to an additional two years for violating his federal supervised release, when he is sentenced on November 21, 2016.
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 in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Huntington man sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who was caught with heroin was sentenced today to six years and eight months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. James Lennon Pace, 27, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On June 26, 2015, an officer with the Huntington Police Department observed Pace walking along the 1400 block of 10th Avenue in Huntington. Officers had been looking for Pace because he was a suspect in an unrelated crime. When approached by law enforcement, Pace gave the officer a false name and repeatedly placed his hands in his pockets. Officers detained Pace and discovered approximately 39 grams of heroin in Pace’s pocket. Pace admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin.
On September 22, 2015, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 1201 Charleston Avenue in Huntington after observing Pace leave the residence. During the search, agents seized over 360 grams of heroin, some of which was mixed with fentanyl – an opiate painkiller roughly 40 to 50 times more powerful than pure heroin. Agents also seized firearms, over $4,000 in cash, a press used to prepare heroin, and other drug paraphernalia.
The Huntington Police Department and Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This 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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Columbus man sentenced to federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Columbus man who was caught in a stolen car with heroin was sentenced today to a year and nine months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jharel Daivon Kirkland, 27, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On January 27, 2016, officers with the Huntington Police Department’s Special Emphasis Unit were conducting surveillance at a known drug residence in Huntington when they observed Kirkland enter the residence. Officers learned that the vehicle Kirkland was driving had been stolen in Columbus, and law enforcement conducted a traffic stop when Kirkland left the residence. Kirkland was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle. During a search of Kirkland after his arrest, an officer located approximately 30 grams of heroin Kirkland had concealed in his underwear. Kirkland admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin.
The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This 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 Greenbrier County dealers headed to federal prison for drug crimesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two Greenbrier County men were sentenced to prison today for federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Willie Keaton Goodson III, 22, of Ronceverte, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for distribution of oxymorphone. In a separate prosecution, James Michael Payne, 63, of Frankford, was sentenced to a year and four months in federal prison for distribution of heroin.
Goodson admitted that on October 22, 2015, he distributed oxymorphone pills at his Ronceverte residence to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Goodson further admitted that he distributed oxymorphone pills on three other occasions. During the course of the investigation, authorities seized large quantities of oxymorphone, oxycodone, and heroin from Goodson’s residence and from property near his residence. Law enforcement also seized over $100,000 cash that Goodson forfeited to the state of West Virginia. Officers additionally seized firearms that Goodson admitted he possessed while selling drugs.
In a separate drug prosecution, Payne admitted that on August 21, 2015, he distributed six stamps, or packets, of heroin to a confidential informant cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place in the Fairlea area of Greenbrier County. Payne also admitted that he distributed a total of approximately 100 stamps of heroin during August and September of 2015.
The investigations were conducted by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecutions. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentences.
These prosecutions were brought as part of the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative, 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 sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for gun crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Albans man was sentenced today to a total of 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for two gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christopher Ayash, 47, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and to possession of six firearms in furtherance of a federal drug trafficking crime. Ayash received five years on each charge, to be served consecutively, and was also ordered to pay a $25,000 fine. Additionally, as part of his plea agreement, Ayash agreed to forfeit $300,000 to the United States. He also agreed to demolish a strip club he owned in St. Albans and to transfer the property to Kanawha County.
Ayash admitted that he arranged for the illegal shipment of drugs, including oxycodone and coca leaves, a precursor used to manufacture cocaine, through the mail to West Virginia. On October 7, 2015, a federal search warrant was executed at Ayash’s St. Albans residence and law enforcement discovered a secret room hidden behind a fireplace. The secret room housed a laboratory set up by Ayash to manufacture cocaine and other controlled substances. Law enforcement seized over 60 firearms from the residence, including fully automatic weapons, silencers, and a handgun with an obliterated serial number. Ayash admitted that he possessed six of the firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of several other law enforcement agencies. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case was also prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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South Charleston man pleads guilty to federal gun chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A South Charleston man caught with a loaded gun and drugs after a car chase pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Eugene Adkins, 37, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Adkins admitted that on January 14, 2016, he possessed a loaded Smith & Wesson Model 22A-1 pistol. Adkins was prohibited under federal law from possessing any firearm because of two previous convictions in Kanawha County Circuit Court for possession with intent to deliver marijuana. At the time Adkins possessed the handgun, Adkins additionally admitted that he ran a red light in St. Albans. In response, a St. Albans Police Department patrol officer attempted a traffic stop. Adkins further admitted that he did not attempt to stop, and during the course of the subsequent chase, he exceeded the speed limit, passed vehicles despite the double yellow line, and drove the wrong way on a one-way street. The car chase ended in Nitro and Adkins admitted that he exited the vehicle and was apprehended after a brief foot chase. Law enforcement recovered the gun, methamphetamine, and marijuana from Adkins. Officers also seized 40 knives and a machete from the vehicle.
Adkins faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 14, 2016.
The investigation was conducted by the St. Albans Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the assistance of the West Virginia State Police and the South Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case was also prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Federal inmate pleads guilty to escaping from prisonRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – An inmate who served time at the Federal Prison Camp at Alderson pleaded guilty today to a federal crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christina Kimble, 33, entered her guilty plea to escaping from federal prison.
Kimble admitted 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.
Kimble faces up to five years in federal prison when she is sentenced on December 7, 2016.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Alderson Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
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Federal inmate sentenced for possessing a weapon in prisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell was sentenced today to a year and two months in federal prison for possessing a weapon, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Tyruss Jackson, 34, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by an inmate of a federal prison.
Jackson admitted that on September 18, 2015, he possessed a handcrafted knife while he was serving time in the prison. The handcrafted wooden weapon, commonly referred to as a “shank,” was sharpened to a point, measured slightly over six inches in length, had tape wrapped around one end to serve as a handle, and a had a string tied to the handle to serve as a lanyard. A Bureau of Prisons staff member discovered the item concealed in Jackson’s pants. Jackson will serve the year and two months after he completes his current undischarged sentence.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.
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Two sex offenders headed to prison for federal crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two sex offenders were sentenced to prison for federal crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Jeremy L. Kelley, 39, of Parkersburg, was sentenced in federal court in Charleston to 15 years in prison for attempted production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Following his release from federal prison, he will be placed on supervised release for 30 years and will also be required to register as a sex offender. Kelley admitted that on September 6, 2014, he intentionally placed a cell phone in a vent located above a shower in a bathroom. Kelley further admitted that he placed the cell phone in the vent so that he could secretly record a minor in the shower. Law enforcement located a removable media device at Kelley’s Parkersburg residence in November 2015, and an analysis of that device revealed over 600 images of child pornography. More than 600 images of child pornography were also located on another cell phone and a computer used by Kelley at his place of employment in Pleasants County, located in the Northern District of West Virginia. Kelley also admitted to sharing some of the child pornography over the Internet. Kelley’s prosecution was the result of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together in both the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia.
In a separate prosecution, James Roy Arthur, 45, formerly of Charleston, was sentenced in federal court in Huntington to three years and five months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for failing to register as a sex offender. Arthur was convicted in 1996 in Kanawha County Circuit Court of Second Degree Sexual Assault. As a result of this conviction, Arthur was required to register as a sex offender. Around January 1, 2016, Arthur moved to Fort Gay in Wayne County, and did not register as a sex offender, despite knowing it was required by law. Arthur continued to reside in Wayne County until his arrest on January 31, 2016.
The investigation of Kelley was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa G. Johnston and Sarah W. Montoro are in charge of the prosecution of Kelley. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed Kelley’s sentence.
The United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation of Arthur. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of Arthur’s prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed Arthur’s sentence.
These cases were 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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Multiple defendants plead guilty to federal drug crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Multiple defendants pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Jerrell Leon Johnson, 53, of Huntington, pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington to possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack. On January 20, 2016, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a search of Jerrell Johnson’s residence located on Rear 9th Avenue in Huntington. During that search, agents located approximately 48 grams of crack inside a kitchen drawer. Jerrell Johnson admitted that he intended to sell the crack seized by law enforcement. Agents also located a large amount of cocaine in the residence. Jerrell Johnson faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 5, 2016.
In a separate drug prosecution, Ashley Nicole Farley, 25, of Huntington, pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington to possession with intent to distribute heroin. On August 27, 2015, Farley was arrested on a warrant for distribution of heroin. In a search of Farley incident to her arrest, officers located a gray tan powder and cash. The cash contained marked currency from a previous undercover heroin buy from Farley. Farley faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on December 5, 2016.
In another separate drug prosecution, Antonio Tarvares Johnson, 39, of Charleston, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to distribution of heroin. Antonio Johnson admitted that on September 28, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at the Motel 6 in Cross Lanes. Antonio Johnson additionally admitted that he sold drugs to a confidential informant on September 29, 2015, and on December 16, 2015. Antonio Johnson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 12, 2016.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation of Jerrell Johnson. The investigation of Farley was conducted by the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is handling the prosecutions. The plea hearings for Jerrell Johnson and Farley were held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation of Antonio Johnson. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution of Antonio Johnson. The plea hearing for Antonio Johnson was 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 heroin and crack. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Charleston felon sentenced to federal prison for gun chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison for a gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Fitzgerald Ingram, 24, entered his guilty plea to illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.
Ingram admitted that on July 29, 2015, he was apprehended by law enforcement after firing a rifle into a dumpster in the 6th Avenue area of Charleston. After firing the rifle, Ingram disposed of the gun in an alley where it was located by someone who took the gun to police officers who had responded to the scene that day. Ingram is prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of several previous felony convictions in North Carolina Circuit Court, including taking indecent liberties with a child, failure to register as a sex offender, and assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Mexican National pleads guilty to immigration crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today to an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Edilberto Sanchez-Galvan, 35, entered his guilty plea to illegally reentering the United States.
Sanchez-Galvan admitted that he had previously been convicted of the federal crime of illegally reentering the United States in February 2010. After that conviction, Sanchez-Galvan was deported from the United States to his home country of Mexico. Sanchez-Galvan then illegally reentered the United States and he was found in South Charleston by Department of Homeland Security agents on May 17, 2016.
Sanchez-Galvan faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced in October 2016. He is also subject to deportation proceedings at the conclusion of the case.
The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
Akron man in custody in connection with Huntington heroin overdosesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Akron, Ohio man is in federal custody in connection with a rash of heroin overdoses earlier this month in Huntington, United States Attorney Carol A. Casto and Huntington Chief of Police Joe Ciccarelli announced today. Bruce Lamar Griggs, 22, was arrested in Ohio and is being held on the basis of a federal criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of West Virginia, which charges Griggs with distribution of heroin.
According to an affidavit submitted in support of the criminal complaint by Huntington Police Department (“HPD”) Sgt. Paul Hunter, the investigation of Griggs began August 15, 2016, when the HPD responded to a large number of heroin overdoses in a short period of time in the area of St. Louis Avenue and Marcum Terrace. The affidavit states that one of the overdose victims identified the seller of the heroin as Griggs and that numerous others provided corroborating information linking the heroin to Griggs. The affidavit also states that surveillance video shows a person matching Griggs’ description engaging in activity indicative of hand-to-hand drug distribution in the Marcum Terrace area shortly before the overdoses began. A copy of the complaint and a redacted version of the affidavit, which are publicly available, are attached to this release.
Griggs was arrested by officers of the Tallmadge, Ohio police department and made an initial appearance yesterday before a United States magistrate judge in the Northern District of Ohio. He will be transported back to West Virginia to face the criminal charge against him.
The case is being investigated by the HPD and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.
NOTE: The criminal complaint in this case is only an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court proceeding.
Complaint
Redacted Affidavit
Three more defendants plead guilty for roles in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
Los Angeles father and son each face up to 40 years; Mexican national faces up to 5 years
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three defendants pleaded guilty today for their roles in a California-to-West Virginia methamphetamine conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Rafael Garcia Serrato, 45, and Cesar Garcia, 20, a father and son from Los Angeles, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Marco Antonio Bojorquez-Rojas, 21, a Mexican national residing in California, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.
Serrato and Garcia admitted that in March 2016, they, along with other codefendants, arranged to transport five pounds of methamphetamine from California to West Virginia. Serrato and Garcia further admitted that they packed a vehicle with the drugs. Serrato and Garcia also admitted that they maintained telephone contact with the vehicle as it traveled to West Virginia to keep apprised of the progress of the drug delivery. Garcia admitted that on March 25, 2016, he flew from Los Angeles to Huntington to collect money for the drugs being delivered to West Virginia. On March 26, 2016, law enforcement stopped the vehicle transporting the methamphetamine in South Charleston and recovered the drugs.
Bojorquez-Rojas admitted that in January 2016, he traveled with some of his codefendants to Charleston from California to collect money for methamphetamine that had been delivered to West Virginia. On January 11, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on a hotel room where Bojorquez-Rojas and some his codefendants, including Serrato and Garcia, were staying and recovered a bag containing $12,000 cash. Bojorquez-Rojas also admitted that this cash was payment for a portion of the methamphetamine that had been delivered to West Virginia. Bojorquez-Rojas additionally admitted that in March 2016, he traveled from California to Huntington to collect money for methamphetamine that had been driven to Huntington by codefendants Kelly Newcomb and Cara Linn Monasmith. Shortly after the arrival of Bojorquez-Rojas in Huntington on March 19, 2016, law enforcement arrested him and three of his codefendants in a Huntington hotel room.
Serrato and Garcia face at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on December 6, 2016. Bojorquez-Rojas faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 7, 2016.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation that led to an eight-count indictment implicating 14 defendants, including Serrato, Garcia, and Bojorquez-Rojas. All of their codefendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. As part of this conspiracy, Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, and Velarian Sylvester Carter, of Beckley, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Ortiz-Rivera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2016. Carter is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2016. Additionally, three women who were used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, and Cara Linn Monasmith, also of Nevada, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime. Estrada and Newcomb are scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 2016. Monasmith is scheduled to be sentenced on November 8, 2016.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Charleston Police Department, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.