Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former Marriott employee pleads guilty to wire fraud for embezzling close to $1 millionRead the Press Release
Defendant embezzled the funds over roughly 10 years and spent the money on island vacations and cars
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former employee of the Charleston Marriott Town Center who defrauded the hotel out of close to a million dollars pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Kuhn, 52, of Milton in Cabell County, entered his guilty plea to wire fraud for his embezzlement from the hotel.
Kuhn worked for the Marriott as an accountant and general cashier. His duties included collecting cash from the various departments of the hotel, including the gift shop, the front desk, and the restaurant and bar. Kuhn admitted that beginning in November 2005 and continuing through February 2016, he embezzled over $955,000 from the hotel. He covered up his embezzlement by regularly posting false entries in the hotel’s accounting system to make it appear as if the hotel had paid out cash for various goods or services. Typically, the false entries reflected fictitious payments for commissions or fees owed to a travel agency or online travel company. The false entries for any particular day would match the amount of cash that Kuhn had embezzled from the cash receipts for that day.
Over the course of his fraudulent scheme, Kuhn used the embezzled funds for personal expenses. He admitted that he took vacations to Hawaii, the Bahamas, Myrtle Beach, and Disney World. He also admitted that he went on a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. He additionally admitted to using the money to buy cars, a truck, and a recreational vehicle. Furthermore, he admitted that he used the embezzled funds to make payments on Chase MasterCard accounts, Sears credit card accounts, and a revolving credit account at Home Depot.
Kuhn faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 5, 2016. Additionally, as part of the plea agreement, Kuhn has agreed to pay $955,317.17 in restitution.
The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Philip H. Wright is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
Dunbar heroin dealer pleads guilty to federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Dunbar man pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christian Bowles, 24, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
Bowles admitted that on March 24, 2015, he sold over four grams of heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement in exchange for $1,000. Bowles made the drug deal outside of his Dunbar residence. He further admitted that he was involved in the distribution of up to 20 grams of heroin.
Bowles faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 5, 2016.
The Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling 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 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.
Third meth mule pleads guilty for role in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A woman caught transporting a substantial amount of crystal methamphetamine from California to West Virginia pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Cara Linn Monasmith, 46, of Las Vegas, entered her guilty plea to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.
Monasmith admitted that on March 10, 2016, a codefendant, Kelly Newcomb, rented a vehicle in Las Vegas and traveled to California with Monasmith where 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine were concealed in the vehicle for transportation to West Virginia. Monasmith and Newcomb then began the drive to West Virginia and arrived in Huntington on March 18, 2016. Newcomb rented a room at a Super 8 Motel, and Monasmith and Newcomb followed the instructions of another codefendant by leaving the vehicle unlocked in the parking lot. After their arrival, an undercover officer, in accordance with instructions obtained through a cooperating individual, removed the spare tire where the drugs were concealed.
Monasmith further admitted that in February 2016, as part of the same drug conspiracy, she drove another vehicle containing approximately 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden in a spare tire from California to Louisville. Once she reached Louisville, another codefendant picked up the methamphetamine and transported the drugs to Charleston for distribution.
Monasmith faces up to five years in federal prison when she is sentenced on November 8, 2016.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation which led to an eight-count indictment implicating 14 defendants, including Monasmith. Monasmith’s 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, two women who were also used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, and Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, are scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 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.
Charleston man pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man who illegally possessed a firearm pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Lachance D. Woodson, 28, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Woodson admitted that on December 22, 2015, he possessed a Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol in Charleston. Woodson was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2010 conviction in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for possession of a firearm after a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence.
Woodson faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 17, 2016.
The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled 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 working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
Charleston man sentenced to federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Thomas Jarrell, 21, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Jarrell admitted that on October 1, 2015, at his Georges Creek residence in Malden, he possessed approximately six grams of heroin that he intended to distribute. Agents of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team seized the drugs during the execution of a search warrant at Jarrell’s home. Jarrell further admitted that he was involved in the distribution of up to 60 grams of heroin.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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.
Charleston man pleads guilty to federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man caught with drugs and loaded handgun pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Michael Brooks Burgess, 46, entered his guilty plea to possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
On February 8, 2016, Burgess was stopped for speeding and a suspected DUI in Sissonville. During the stop, officers found a vial of methamphetamine in his pocket and over 30 grams of methamphetamine under the driver’s seat. The officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded .45 caliber handgun, three high capacity magazines for a MAC-10 firearm, approximately 50 rounds of ammunition, and over an ounce of marijuana in the trunk of the vehicle. Burgess admitted that he was a habitual, unlawful user of methamphetamine at the time he possessed the gun.
Burgess faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 14, 2016.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. The defendant entered his guilty plea 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.
Cabell County man sentenced to over four years in federal prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Cabell County man was sentenced to four years and three months in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for a child pornography crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Allen Angle, 47, of Milton, previously pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography. As part of his sentence, Allen will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Angle admitted that on March 19, 2015, he possessed images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The images were found by investigators on his personal computer and media devices in his residence in Milton. The investigation additionally revealed that Angle was using peer-to-peer file sharing programs to download, receive, and distribute child pornography.
The West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This case 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.
Two men appear in Federal court for heroin crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two men appeared in federal court today for heroin crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kevin Brown, 32, of Huber Heights, Ohio, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison for possession of heroin with intent to distribute. In a separate drug prosecution, Christopher E. Butts, 42, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
On June 29, 2015, an officer with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted a traffic stop on a rental vehicle Brown was driving. Brown gave a false name and false identification to the officer, but consented to a search of the vehicle. Inside the vehicle, the officer found heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, along with empty capsules and a Magic Bullet mixer which had been used to process heroin for distribution.
In a separate prosecution, Butts admitted that on May 24, 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. The drug deal took place at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Randolph Street in Charleston. Butts further admitted that he sold drugs to a confidential informant again the next day. On May 26, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence where Butts was staying. During the search, officers seized over six grams of heroin from Butts that was in his pocket, a firearm located near his feet, and cash from the residence. Officers additionally located approximately 75 grams of heroin behind the couch in the residence. All of the heroin recovered in the search was field tested by law enforcement and came up positive for the presence of fentanyl, which is anywhere from 25 to 50 times more potent than heroin. Butts faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 10, 2016.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team investigated these cases. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution of Brown. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed Brown’s sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution of the Butts case. The plea hearing for Butts was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
These cases are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Two men sentenced to Federal prison for drug crimesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two men were sentenced to prison today for federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Ronald Ray McMillion, 64, of Renick in Greenbrier County, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for a crime involving the distribution of oxycodone, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. McMillion previously pleaded guilty to interstate travel to facilitate an unlawful activity. McMillion admitted that in February 2014, he traveled from Renick to the Baltimore area to obtain oxycodone pills, and that he then traveled back to Renick and sold some of the pills. He further admitted that he had sold oxycodone in Greenbrier County on other occasions, and that he possessed a firearm while receiving payment for a drug debt.
In a separate drug prosecution, Nicholas Thomas Novak, 33, of Brentwood, New York, was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin. Novak previously pleaded guilty and admitted that on September 22, 2015, he possessed approximately 150 stamps or packets of heroin at a residence in Frankford in Greenbrier County. Novak further admitted that he brought the heroin to Greenbrier County for distribution.
The McMillion case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated the Novak case under the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecutions. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentences.
These prosecutions are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Federal inmate pleads guilty to possessing weapon in prisonRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley pleaded guilty today to possessing a weapon in prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Larry Antoine Smith, 49, entered his guilty plea to possession of a weapon by an inmate of the institution. Smith admitted that on September 28, 2015, he possessed a combination lock attached to a belt. The weapon was discovered when a prison staff member observed Smith swinging the belt. Smith further admitted that he attached the lock to the belt with the intention of using it as a weapon.
Smith faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 30, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
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Ohio man pleads guilty to Federal gun crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to federal gun charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Austin Russell Ash, 21, of Belpre, entered his guilty plea today to one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
As part of an investigation in June 2015, the Parkersburg Police Department conducted a search at the house where Austin Ash resided on Laird Avenue in Parkersburg. During the search, law enforcement discovered a CBC, 715T model, .22 caliber rifle with an obliterated serial number in Ash’s bedroom. Ash admitted to law enforcement that he possessed the gun and that he had removed the serial number. He further admitted to law enforcement that at the time he possessed the gun he was a user of marijuana.
Ash faces up to 15 years in federal prison, up to five years for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number and up to 10 years for possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance. His sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 2016.
The Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte is responsible for the prosecution. 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 working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
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Nitro meth dealer pleads guilty to Federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nitro man pleaded guilty today to a federal methamphetamine charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Shawn Keathley, 26, entered his guilty plea to distribution of methamphetamine.
Keathley admitted that on March 20, 2014, he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. The drug deal took place in the parking lot of a restaurant in Cross Lanes. Keathley further admitted to having distributed methamphetamine for approximately five months in the Nitro area.
Keathley faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 30, 2016.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Georgia man sentenced to Federal prison for methamphetamine traffickingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Georgia man who was caught with methamphetamine and a stolen pistol in a Summersville hotel was sentenced today to two years and eight months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daniel Branden O’Dell, 34, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On October 30, 2015, a Nicholas County Deputy Sheriff responded to a disabled vehicle call on U.S. Route 19. The vehicle, a 2015 BMW, had been reported stolen from Atlanta and was unoccupied when the officer arrived. After a brief investigation, officers learned that O’Dell had wrecked the vehicle and gotten a ride to a hotel in Summersville. When police arrested O’Dell at his hotel room, they found methamphetamine and a loaded .45 caliber pistol that had been stolen in Cobb County, Georgia. O’Dell admitted to transporting the methamphetamine from Georgia to sell in Pennsylvania. He also admitted to being a felon and told police he had purchased the stolen firearm in Georgia. O’Dell has a lengthy criminal history that includes numerous theft and drug-related felony convictions.
This case was investigated by the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department and the Summersville Police Department. 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 Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs targeting gun violence. 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 the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Bluefield man pleads guilty to sending threatening letters to former U.S. Attorney and Bluefield MayorRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Bluefield man who mailed letters threatening to kill the former United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia and the mayor of Bluefield pleaded guilty on Friday in federal court in Abingdon, Virginia, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto and United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia John P. Fishwick, Jr. Kenneth Robert Godsey, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts of mailing a threatening communication.
In May 2015, Godsey sent a threatening letter from the Southwest Valley Regional Jail in Tazewell, Virginia, to then-United States Attorney Booth Goodwin at the Charleston office. Godsey’s letter to former U.S. Attorney Goodwin included numerous references to murder. In July 2015, Godsey sent another threatening letter from the jail to Bluefield Mayor Tom Cole. Godsey stated in the letter that he would kill the mayor and have others kill citizens of Bluefield. Pursuant to the plea agreement and pending approval by the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, Godsey faces between five and 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 24, 2016.
“Law enforcement and public officials should be able to go to work and go home to their families without threats from criminals,” said United States Attorney Casto. “This prosecution recognizes the importance of taking this criminal behavior seriously and should serve as a significant warning to those who make these threats to law enforcement, public officials, and their families. I want to the thank all of the investigating agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia for helping to stop these threats and working to make law enforcement and public service safer for everyone.”
“Making threats to the safety of others, including public officials and those in law enforcement, is a serious matter that will be treated as such,” said United States Attorney Fishwick “Those who threaten the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions, as was the case here.”
The FBI, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Tazewell County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation.
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Parkersburg man pleads guilty to possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to possessing over 600 images of child pornography, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. John Leslie Hess, 64, entered his guilty plea to possession of child pornography.
Hess admitted that on March 2, 2015, he possessed images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The images were contained on his personal computers and multiple media devices found at his residence in Parkersburg. The investigation revealed that Hess was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download, receive, and distribute child pornography.
Hess faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 16, 2016.
The FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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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Chicago woman sentenced to Federal prison for credit card fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Chicago woman was sentenced to five months in federal prison for credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Wynesha Wilson-Robinson, 27, previously pleaded guilty to possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices. A counterfeit access device is a credit card that has been altered so that it contains stolen information that has been re-encoded on the magnetic strip on the back of the card.
Wilson-Robinson admitted that she, along with three codefendants, Christine Johnson, Stephanie Stevenson, and Crystal Merritt, possessed over 100 counterfeit access devices. Wilson-Robinson and her codefendants drove from Chicago to West Virginia and attempted to use these counterfeit credit cards. On June 5, 2015, the women were observed at the South Charleston Target and Walmart attempting to use the counterfeit cards, and store employees alerted law enforcement to the suspicious behavior.
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 codefendants, Christine Johnson and Stephanie Stevenson, are scheduled to be sentenced on October 3, 2016. The other codefendant, Crystal Merritt, is scheduled to be sentenced on October 19, 2016.
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Former insurance agent headed to prison for Federal arson and witness tampering crimesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Hurricane man was sentenced today to a total of nine years in federal prison: seven years for a federal arson crime followed by a consecutive sentence of two years for an unrelated federal witness tampering crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jimmie Arnold Harper, Jr., 36, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting arson and conspiracy to tamper with a witness. As part of his sentence, he was also ordered to pay over $320,000 in restitution.
Harper was a Nationwide Mutual Insurance agent with an office in Winfield. Harper admitted that on September 14, 2015, he arranged for a fire to be set at his own residence at 7 Stonegate Drive in Scott Depot. Harper planned for the use of a long-range remote firing system to ignite the fire. He placed a chair with a tire in it in an interior room of his residence with the intent for that area to be the ignition spot of the fire. After staging the area, the drywall was knocked out so that the fire would spread farther into the framing of the house. Prior to setting the fire, Harper moved his valuables, such as furnishings and personal items, out of the residence and into a storage unit in the Winfield area. He also arranged to be out of town so the residence would be empty. Another individual drove by the residence in the early morning hours and hit the button on the remote firing system to ignite the fire. The Teays Valley Fire Department was dispatched to the residence, and one firefighter fell through the floor in the kitchen and sustained minor burns to his lower extremities. On September 15, 2015, Harper called in a fire claim to his insurance company, Auto Club Insurance Association, for $624,200 in structural damage and $468,150 in personal property loss.
On December 23, 2015, Seth T. Radcliffe, a longtime friend of Harper’s, was facing kidnapping charges in an unrelated case. Harper admitted that on January 24, 2016, he met with witnesses in Radcliffe’s case in an attempt to influence testimony before a federal grand jury. Before the meeting, Harper spoke to Radcliffe about the plan and obtained a letter written by Radcliffe that was read aloud during the meeting. The meeting took place in Harper’s vehicle in the parking lot of a convenience store in MacArthur in Raleigh County. During the meeting with the witnesses, Harper emphasized that the kidnapping charges against Radcliffe needed to go away because of the severe penalties. Harper also suggested limiting answers that could be damaging to Radcliffe by responding with “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember.” Harper admitted that he knew Radcliffe’s letter was not factually correct and was intended to corruptly influence witness testimony. Unbeknownst to Harper, the passenger in the vehicle during the meeting was acting as a confidential informant for law enforcement and recorded the entire meeting.
On January 26, 2016, a federal grand jury sitting in Beckley returned an indictment against Seth T. Radcliffe for one count of kidnapping and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. On February 9, 2016, a grand jury subpoena was served on Harper for the letter written by Radcliffe. On January 24, 2016, prior to the meeting with the witnesses in Radcliffe’s case, Harper directed the confidential informant to remove the last page of the letter. This page contained 12 numbered paragraphs written by Radcliffe setting forth points Radcliffe wanted to make to defeat the charges. After receiving the grand jury subpoena, Harper instructed the confidential informant to throw the last page of the letter out of his car window along Interstate 77. Law enforcement recovered this page of the letter on February 9, 2016, from Interstate 77.
The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office, the West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the FBI, and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
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Atlanta man sentenced to Federal prison for role in mail theft and check counterfeiting conspiracyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – An Atlanta man was sentenced today to a year in federal prison and ordered to pay almost $17,000 in restitution for his role in a mail theft and counterfeit check cashing conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. DeAndre Smith, 23, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit postal theft and making and uttering counterfeit securities.
Smith admitted that on two occasions in November 2015, he traveled, along with a group of other conspirators, from Atlanta to Beckley. Once in Beckley, Smith and the group targeted businesses and stole checks out of mailboxes. Smith and his co-conspirators then used the information from the stolen checks to make counterfeit checks, which they then cashed at local banks.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Beckley Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Eric P. Bacaj is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
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Sandwich shop operator sentenced to Federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Milton man who possessed heroin at his Huntington restaurant in 2015 was sentenced today to a year and a day in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jumol Wayne Scott, 37, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On March 28, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at The Sandwich Joint, which was operated by Scott in Huntington. During the search, agents located Scott in the restaurant and also seized approximately 280 grams of heroin, along with materials used to prepare heroin for distribution. Scott admitted that he distributed heroin to a confidential informant at his restaurant on multiple occasions in 2015 and intended to distribute the heroin seized by agents.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Huntington woman and Columbus man plead guilty to Federal heroin chargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman and a Columbus man pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Rhonda Gail Akers, 52, and Tyshawn Desmeon Davis, 28, each entered guilty pleas to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On June 29, 2015, law enforcement executed a search warrant at 1751 Buffington Avenue in Huntington after a confidential informant purchased heroin at the residence. Akers and Davis were both located inside the residence during the search. Davis was found in possession of approximately 30 grams of heroin. Agents also seized approximately 35 additional grams of heroin from various locations in the residence. Akers and Davis admitted to law enforcement that they had been involved in distributing heroin from the residence.
Akers and Davis both face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on November 7, 2016.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearings were held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Huntington man sentenced to four years and nine months in Federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who possessed and distributed heroin was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison for a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jeremiah Eugene Caldwell, 33, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On September 9, 2015, deputies with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at Caldwell’s residence located at 1400 Cedar Crest Drive in Huntington. Deputies recovered approximately 30 grams of heroin, a set of digital scales, and four firearms during the search. Caldwell was present in the residence and was arrested at that time. Caldwell admitted to possessing the drugs and the guns. He further admitted that he had been distributing heroin for a period of approximately six months.
The case was investigated by the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Charleston man caught with over a kilogram of meth pleads guilty to Federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man caught with a significant amount of methamphetamine pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Craig Jason Hundley, 40, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Hundley admitted that on April 4, 2016, he was stopped on Interstate 64 in Cabell County by a member of the West Virginia State Police. A K-9 named Feera utilized by the West Virginia State Police performed an exterior sniff of Hundley’s car and indicated that drugs were present. When law enforcement searched the car, they found approximately 1,065 grams of methamphetamine concealed in the trunk.
Hundley faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 7, 2016.
The case against Hundley was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess 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 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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Fourth Chicago woman pleads guilty to credit card fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A fourth Chicago woman pleaded guilty today to credit card fraud, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Crystal Merritt, 29, entered her guilty plea to possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices. A counterfeit access device is a credit card that has been altered so that it contains stolen information that has been re-encoded on the magnetic strip on the back of the card.
Merritt admitted that she, along with three other codefendants, Wynesha Wilson-Robinson, Christine Johnson, and Stephanie Stevenson, possessed over 100 counterfeit access devices. The four defendants drove from Chicago to West Virginia in an attempt to use these counterfeit credit cards. On June 5, 2015, the women were observed at the South Charleston Target and Walmart attempting to use the counterfeit cards, and store employees alerted law enforcement to the suspicious behavior.
Merritt face up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on October 19, 2016.
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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
The three other Chicago codefendants previously pleaded guilty to credit card fraud. Wilson-Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, 2016. Johnson and Stevenson are scheduled to be sentenced on October 3, 2016.
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Charleston man pleads guilty to Federal escape and heroin chargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to separate charges of escape and possession with intent to distribute heroin, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Brandon Christopher Solomon, 21, originally from Detroit, entered his guilty plea to a two-count indictment.
Solomon admitted that in December 2015, he escaped from a halfway house in St. Albans. Solomon was at the halfway house finishing a sentence for violating his federal supervised release from a prior drug conviction. Solomon’s whereabouts were unknown for several months until April 28, 2016, when officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team located him while executing a search warrant on Daniel Boone Drive in Charleston. Solomon was arrested on the outstanding escape warrant, and when he was searched, officers located six baggies of heroin and cash in his pocket.
Solomon faces up to 25 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 27, 2016.
The United States Marshals Service and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
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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Two men plead guilty to Federal methamphetamine crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two men pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jamel Proctor, 31, of New York City, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. In a separate drug prosecution, Darnell Lamar Anderson, 38, of Huntington, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On May 13, 2016, a suspicious parcel was searched by an inspector with the United States Postal Service. The parcel was addressed to Jamel Proctor’s residence at 515 Flora Court in Huntington. The package contained over 900 grams of methamphetamine. Agents then conducted a controlled delivery of the package to 515 Flora Court, and Proctor’s girlfriend accepted the package. In a search of the residence immediately following the controlled delivery, the package was recovered and the agents located Proctor inside the residence. Agents also discovered a loaded firearm inside the residence. In a subsequent search of Proctor’s vehicle, agents located four additional firearms and an additional 173 grams of methamphetamine in two separate duffel bags. A surveillance team had seen Proctor place the bags in his vehicle earlier that day. Proctor faces a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 31, 2016.
In a separate drug prosecution of Darnell Anderson, officers with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force were notified by a United States Postal Inspector on April 14, 2016, that a package suspected of containing drugs was scheduled for delivery to a residence at 219 8th Avenue West in Huntington. Investigators secured a search warrant and discovered that the package contained over 550 grams of methamphetamine. Investigators then conducted a controlled delivery of the package utilizing an undercover postal inspector. The postal inspector traveled to the residence at 219 8th Avenue West, where Anderson accepted delivery and took possession of the package. Anderson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 31, 2016.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution of Proctor. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution of Anderson. 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, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Huntington woman pleads guilty to Federal heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Misty Renee Wentz, 38, entered her guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On September 1, 2015, Wentz was approached and interviewed by Drug Enforcement Administration agents in Huntington. While speaking with agents, Wentz admitted that she was concealing heroin on her person. Wentz then provided the heroin to agents and admitted that she possessed the heroin for distribution. Wentz further admitted that she had conspired with multiple other individuals over the previous year to distribute up to 3 kilograms of heroin that was transported to the Huntington area from Detroit.
Wentz faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on October 31, 2016.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This prosecution was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Detroit man sentenced to five and a half years in Federal prison for oxycodone crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced today to five and a half years in federal prison for a drug crime, announced United States Attorney Carol Casto. Chester Estes, 41, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.
On October 2, 2014, Estes was arrested on an unrelated misdemeanor warrant in Huntington. In a search following the arrest, Estes was found to be in possession of $4,590 in cash and 475 oxycodone pills.
The Huntington Federal Drug Task Force and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is responsible for the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This 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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Attorney General appoints Carol Casto as United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch has appointed Carol A. Casto as United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, effective today, July 29, 2016. Casto has served as Acting United States Attorney since January 1, 2016.
Casto was appointed by the Attorney General on an interim basis and will serve as the United States Attorney either until a Presidential appointment occurs, or for a period of 120 days after appointment by the Attorney General, whichever takes place earlier. If the Attorney General’s appointment expires without a Presidential appointment, the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia may appoint a United States Attorney until the vacancy is filled.
Prior to taking office as Acting United States Attorney, Casto served as First Assistant United States Attorney from 2010 to 2015. From 1989 to 2010, Casto was an Assistant United States Attorney in the office’s criminal and civil divisions. Before joining the United States Attorney’s Office, Casto served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Kanawha County from 1983 to 1989.
Casto is a West Virginia native and an honors graduate of West Virginia University and the West Virginia University College of Law. She is admitted to practice law in the state of West Virginia, the United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the United States
“I am honored by the trust and confidence of the Attorney General of the United States and the opportunity to continue serving the Southern District of West Virginia as its United States Attorney,” said Casto. “I am proud to continue to work with the dedicated attorneys and staff in my office and our law enforcement partners to maintain the safety of our communities by fighting drug crime and addiction, stopping corruption and fraud, and protecting our most vulnerable citizens. Together, we will continue the extraordinary work that the public deserves.”
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Former Logan County gun shop employee sentenced to prison for Federal firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former employee of a Logan County gun and pawn shop was sentenced today to 10 months in federal prison for a gun crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Steven Adkins, 39, of Man, previously pleaded guilty to making and aiding and abetting a false statement relating to firearms purchases.
Adkins was an employee of Uncle Sam’s Loans, a gun and pawn shop in Man. Adkins fraudulently filled out federal forms required to be completed during a lawful firearms sale and directed others to fraudulently complete the forms. These types of transactions are commonly called “straw purchases.” The fraudulent forms reflected straw purchases because Adkins delivered the guns to individuals not named on the forms. Adkins engaged in more than 30 illegal straw purchases and transfers of firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Meredith George Thomas are 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 working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
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Raleigh County felon pleads guilty to Federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A convicted felon from Sophia pleaded guilty today to a federal gun charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Gene A. James, 46, entered his guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
James admitted that on February 23, 2016, while in Sophia, he possessed a Leinad model DD derringer pistol. James was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2014 conviction in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia for distribution of oxycodone.
James faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 2, 2016.
The United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
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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Multiple defendants plead guilty in Charleston to Federal crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three defendants appeared in Charleston today and pleaded guilty to federal charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Ronald Sayles, 39, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Sayles admitted that in December 2014, he possessed two handguns, a Taurus .32 caliber pistol and a Ruger 9 mm pistol, at his Charleston residence. Charleston Police Department officers discovered the guns while executing a search warrant on December 7, 2014. Sayles was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2002 felony drug conviction in Kanawha County Circuit Court. Sayles faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 20, 2016.
Howard Williamson, 55, of Madison, entered his guilty plea to distribution of oxycodone. Williamson admitted that on July 23, 2015, and again on October 25, 2015, he sold oxycodone pills to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Williamson further admitted that the drug deals took place at his Madison residence. Williamson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 2, 2016.
Tyruss Jackson, 34, pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon while 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 Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell. 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 is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2016. He faces a year and two months in federal prison to be served after he completes his current undischarged sentence.
The Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation of Sayles. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution of Sayles. The plea hearing for Sayles was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
The Route 119 Drug Task Force conducted the investigation of Williamson. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is responsible for the prosecution of Williamson. The Williamson plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
The case against Jackson was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John L. File is in charge of the prosecution of Jackson. The Jackson plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
The case against Sayles 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.
The Williamson 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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President Obama issues an open letter to America's law enforcement communityRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - In the wake of the tragedies in Dallas and Baton Rouge, today the President issued an open letter to America's law enforcement community, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto.
The full text of the letter is below:
To the brave members of our Nation’s law enforcement community:
Every day, you confront danger so it does not find our families, carry burdens so they do not fall to us, and courageously meet test after test to keep us safe. Like Dallas officer Lorne Ahrens, who bought dinner for a homeless man the night before he died, you perform good deeds beyond the call of duty and out of the spotlight. Time and again, you make the split-second decisions that could mean life or death for you and many others in harm’s way. You endure the tense minutes and long hours over lifetimes of service.
Every day, you accept this responsibility and you see your colleagues do their difficult, dangerous jobs with equal valor. I want you to know that the American people see it, too. We recognize it, we respect it, we appreciate it, and we depend on you. And just as your tight-knit law enforcement family feels the recent losses to your core, our Nation grieves alongside you. Any attack on police is an unjustified attack on all of us.
I’ve spent a lot of time with law enforcement over the past couple of weeks. I know that you take each of these tragedies personally, and that each is as devastating as a loss in the family. Sunday’s shooting in Baton Rouge was no different. Together, we mourn Montrell Jackson, Matthew Gerald, and Brad Garafola. Each was a husband. Each was a father. Each was a proud member of his community. And each fallen officer is one too many. Last week, I met with the families of the Dallas officers who were killed, and I called the families of those who were killed in the line of duty yesterday in Baton Rouge. I let them know how deeply we ache for the loss of their loved ones.
Some are trying to use this moment to divide police and the communities you serve. I reject those efforts, for they do not reflect the reality of our Nation. Officer Jackson knew this too, when just days ago he asked us to keep hatred from our hearts. Instead, he offered—to protestors and fellow police officers alike—a hug to anyone who saw him on the street. He offered himself as a fellow worshipper to anyone who sought to pray. Today, we offer our comfort and our prayers to his family, to the Geralds and the Garafolas, and to the tight-knit Baton Rouge law enforcement community.
As you continue to serve us in this tumultuous hour, we again recognize that we can no longer ask you to solve issues we refuse to address as a society. We should give you the resources you need to do your job, including our full-throated support. We must give you the tools you need to build and strengthen the bonds of trust with those you serve, and our best efforts to address the underlying challenges that contribute to crime and unrest.
As you continue to defend us with quiet dignity, we proclaim loudly our appreciation for the acts of service you perform as part of your daily routine. When you see civilians at risk, you don’t see them as strangers. You see them as your own family, and you lay your life on the line for them. You put others’ safety before your own, and you remind us that loving our country means loving one another. Even when some protest you, you protect them. What is more professional than that? What is more patriotic? What is a prouder example of our most basic freedoms—to speech, to assembly, to life, and to liberty? And at the end of the day, you have a right to go home to your family, just like anybody else.
Robert Kennedy, once our Nation’s highest-ranking law enforcement official, lamented in the wake of unjust violence a country in which we look at our neighbors as people “with whom we share a city, but not a community.” This is a time for us to reaffirm that what makes us special is that we are not only a country, but also a community. That is true whether you are black or white, whether you are rich or poor, whether you are a police officer or someone they protect and serve.
With that understanding—an understanding of the goodness and decency I have seen of our Nation not only in the past few weeks, but throughout my life—we will get through this difficult time together.
We will do it with the love and empathy of public servants like those we have lost in recent days. We will do it with the resilience of cities like Dallas that quickly came together to restore order and deepen unity and understanding. We will do it with the grace of loved ones who even in their grief have spoken out against vengeance toward police. We will do it with the good will of activists like those I have sat with in recent days, who have pledged to work together to reduce violence even as they voice their disappointments and fears.
As we bind up our wounds, we must come together to ensure that those who try to divide us do not succeed. We are at our best when we recognize our common humanity, set an example for our children of trust and responsibility, and honor the sacrifices of our bravest by coming together to be better.
Thank you for your courageous service. We have your backs.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
The full letter is also available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2016/07/19/read-president-obamas-open-letter-americas-law-enforcement-community
San Diego man pleads guilty to making a false statement to a federally insured financial institutionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A San Diego man pleaded guilty today to submitting a false draw request on a construction loan from United Bank, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daniel Berg, 60, entered his guilty plea to making a false statement to a financial institution.
Berg admitted that in the summer of 2004, he and another individual formed a real estate development company called Mountain America, LLC, and purchased land near the town of Union in Monroe County to develop a residential community. The development was called Walnut Springs Mountain Reserve. Mountain America operated primarily out of an office located in Lewisburg.
In April 2005, Berg assisted an individual in submitting a construction loan application to United Bank in Fayetteville for the purpose of building a home on a parcel in Walnut Springs Mountain Reserve. On May 13, 2005, United Bank approved the construction loan. Following approval of the loan, Berg admitted that through Mountain America he submitted a false draw request on the construction loan for over $68,000 in reimbursement for purported construction expenses. United Bank approved this draw and deposited the funds into Mountain America’s construction control checking account. On May 19, 2005, Berg wrote a check for over $37,000 from the Mountain America construction control account to another individual. Those funds were used for expenses unrelated to home construction in Walnut Springs Mountain Reserve.
Berg faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on November 8, 2016.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Larry R. Ellis is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber.
Please note: The headline above has been corrected from the original version released on July 14, 2016.
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Nicholas County woman pleads guilty to escaping halfway houseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nicholas County woman pleaded guilty today to escaping from a halfway house, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Nikki Doddrill, 30, of Summersville, entered her guilty plea to escaping from federal custody.
Doddrill admitted that, while serving a sentence for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine, she was transferred to Dismas Charities in St. Albans to complete the remaining six months of her sentence in a residential halfway house. On the evening of May 12, 2015, Doddrill left the halfway house without permission and failed to return. She was apprehended by law enforcement in Richwood on August 27, 2015, and she was incarcerated for the remainder of her sentence.
Doddrill faces up to five years in federal prison when she is sentenced on September 21, 2016.
The United States Marshals Service is responsible for the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriele Wohl is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
The investigation in this case resulted in the third guilty plea this year for escaping from a halfway house. The permissions granted to residents of halfway houses are designed to make transitions from federal prison back into society successful. These cases are part of an effort by the United States Attorney’s Office to deter those serving the remainder of their prison sentences in halfway houses from unlawfully abandoning this transition period before their sentences are complete.
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Lincoln County man pleads guilty to obtaining pain pills by fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Lincoln County man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Aaron Hatfield, 37, of Harts, entered his guilty plea to obtaining controlled substances by fraud and misrepresentation.
Hatfield admitted that on January 6, 2016, he acquired a family member’s key to Chapmanville Pharmacy through misrepresentation and entered the building after normal business hours. Once inside, he obtained oxycodone, Xanax, and morphine pills. Hatfield moved pill bottles around in an effort to avoid detection, though he was recorded by the pharmacy’s video surveillance. He further admitted to obtaining 130 oxycodone pills, 50 Xanax pills, and eight 100 mg morphine pills. He also admitted that he did not have a valid prescription nor the authority to enter the pharmacy and obtain the pills.
Hatfield faces up to four years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 11, 2016.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Logan County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Charleston man sentenced to Federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man caught dealing drugs while on federal supervised release was sentenced to prison today, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Alan Alexander Clark, 33, previously pleaded guilty to distributing heroin. In today’s hearing, he was sentenced to two years in federal prison 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.
Clark admitted that on July 29, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at the Rite Aid at 406 Washington Street, West, in Charleston. Clark further admitted that he sold heroin and methamphetamine to a confidential informant on three additional occasions.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Clint Carte handled the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Beckley man pleads guilty to role in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Beckley man substantially involved in a California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracy pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Velarian Sylvester Carter, 37, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Carter admitted that from January 2015 to March 2016, he was involved in a drug conspiracy with multiple individuals that included the transportation and distribution of methamphetamine. He admitted that in January 2015, he conspired to have methamphetamine delivered from California to West Virginia. Carter also admitted to receiving methamphetamine from Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, a codefendant, until Ortiz-Rivera was arrested in Kansas in June 2015. Ortiz-Rivera’s arrest prompted Carter to begin purchasing drugs directly from Ortiz-Rivera’s supplier.
Carter further admitted that on March 21, 2016, a confidential informant working with law enforcement discussed the logistics of bringing drugs to Charleston with Carter, including cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and heroin. That same day law enforcement stopped Carter and seized suspected drugs and approximately $28,000 in cash from the vehicle. Carter additionally admitted that on March 24, 2016, he arranged with confidential informants for the pickup of two pounds of methamphetamine in exchange for $12,000 in Charleston. On March 25, 2016, Carter arrived at the pre-arranged location and parked near the vehicle he was told contained methamphetamine. At that time law enforcement arrested Carter and seized $11,990 cash from Carter that he kept inside a Burger King bag.
Carter faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 13, 2016.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation which led to an eight-count indictment implicating 14 defendants, including Carter. Carter’s codefendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. As part of this conspiracy, Ortiz-Rivera, a Mexican national, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 11, 2016. Additionally, two women used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Danielle Dessaray Estrada, of Los Angeles, and Kelly Newcomb, of Nevada, have pleaded guilty to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime and are scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 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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Mexican national pleads guilty for role in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national heavily involved in a California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracy pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daniel Ortiz-Rivera, 24, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
Ortiz-Rivera admitted that from January 2015 to June 2015, he was involved in a drug conspiracy with multiple individuals that included the transportation and distribution of methamphetamine. He admitted that in January 2015, he conspired to have methamphetamine delivered from California to West Virginia and supplied drugs to individuals in West Virginia. Ortiz-Rivera additionally admitted that he had methamphetamine delivered to him in West Virginia and traveled himself to California to pick up methamphetamine. From January 2015 through May 2015, he delivered at least eight pounds of methamphetamine to an individual in West Virginia. He also admitted that on June 5, 2015, he was driving from California to transport methamphetamine to Charleston and was stopped by law enforcement in Kansas. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered approximately four pounds of methamphetamine.
Ortiz-Rivera faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 11, 2016.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation which led to an eight-count indictment implicating 14 defendants, including Ortiz-Rivera. Ortiz-Rivera’s codefendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. As part of this conspiracy, two women used as mules to transport methamphetamine, Danielle Dessaray Estrada, 21, of Los Angeles, and Kelly Newcomb, 56, of Nevada, have pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced on October 6, 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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Two men plead guilty in federal court in CharlestonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto announced today that two men pleaded guilty to charges in federal court in Charleston before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger. Austin Flint, 24, of Mount Hope, pleaded guilty to making a false statement in acquisition of a firearm, admitting that on September 28, 2015, he falsified a form at Shooter’s Roost in Beckley, indicating that he was the actual purchaser of three firearms when in fact he was purchasing them at the direction of another person. Flint faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced on October 20, 2016. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
In a separate case, Elliott Tubbs Jr., 30, pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon by an inmate of a federal prison. Tubbs, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Beckley, admitted that on February 20, 2016, 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. Tubbs also will be sentenced on October 20, 2016, and faces up to five years in prison. The Tubbs case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling both prosecutions.
Two Charleston brothers sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Dennis and Joshua Walls, 25 and 22, of Charleston, were sentenced today to federal prison for heroin distribution, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. The two are brothers. Dennis Walls was sentenced to a year and a day in prison, and Joshua Walls was sentenced to six months.
Both Dennis Walls, who pleaded guilty in March, and Joshua Walls, who pleaded guilty April, previously admitted to their joint efforts in distributing heroin from a residence they shared on Fairview Drive in Charleston. The investigation of the brothers by the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit began after Joshua Walls sold heroin to a confidential informant working with that agency. The brothers were responsible for distributing between 10 and 20 grams of heroin locally.
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 heroin and prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal heroin and pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of heroin and opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Lincoln County oxycodone dealer sentenced to 8 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Lincoln County man was sentenced today to 8 years in federal prison for conspiring to illegally distribute oxycodone and other prescription pills, Acting U.S. Attorney Carol Casto announced. Timothy Hallam, 34, of Branchland, West Virginia, was part of a drug scheme that involved prescription pills brought from Florida for sale in West Virginia.
From May 2012 through May 2014, Hallam conspired with individuals in Florida and Lincoln County to distribute quantities of oxycodone, also known as “Roxicodone,” and other prescription pills. Hallam further conspired with individuals in Lincoln County and Florida to launder the proceeds of the oxycodone distribution by depositing the proceeds in to bank accounts in West Virginia owned by Lester W. Taylor, the source of the oxycodone, so that Taylor could withdraw the proceeds from his bank accounts in Florida. The money was deposited in West Virginia in an effort to conceal the source of the cash as drug proceeds, to conceal Taylor as the source of the pills, and to conceal the location of the proceeds of the pill distributions.
Beginning in May 2012 and continuing until May 2014, Hallam obtained oxycodone pills from Lester Taylor, who resided in Florida, for distribution in Lincoln County, West Virginia. Taylor acquired oxycodone pills in Florida and West Virginia and would front the pills to Hallam and other individuals in Lincoln County to distribute. Once Hallam sold the oxycodone pills in West Virginia, he would deposit the proceeds in to L.W. Taylor’s bank accounts at various banks in Barboursville, West Virginia and Huntington, West Virginia. Once the money was deposited in West Virginia, L.W. Taylor and others would withdraw the money in Florida. From May 2012 through May 2014, Hallam deposited approximately $40,325 in drug proceeds into L.W. Taylor’s bank accounts in Barboursville for withdrawal in Florida.
The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police, the IRS-CID, the Metro Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the Drug Enforcement Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica Coleman handled the prosecution. The sentenced was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
Huntington man is final defendant sentenced in Detroit-to-Huntington heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who participated in a heroin distribution conspiracy in 2012 and 2013 was sentenced today to three and a half years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Edwin G. Simpson, 45, previously pleaded guilty to maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing and using heroin.
Between November 2012 and March 2013, Simpson was the tenant of an apartment at 1231 10th Avenue in Huntington. During that period, Simpson allowed others to store heroin at his apartment after it was transported from Detroit. Simpson also allowed others to distribute heroin from his apartment to various customers.
On March 8, 2013, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Simpson’s apartment. During the search, agents seized heroin, a .32 caliber revolver, ammunition, and other items associated with the sale of heroin.
Multiple defendants have been convicted of drug offenses as a result of this investigation. Those sentenced to federal prison include Kenneth E. Baxter, who was sentenced to seven years and three months; Coty S. Richardson, who was sentenced to five years and ten months; Sean L. Gist, who was sentenced to five years and three months; Ramone L. Wells, who was sentenced to four years; Pricilla Lee Dylan, who was sentenced to two years and nine months; and Dustin S. Barton, who was sentenced to a year and a day. Paul A. Roberts, Jr., was sentenced to five years of probation for assisting the group in securing a residence to conduct drug deals. Warren G. Howard was also sentenced to five years of probation for distributing heroin.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Please note that the original press release inadvertently omitted the United States Postal Inspection Service in the list of investigating agencies responsible for this case.
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Second meth mule pleads guilty for role in California-to-West Virginia drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A woman caught transporting a significant load of crystal methamphetamine from California to West Virginia pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kelly Newcomb, 56, of Nevada, entered her guilty plea to 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 a codefendant to California, where 10 pounds of crystal methamphetamine were concealed in the vehicle for transportation to West Virginia. Newcomb and the codefendant 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.
Newcomb faces up to five years in federal prison when she is sentenced on October 6, 2016.
Another woman used as a mule to transport methamphetamine during the course of this conspiracy, Danielle Dessaray Estrada, 21, of Los Angeles, previously pleaded guilty and faces up to five years in federal prison when she is sentenced on October 6, 2016.
This prosecution is the result of a multi-agency investigation which led to an eight-count indictment implicating 14 defendants, including Estrada. Estrada’s codefendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The FBI, DHS 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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Parkersburg man sentenced to 10 years in prison for Federal child pornography crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for possessing over 600 images and videos of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Charles Tom Davisson II, 56, previously pleaded guilty to the federal child pornography crime. After Davisson is released from prison, he will be on supervised release for 25 years and will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Davisson admitted that on January 22, 2015, he possessed images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. Investigators found the massive collection of images and videos on his computer and other media devices discovered at his residence in Parkersburg. Davisson further admitted that he was illegally using peer-to-peer file sharing programs to download, receive, and distribute child pornography.
“This is the third case this week that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has brought before the court dealing with sex crimes against children,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “These frequent prosecutions reflect our commitment, as well as the commitment of our law enforcement partners, to bringing sexual predators to justice. The public needs to be aware that these serious crimes have tremendous consequences and can result in lengthy prison sentences.”
The Parkersburg Police Department, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, 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 case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing initiative by the United States Attorney’s Office to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
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Nitro woman pleads guilty to Federal methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nitro methamphetamine dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jamisa Hairston, 25, entered her guilty plea to distribution of methamphetamine.
Hairston admitted that on April 7, 2014, she sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at a residence in Nitro that Hairston shared with her boyfriend.
Hairston faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on October 5, 2016.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Beckley drug dealer sentenced for distributing pain pillsRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Beckley man was sentenced today to a year in federal prison for a drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. David Pfost, 31, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of oxycodone.
Pfost admitted that on February 11, 2015, he distributed oxycodone to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place on Washington Street in Beckley.
The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit conducted the investigation. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger 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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Parkersburg man sentenced to over 12 years in Federal prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man was sentenced today to 12 and a half years in federal prison for a child pornography crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kevin Wayne Davis, 49, previously pleaded guilty to possessing over 600 images and videos of child pornography. After Davis is released from prison, he will be on supervised release for 25 years and will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Davis admitted that on November 5, 2014, he possessed images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The exceptionally large collection of images and videos was contained on his computers and multiple media devices found at his residence in Parkersburg. Investigators discovered that Davis was using peer-to-peer file sharing programs to download, receive, and distribute child pornography. The investigation also revealed that Davis engaged in a pattern of sexually abusing and sexually exploiting minors from 1998 through 2013.
“This is a significant sentence and it reflects the serious nature of crimes against children,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “Perpetrators need to be aware that possessing child pornography carries severe consequences. Anyone who puts children in danger should know that we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute sexual predators.”
The Parkersburg Police Department, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case was 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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Two Chicago women plead guilty to credit card fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Chicago women pleaded guilty today to credit card fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Christine Johnson, 26, and Stephanie Stevenson, 27, both entered guilty pleas 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 and Stevenson both admitted that they, along with two other codefendants, Wynesha Wilson-Robinson and Crystal Merritt, possessed over 100 counterfeit access devices. Johnson and Stevenson drove from Chicago to West Virginia in an attempt to use these counterfeit credit cards. On June 5, 2015, the women were observed at the South Charleston Target and Walmart attempting to use the counterfeit cards, and store employees alerted law enforcement to the suspicious behavior.
Johnson and Stevenson each face up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when they are sentenced on October 3, 2016.
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 prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
Wynesha Wilson-Robinson, 27, of Chicago, previously pleaded guilty in April 2016 to credit card fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, 2016. The fourth codefendant, Crystal Merritt, 29, also of Chicago, is scheduled for a plea hearing on August 4, 2016. All of the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.
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Nitro man pleads guilty to enticement of a minorRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nitro man pleaded guilty today to a federal sex crime involving a minor, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Mark Anthony Levitt, 38, entered his guilty plea for using an app on his cell phone to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.
Levitt admitted that from June 2015 through July 2015, he used a cell phone to send sexually explicit messages to persuade and induce a 14-year-old to engage in sexual activity.
Levitt faces a mandatory prison sentence of 12 years, to be followed by 25 years of supervised release. Levitt will also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for October 5, 2016.
“This case sends a clear message that there are serious consequences for those who exploit and abuse minors,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold sexual predators accountable.”
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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This prosecution is being brought as part of an ongoing initiative of the United States Attorney’s Office to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
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Two defendants plead guilty to Federal drug chargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two men pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Matthew Michael Meadows, 31, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. In a separate prosecution, Arthur James Canada, 25, of Huntington, entered his guilty plea to using a phone to facilitate a felony drug offense.
Meadows admitted that from the summer of 2014 to the spring of 2016, he conspired with others to distribute heroin in the Huntington and Charleston areas. Meadows frequently met with his co-conspirators and received amounts of heroin ranging from five grams to one ounce. He subsequently distributed the heroin and returned a portion of the drug proceeds back to his co-conspirators. Meadows admitted that he was responsible for the distribution of up to 400 grams of heroin. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 26, 2016.
In a separate drug prosecution, Arthur James 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. Canada faces up to four years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 29, 2016.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted both investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecutions. The plea hearings were held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
These prosecutions were brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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