Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Heroin dealer residing near Marshall University pleads guilty to Federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington drug dealer residing in close proximity to Marshall University pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Derrick Linwood Thomas, 25, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin within 1,000 feet of a university.
On March 21, 2016, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant at 213 19th Street in Huntington. Thomas admitted this was his residence and that it was located within 1,000 feet of Marshall University. Officers found Thomas in the residence and seized over 15 grams of heroin from his pants. Officers also seized four additional bags of heroin weighing approximately 2 grams, $950 in cash that included $70 in marked currency from a previous controlled drug purchase, a .32 caliber pistol, and a shotgun. Thomas was arrested and admitted that he had been distributing heroin in the Huntington area.
Thomas faces up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 26, 2016.
The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This prosecution was brought as part of 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 pleads guilty to Federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston heroin dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Daniel Andrew Hicks, 42, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
Hicks admitted that on several occasions in January and February of 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Following his arrest on February 18, 2016, law enforcement found Hicks with close to five grams of heroin that he intended to distribute. Additionally, officers executed a search warrant on an apartment Hicks had rented at 112 Henson Avenue in South Charleston and seized $4,924 in cash stored in a shoe box on the kitchen counter. Next to the shoe box, officers also discovered three sets of digital scales and three cell phones.
Hicks faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 28, 2016.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This prosecution was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Large-quantity drug bust results in meth dealer pleading guilty to Federal crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Montgomery man caught with substantial amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Bryan Lee Palmer, 43, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Palmer admitted that on February 26, 2016, he made arrangements for a drug deal to take place at a hotel in South Charleston. When Palmer arrived at the hotel, he was met by law enforcement. The officers obtained a search warrant for a duffel bag and backpack that was in Palmer’s possession. When officers searched the bags, they found over 1,500 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 700 grams of heroin, over a half a kilogram of marijuana, a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and over $30,000 in cash. Palmer further admitted that it was his intent to distribute the drugs in the Charleston area. Law enforcement estimated the street value of the seized drugs to be approximately $466,000.
Palmer faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 12, 2016.
The case against Palmer was investigated by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and members of its Sheriff’s Tactical Operations Patrol (STOP) team. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine 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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Charleston heroin dealer sentenced to Federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced to a year and nine months in federal prison for a heroin crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Justin Randolph, 27, previously entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
Randolph admitted that on January 15, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. The drug deal took place in the Kroger parking lot in Dunbar.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case 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 pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Second New York woman pleads guilty to credit card fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A second New York City woman pleaded guilty today to credit card fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Sasha Nelson, 21, 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 to contain stolen account information that is magnetically re-encoded on the credit card.
Nelson admitted that she, along with codefendant Nayosha Aice, possessed 78 counterfeit access devices. Nelson and Aice drove from New York City, using these counterfeit credit cards to buy cartons of Newport cigarettes and other merchandise. They were observed at the St. Albans Go-Mart using multiple counterfeit cards on June 25, 2015, and, after noticing the suspicious behavior, store employees contacted law enforcement. Nelson further admitted that once she realized police were observing them, she hid some of the credit cards on a shelf in a nearby store, while Aice threw some of the credit cards away in a nearby garbage can. Officers recovered the credit cards and subsequently confirmed that the credit cards were counterfeit access devices.
Nelson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on September 15, 2016. Her codefendant, Nayosha Aice, also of New York City, previously pleaded guilty on June 8, 2016, and is scheduled to be sentenced on the same date.
The St. Albans Police Department and the United States Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Eric Bacaj are in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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Meth mule pleads guilty for role in Los Angeles-to-Charleston drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Los Angeles woman caught transporting a load of crystal methamphetamine from California to West Virginia pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Danielle Dessaray Estrada, 21, entered her guilty plea to interstate travel in furtherance of a drug crime.
Estrada admitted that in March 2016, she picked up approximately five pounds of crystal methamphetamine in California. Estrada also admitted that with the help of some of her codefendants, she repackaged the methamphetamine and concealed the drugs in the back seat of her car. Estrada further admitted that she and one of her codefendants drove from California to West Virginia and they were stopped by officers in South Charleston on March 26, 2016. Law enforcement discovered the drugs during the traffic stop. Estrada additionally admitted that she had previously driven to Charleston in December 2015 to deliver drugs.
Estrada 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 Jenny 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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Greenbrier County man pleads guilty to Federal oxycodone crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Greenbrier County man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Edgar Crislip, 48, of Ronceverte, entered his guilty plea to distribution of oxycodone.
Crislip admitted that on November 30, 2015, he distributed oxycodone pills to a confidential informant in Ronceverte. He further admitted that he sold oxycodone pills on three other occasions.
Crislip faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 5, 2016.
The Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
This case was prosecuted under the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative, part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Huntington heroin dealer pleads guilty to Federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Lamont Walter Haywood, 38, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
Haywood admitted that on January 22, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. The drug deal took place at Star Communications, located on 8th Avenue in Huntington.
Haywood faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 19, 2016.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was 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 pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Former medical practice manager pleads guilty to obtaining prescription opioids by fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nicholas County woman who issued herself prescriptions without authorization from a doctor pleaded guilty today, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Cary Lynn Eades, 47, of Mount Nebo, entered her guilty plea to obtaining the prescription opioid pain medication tramadol by fraud.
On numerous occasions between January 2012 and March 2015, Eades took advantage of her position as a medical practice manager to issue herself prescriptions for tramadol using the names and DEA registration numbers of doctors for whom she worked. Eades filled prescriptions at pharmacies in Nicholas, Fayette, and Kanawha counties. The Central West Virginia Drug Task Force became involved in February 2015 when one of the medical practices reported suspicious prescriptions being issued to Eades.
Eades was indicted in Fayette and Nicholas counties in 2015 on more than 30 felony counts of obtaining a prescription by fraud. Her guilty plea in federal court reflects a consolidation of those charges as well as potential charges in Kanawha County.
Eades faces up to four years in federal prison when she is sentenced on September 26, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This prosecution is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Cross Lanes carjacker pleads guilty to multiple Federal charges following crime spreeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cross Lanes man pleaded guilty today to carjacking and a drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. David Allen Young, 24, entered his guilty plea to two counts of carjacking and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Young admitted that from summer 2014 through January 2016, he was part of a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking network. During that time period, he received at least 40 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from his sources and distributed it to individuals in and around Kanawha County.
Young further admitted that on January 24, 2016, he stole a Ford Expedition in Putnam County and fired a shot at an occupied vehicle in St. Albans. Later that same day, Young approached a Ford Edge SUV on foot near the intersection of Big Tyler Road and Waycross Drive in Cross Lanes. Young pointed a 9 mm handgun at a man occupying the SUV and ordered him to get out of the vehicle. The man complied and Young got into the Ford Edge and drove away. Young drove until he approached a Chevrolet S-10 truck in Cross Lanes occupied by another man and his juvenile son. Young pointed the same handgun at those individuals and ordered them out of the truck. Young then got into the truck and drove to the Dalewood Trailer Park in Cross Lanes. He shot through the glass door of a residence in the trailer park and stole a television, which he intended to trade for drugs. Young was arrested on January 26, 2016.
Young faces up to 50 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 5, 2016. The investigation into the drug conspiracy was handled by the FBI and the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit. The carjackings were investigated by the Kanawha County Sherriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case 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 combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District. This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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St. Albans man sentenced to five years in Federal prison for drug-related gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Albans man caught with fentanyl, marijuana, several pistols, and three assault rifles was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. O’Neil Anthony Peart, 37, previously pleaded guilty to possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking offenses.
On December 4, 2015, drug task force officers executed a search warrant at Peart’s Walnut Street apartment in St. Albans. Among other items, police seized eight firearms, including three “AR”-style assault rifles with high-capacity magazines, approximately 21 grams of fentanyl, approximately 7.5 pounds of marijuana, and more than $5,300 in cash. All but two of the firearms were loaded.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the St. Albans Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime. This case was also brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of illegal drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Two dealers appear in Federal court on drug chargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two men appeared in federal court today on drug charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Adam Christopher Skeens, 45, of Princeton, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for distribution of hydromorphone. Skeens admitted that on February 23, 2015, he distributed hydromorphone pills to a confidential informant in Princeton. He further admitted that he distributed hydromorphone to a confidential informant on two other occasions.
In a separate drug prosecution, Jalil M. Myers, 19, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin. Myers admitted that on November 5, 2015, and on three other occasions, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement authorities. Myers faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 29, 2016.
The Skeens case was investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.
The case against Myers was investigated by the South Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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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Charleston felon pleads guilty to Federal gun crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Timothy Lee Leftenant, 36, entered his guilty plea to illegally possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony.
On December 28, 2015, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call at America’s Best Value Inn in St. Albans and encountered Leftenant after smelling marijuana outside his room. Leftenant ran from the officers when they attempted to pat him down. As he was running, Leftenant threw his hat, which contained heroin and a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. Leftenant was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of previous felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute crack and for carrying a firearm in relation to a drug crime. Additionally, Leftenant was on federal supervised release for the two prior felony convictions at the time he possessed the handgun.
Leftenant faces up to 10 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm, and up to an additional two years in federal prison for the supervised release violation. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 4, 2016.
The investigation was conducted by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
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Multiple defendants appear on Federal drug charges in HuntingtonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Multiple defendants appeared today in federal court in Huntington on drug charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Michael Muncy, 36, of Crum in Wayne County, was sentenced to five years and ten months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. Naomi Messer, 55, also of Crum and the mother of Muncy, was sentenced to five years of probation for aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. Following several controlled purchases of oxycodone from the residence of Muncy and Messer in Crum, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the house on February 21, 2012. Law enforcement seized oxycodone pills and over $1,800 in cash, including pre-recorded buy money from a prior controlled purchase of oxycodone.
In a separate drug prosecution, Jessica Dawn Prince, 30, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin. Prince admitted that on October 19, 2015, she sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place in Prince’s residence at 5400 Altizer Avenue in Huntington. Prince faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on September 12, 2016.
The West Virginia State Police and the Route 119 Drug Task Force conducted the investigation of Muncy and Messer. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecutions of Muncy and Messer. The Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation of Prince. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is responsible for the prosecution of Prince. The 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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Charleston drug dealer sentenced to life in Federal prison for murdering witnessRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man who murdered a witness was sentenced today to life in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marlon Dewayne Dixon, 39, previously pleaded guilty to witness tampering by killing.
At approximately 3:00 a.m. on July 12, 2014, Dixon lured Branda Mae Delight Basham, the murder victim, to a secluded section of railroad track in Charleston near the 700 block of Breece Street. At gunpoint, Dixon forced Basham to admit working with police to make undercover purchases of heroin from him. He then repeatedly shot Basham with a 9 mm pistol, killing her. She was 22 years old. After the murder, Dixon went to a nearby residence on Madison Street where he cleaned himself and disposed of his clothing. The next day, police interviewed a local woman who identified the Madison Street residence where she had seen Dixon shortly before the time of the murder.
Detectives from the Charleston Police Department executed a search warrant at the Madison Street residence. Police seized video from a surveillance camera that recorded Dixon wiping down the front door of the residence and carrying away several bags. Detectives also seized a pair of Dixon’s shoes found at the residence. Basham’s DNA was recovered from bloodstains on the shoes.
On July 17, 2014, Dixon surrendered to Charleston Police. He waived his Miranda rights and confessed to killing Basham. He admitted that he intended to retaliate against Basham for cooperating with law enforcement and to prevent her from testifying against him.
At the time of the murder, Dixon had been previously convicted of several felony offenses. These include federal drug trafficking convictions in 1999 and 2006, and a Kanawha County conviction of malicious wounding in 2007.
“Branda Basham’s murder is a horrible tragedy and a stark reminder of the enormous cost of drug crime. I want the Basham family to know that the prosecutors and law enforcement who took part in this investigation join me in sending our deepest condolences,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “Heroin and opioid trafficking has ravaged our community, which is why aggressively prosecuting violent drug dealers like Marlon Dixon, along with supporting treatment options for recovering addicts, remains a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners. It is also important to note the courage of citizens who came forward to provide crucial information that led to Dixon’s arrest and prosecution. We must all continue working together if we want to effectively fight the drug epidemic.”
This case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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 illegal drugs in our communities, including 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 pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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New York woman pleads guilty to credit card fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A New York City woman pleaded guilty yesterday to credit card fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Nayosha Aice, 25, entered her guilty plea to the felony offense of possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices. A counterfeit access device is a credit card that has been altered to contain stolen account information that is magnetically re-encoded on the credit card.
Aice admitted that she, along with a codefendant, possessed 78 counterfeit access devices. Aice drove from New York City, using these counterfeit credit cards to buy cartons of Newport cigarettes and other merchandise. She was observed at the St. Albans Go-Mart using multiple counterfeit cards on June 25, 2015, and after noticing the suspicious behavior, store employees contacted law enforcement. Once observed by police, Aice attempted to throw the credit cards away in a nearby store. Officers recovered the credit cards and subsequently confirmed that the credit cards were counterfeit access devices.
Aice faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on September 15, 2016. Her codefendant, Sasha Nelson, is scheduled for trial on June 21, 2016. Nelson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The St. Albans Police Department and the United States Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Eric Bacaj are in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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Charleston dealer pleads guilty to Federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Terrance Wilson, 27, entered his guilty plea to distributing crack.
Wilson admitted that on January 25, 2016, he sold crack to a confidential informant working with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place at a local business on Bigley Avenue in Charleston. Wilson further admitted that he also sold crack to a confidential informant on January 26 and 27, 2016.
Wilson faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 14, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This prosecution was brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Two dealers sentenced to Federal prison for drug crimesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Two men were sentenced today for federal drug crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Wilbur Arnold, Jr., 50, of White Sulphur Springs, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In a separate prosecution, Michael Shepard, 23, of Beckley, was sentenced to ten months in federal prison for distribution of heroin.
Arnold admitted that on July 22, 2015, law enforcement authorities seized cocaine from his home that he intended to distribute. Along with the cocaine, Arnold further admitted to the possession of two handguns.
In a separate drug prosecution, Shepard admitted that on January 7, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant cooperating with law enforcement. The drug deal took place on Hartley Avenue in Beckley.
The Arnold case was investigated by the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department and the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation of Shepard. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentences.
These cases were prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities. The United States Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of illegal drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Ohio man pleads guilty to Federal sex crime involving minorsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to a federal sex crime involving minors, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Robert N. Bray, III, 38, of Logan, Ohio, entered his guilty plea to enticing minors to engage in sexual activity.
Bray admitted that in July 2015, he used a computer and cell phone to communicate with an individual he believed to be the mother of a 10-year-old female and a 5-year-old male in Parkersburg. In reality, Bray was communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer. Bray continued communicating with the undercover officer, thinking he was arranging to engage in sexual activity with the minors. Bray arranged a meeting on July 22, 2015, and when he arrived in West Virginia, he was arrested. That same day, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Bray’s Ohio residence and seized a computer containing almost 300 images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Bray faces a federal prison sentence of 10 years, followed by 20 years of supervised release. Bray will also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for September 7, 2016.
This prosecution is the culmination of a comprehensive investigation conducted by the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Parkersburg Police Department, the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, the Hocking County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the FBI.
Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution. 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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Huntington man sentenced to Federal prison for gun crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced today to nine months in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Shane Patrick Masters, 46, previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a domestic violence crime.
On July 2, 2015, Masters traveled to the 26th Street Drinkery, a bar in Huntington. Masters had a handgun in his vehicle when he arrived at the bar where he met and had drinks with two other individuals. Later on in the early morning hours, those two individuals came into possession of the gun and provided it to officers with the Huntington Police Department. Masters was prohibited from possessing any firearm under federal law because of a 2015 domestic battery conviction in Wayne County.
The Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
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Huntington drug dealer pleads guilty to Federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who was caught with heroin pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. James Lennon Pace, 27, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On June 26, 2015, an officer with the Huntington Police Department observed Pace walking along the 1400 block of 10th Avenue in Huntington. Officers had been looking for Pace as a suspect in an unrelated crime. When approached by law enforcement, Pace gave the officer a false name and repeatedly placed his hands in his pockets. Officers detained Pace and discovered approximately 39 grams of heroin in one of Pace’s pockets. Pace admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin.
On September 22, 2015, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 1201 Charleston Avenue in Huntington after observing Pace leave the residence. During the search, agents seized over 360 grams of heroin, some of which was mixed with fentanyl – an opiate painkiller roughly 40 to 50 times more powerful than pure heroin. Agents also seized firearms, over $4,000 in cash, a press used to prepare heroin, and other drug paraphernalia.
Pace faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 6, 2016.
The Huntington Police Department and the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Columbus man pleads guilty to Federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Columbus man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jharel Daivon Kirkland, 27, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
On January 27, 2016, officers with the Huntington Police Department’s Special Emphasis Unit were conducting surveillance at a known drug residence in Huntington when they observed Kirkland enter the residence. Officers learned that the vehicle Kirkland was driving had been stolen in Columbus, and law enforcement conducted a traffic stop when Kirkland left the residence. Kirkland was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle. During a search of Kirkland after his arrest, an officer located approximately 30 grams of heroin. Kirkland admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin.
Kirkland faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 6, 2016.
The Huntington Police Department 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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Two dealers plead guilty to Federal drug crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants pleaded guilty today to federal drug crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jamarrio Dobbs, 35, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin. In a separate drug prosecution, Keri Browning, 28, of Logan, pleaded guilty to distribution of oxycodone.
Jamarrio Dobbs admitted that on three occasions in February and March of 2016, he sold heroin to a confidential informant cooperating with law enforcement. On April 27, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the residence where Dobbs was staying and seized a handgun, over $7,000 in cash, and approximately 48 grams of crack. Dobbs was arrested immediately prior to the search and he informed officers that he had swallowed several bags of heroin. Officers took Dobbs to the hospital for treatment and recovered over two grams of heroin. Dobbs faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 7, 2016.
In a separate prosecution, Keri Browning admitted that on February 4, 2016, she sold oxycodone to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at Browning’s Rossmore Road residence in Logan. Browning faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on August 25, 2016.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation of Dobbs. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution of Dobbs. The plea hearing for Dobbs was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
The investigation of Browning was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is responsible for Browning’s prosecution. Browning’s plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.
These prosecutions are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Greenbrier County heroin dealer pleads guilty to Federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Greenbrier County man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. James Michael Payne, 63, of Frankford, entered his guilty plea to distribution of heroin.
Payne admitted that on August 21, 2015, he distributed six stamps, or packets, of heroin to a confidential informant cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place in the Fairlea area of Greenbrier County. Payne also admitted that he distributed a total of approximately 100 stamps of heroin during August and September of 2015.
Payne faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 31, 2016.
This case was investigated by the Greenbrier County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
This prosecution was brought as part of the Greenbrier Heroin and Pill Initiative, an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Former McDowell County Assistant Prosecutor sentenced to prison for Federal tax crimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A former McDowell County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney was sentenced today to a year and a half in federal prison for his conduct related to a federal tax crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jason Ray Grubb, 38, of Beaver, previously pleaded guilty for failing to collect, account for, and pay employment taxes.
Grubb admitted that while working as a lawyer in private practice he withheld payroll taxes from the paychecks of an employee. Instead of withholding and paying those taxes as required under federal law, he kept the money and did not pay the Internal Revenue Service. Grubb also admitted that he failed to pay personal income taxes for a number of years, and that he falsified vouchers sent to West Virginia Public Defender Services, including 51 days on which he billed for over 24 hours of work.
The Court further required Grubb to pay restitution for his failure to pay over $247,000 in federal taxes, overbilling Public Defender Services more than $126,000, and not paying a financing company, Daniels Capital Corporation, for more than $27,000 in advances.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation division and the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith George Thomas and Eric Bacaj handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
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Alabama drug dealer sentenced to Federal prison for firearms offenseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Alabama man who possessed marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and firearms at his residence on Charleston’s West Side was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Michael Anthony Williams, 32, previously pleaded guilty in September 2015.
On March 7, 2014, drug task force officers executed a search warrant at the residence of Williams and Atesha Smith, located on 4th Avenue in Charleston. Among other items, police seized 10 firearms, including pistols, assault rifles, and a sawed-off shotgun; more than 500 grams of 97% pure methamphetamine; a large quantity of marijuana and oxycodone; over $73,000 in cash; and scales, packaging materials, and a money counter. Smith’s mobile telephone contained a text message with a U.S. Postal Service tracking number assigned to a package to be delivered to the address. A U.S. Postal Inspector intercepted the package and searched it on March 11, 2014. Among other items, the package contained over 500 grams of cocaine. Smith pleaded guilty in September to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6, 2016.
The case was investigated by the United Postal Inspection Service and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., 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 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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Former Charleston man pleads guilty to failing to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A former Charleston resident faces up to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty today to failing to register as a sex offender, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. James Roy Arthur, 45, entered his guilty plea before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
Arthur was convicted in 1996 in Kanawha County Circuit Court of Second Degree Sexual Assault. As a result of this conviction, Arthur was required to register as a sex offender. Around January 1, 2016, Arthur moved to Fort Gay in Wayne County, and did not register as a sex offender, despite knowing it was required by law. Arthur continued to reside in Wayne County until his arrest on January 31, 2016. Arthur’s sentencing is scheduled for August 29, 2016.
The United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being brought as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
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Two pill dealers sentenced to Federal prison for drug crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two men were sentenced today to federal prison for oxycodone crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Kenneth Edward Campbell, 48, of Charleston, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. In a separate drug prosecution, Jonathan Belcher, 37, of Logan, was sentenced to six years in federal prison for distributing oxycodone.
On August 23, 2013, the United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted a package containing oxycodone that had been sent from Detroit to Charleston. An undercover officer posing as a mail carrier delivered the package and confronted the man who accepted delivery. That man told police that Campbell had offered to give him oxycodone if he would allow the drug parcel to be delivered to his residence. Officers used the man to conduct a controlled delivery of the package to Campbell at his place of employment on the West Side of Charleston. Campbell was arrested upon taking possession of the package.
In a separate prosecution, Jonathan Belcher admitted that in August 2014, he sold oxycodone pills to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at Belcher's residence.
The case against Campbell was investigated by the United Postal Inspection Service and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of Campbell's prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed Campbell's sentence.
The U.S. 119 Drug Task Force investigated the Belcher case. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail handled the prosecution of Belcher. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed Belcher's sentence.
These prosecutions are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Detroit heroin dealer pleads guilty to Federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit drug dealer pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jason Matthew Brown, 35, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Brown admitted that on January 24, 2015, he was traveling with Justin Randolph from Detroit to Charleston with approximately 100 grams of heroin that Brown and Randolph intended to sell. The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department stopped the vehicle and located the heroin, which was hidden in a spare tire in the trunk and wrapped in black tape. Brown further admitted that he had been responsible for bringing up to 1000 grams of heroin from Detroit for distribution in the Rand area of Kanawha County.
Brown faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 31, 2016. Justin Randolph, of Rand, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin and faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 22, 2016.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
This case is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Parkersburg man pleads guilty to attempted production and possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to federal child pornography crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jeremy L. Kelley, 39, entered his guilty plea in federal court in Charleston to attempted production of child pornography videos and images and possession of child pornography.
Kelley admitted that on September 6, 2014, he intentionally placed a Motorola cellphone in a vent located above a shower in a bathroom. Kelley further admitted that he placed the cellphone in the vent so that he could secretly record a minor in the shower. Law enforcement located a removable media device at Kelley’s Parkersburg residence in November 2015, and an analysis of that device revealed over 600 images of child pornography. More than 600 images of child pornography were also located on a Nexus cellphone and a computer used by Kelley at his place of employment in Pleasants County, located in the Northern District of West Virginia. Kelley also admitted to sharing some of the child pornography over the Internet. Kelley’s prosecution was the result of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working together in both the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia.
“This joint investigation demonstrates the commitment across law enforcement to bringing a child predator to justice,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “Without this collaboration, this successful prosecution would not be possible.”
Kelley faces a mandatory prison sentence of 15 years and a maximum fine of $500,000 when he is sentenced on August 25, 2016. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Kelley agreed to pay restitution to the victims and register as a sex offender. Following his release from prison, Kelley will be placed on supervised release for 30 years.
The investigation was conducted by DHS Homeland Security Investigations, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa G. Johnston and Sarah W. Montoro are in charge of the prosecution. 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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Lincoln County man sentenced to over 11 years in Federal prison for trafficking pain pills from Florida to West VirginiaRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Lincoln County man was sentenced to 11 years and seven months in federal prison for trafficking pain pills, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. William Harrison Meade, 46, of Branchland, previously pleaded guilty in September 2015 to conspiring to distribute oxycodone.
Meade admitted that in 2010 and 2011, he conspired with individuals in Florida and Lincoln County to distribute oxycodone. Meade also admitted that he laundered the proceeds of the drug sales through a West Virginia bank account for withdrawal in Florida in an effort to conceal the source of the cash and the pills.
Lester Taylor, of Daytona Beach, Florida, was one of Meade’s associates in the drug operation. Taylor acquired oxycodone pills in Florida and used various methods to transport the drugs to West Virginia for distribution by Meade. Taylor sent 15 priority overnight packages containing oxycodone pills to Meade at his home in Branchland. Law enforcement intercepted the last package on January 8, 2011, which contained 1,000 oxycodone pills. After Meade sold the oxycodone pills, he deposited the drug proceeds into bank accounts in Barboursville and Huntington. Following the deposits in West Virginia banks, Taylor and others withdrew the money in Florida. Meade deposited $149,500 in drug proceeds into Taylor’s Fifth Third Bank account at the Huntington branch.
Taylor admitted to obtaining prescriptions for oxycodone and hydromorphone from physicians in Florida and then having the prescriptions filled at pharmacies in West Virginia. The pharmacy primarily used for this unlawful activity, A+ Care Pharmacy, formerly located in Barboursville, has since been prosecuted in federal court by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, and is no longer in business.
In November 2015, Taylor was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and a $10,000 fine for his role in the pain pill distribution and money laundering conspiracy.
The West Virginia State Police, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation division, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed Meade’s sentence.
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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Detroit pill dealer sentenced to four years in prison for Federal drug crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit drug dealer was sentenced to four years in federal prison for selling pain pills, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Derrick Bernard Pritchett, 32, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of oxycodone and alprazolam.
On August 10, 2015, a confidential informant working with the DEA Task Force contacted Pritchett to arrange a drug deal. Pritchett admitted that he met the informant on the 1200 block of Jackson Avenue in Huntington and sold the informant nine 30 mg oxycodone pills and one 2 mg alprazolam pill.
The investigation of Pritchett was conducted by the DEA Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This case is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Three dealers sentenced to Federal prison for drug crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three men were sentenced today to federal prison for drug crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Terrance Dewayne Hayes, 30, of Welch, was sentenced to a year and four months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Hayes previously pleaded guilty in February 2016, admitting that he distributed heroin to a confidential informant in Havaco in McDowell County on June 15, 2015.
Keith Joseph Alfred, 43, of Princeton, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison for distribution of hydromorphone. Alfred pled guilty in January 2016, admitting that he distributed hydromorphone pills to a confidential informant in Bluewell in Mercer County on October 22, 2013.
Stephen Wayne Steele, 42, of Bluefield, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for distribution of hydromorphone. Steele previously pleaded guilty in February 2016. He admitted that on April 7, 2015, he distributed hydromorphone pills to a confidential informant in Green Valley in Mercer County.
All of the defendants were sentenced to three years of supervised release to be completed after their prison terms.
These cases were investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecutions. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentences.
These cases were brought as part of the Bluefield Pill Initiative, an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Rand drug dealer sentenced to eight years in Federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Rand heroin dealer was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison for a drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Marcus Manchion, 27, previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin.
Manchion admitted that on March 3, 2015, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. The drug deal took place on the 5000 block of Church Drive in Rand. Manchion also admitted to selling heroin to a confidential informant on three other occasions in March 2015. On April 16, 2015, officers executed a search warrant on Manchion’s house in Rand and recovered over 80 grams of heroin and a Glock Model 37 pistol.
The investigation was conducted by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Two defendants appear in Federal court on drug chargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two defendants appeared in federal court today on drug charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Sarah Elizabeth Myers, 28, of South Charleston was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in federal prison and fined $5,000 for possession with intent to distribute heroin. In a separate drug prosecution, Daniel Branden O’Dell, 35, of Winston, Georgia, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Myers previously pleaded guilty and admitted that on May 15, 2015, she traveled to Columbus to pick up a supply of heroin. When she returned to West Virginia, law enforcement stopped her for speeding. During the stop, officers found over 100 grams of heroin hidden in the rear passenger side door panel. Myers admitted it was her intent to distribute the heroin in the Charleston area.
On October 30, 2015, in a separate drug prosecution, members of the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department and the Summersville Police Department arrested O’Dell at a hotel in Summersville as part of a stolen vehicle investigation. Upon searching the room, police found methamphetamine and a loaded .45 caliber pistol that had been reported as stolen. O’Dell admitted driving from Georgia to Pennsylvania, where he intended to sell the methamphetamine. He further admitted purchasing the stolen firearm in Georgia. O’Dell has a lengthy criminal record that includes three felony drug convictions. Pursuant to the plea agreement, O’Dell faces between 30 and 46 months when he is sentenced on August 11, 2016.
The Myers case was investigated by the South Charleston Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for the prosecution of Myers. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
The Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department and the Summersville Police Department investigated the O’Dell case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the O’Dell prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
The O’Dell case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
Both cases were brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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Huntington drug dealer pleads guilty to Federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Jeremiah Eugene Caldwell, 32, entered his guilty plea 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 execution of the search warrant, law enforcement found Caldwell at his residence and arrested him. Caldwell admitted that he possessed the heroin and the firearms seized in the search. He further admitted that he had been distributing heroin for approximately six months.
Caldwell faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 8, 2016.
The Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
This prosecution 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 drug dealer pleads guilty to Federal methamphetamine crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal methamphetamine charge, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Terrus Carter, 36, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Carter admitted that from December 2015 to March 2016, he conspired with Alisha Watts to distribute methamphetamine from their residence at 7270 Stonebrook Road in Charleston. Carter further admitted that he would bring methamphetamine and marijuana to the residence to store, repackage, and distribute the drugs. Watts permitted this criminal activity in exchange for Carter paying the rent and all of the bills at the residence.
On March 18, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Stonebrook residence and seized a loaded handgun, over 620 grams of methamphetamine, over 120 pounds of marijuana, and over $34,000 in cash. On March 20, 2016, officers executed another search warrant at 111 1st Avenue in St. Albans. During the execution of the search warrant, Carter attempted to flee out of the back door and was quickly detained by law enforcement. Officers discovered over $45,000 in cash at the St. Albans residence. As part of his plea agreement, Carter agreed to forfeit the St. Albans residence and the cash seized by law enforcement.
Carter faces a minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 18, 2016. Watts previously pleaded guilty in April 2016 to maintaining a drug-involved premises. Watts faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on August 17, 2016.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution. The hearing was held before United States District John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
These cases were brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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U.S. Attorney's Office and DEA announce Prescription Drug Take-Back results for West VirginiaRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration announced today that over 5,800 pounds of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription drugs were collected throughout West Virginia as part of the most recent National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. As a result of the April 30th Take-Back event, participating law enforcement agencies in West Virginia took in a total of 5,876 pounds from citizens and households around the state.
“Prescription drug abuse is an issue that touches all West Virginians,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “DEA’s Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events continue to be successful here because all of us want to take an active role in preventing drug abuse. Removing unused prescription medication from the home and properly disposing of it helps keep our communities safer.”
“This event works because of the strong partnerships between DEA and federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said DEA Resident Agent in Charge Suzan Williamson. “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day allows us to work together to cut off a significant source of the drug supply. We will continue fighting drug abuse by providing a safe place for West Virginians to get rid of their unused prescription medication.”
As part of DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day held in April, there were over 100 collection sites throughout West Virginia for the disposal of unused, unwanted, and expired prescription medication.
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Virginia man pleads guilty to defrauding the Greenbrier through cancer schemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Virginia man pleaded guilty today to defrauding The Greenbrier, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Carmelo “Carmine” Carrozza, 57, of Charlottesville, Virginia, entered his guilty plea to wire fraud.
In the spring of 2013, Carrozza began working at the resort as the Director of Fine Dining. Carrozza admitted that in June 2013, he told senior management that he had cancer. However, as he admitted, Carrozza did not have cancer. Carrozza then left the resort, purportedly to receive cancer treatment, and kept collecting his salary. He continued to receive a salary during his purported cancer diagnosis and treatments from June through mid-December 2013. During this period, Carrozza informed employees of the resort about the supposed cancer prognosis and treatments.
Carrozza admitted that instead of spending time getting cancer treatment, he obtained a position with the University of Virginia Darden School Foundation beginning in August 2013. Carrozza also admitted that he fraudulently received over $48,000 from the resort during the course of his cancer scheme, and he has agreed to pay restitution to The Greenbrier.
Carrozza faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 17, 2016.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge the prosecution. The defendant appeared before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
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U.S. Attorney's Office announces collection sites for DEA's National Prescription Drug Take-Back DayRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia announced today the location of collection sites for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The event provides safe venues for West Virginians to responsibly dispose of prescription drugs. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is on Saturday, April 30, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. West Virginians will have the option of visiting several conveniently located sites that are equipped to properly dispose of prescription medication.
Collection site locations can be found at http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html. This website can locate a nearby collection site and is searchable by zip code, county, city, and state. West Virginians have the option of visiting over 100 sites throughout the state to dispose of prescription drugs.
“We all know that drug abuse is one of the most significant issues facing our state,” said Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. “One way that we can do our part is to properly dispose of potentially dangerous prescription medication. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is an ideal time for West Virginians to get rid of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription drugs.”
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Detroit drug dealer sentenced to Federal prison for heroin crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit heroin dealer was sentenced today to four years and nine months in federal prison for a drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Robert James Bellamy, 32, previously pleaded guilty in December 2015 to distribution of heroin.
On October 22, 2014, officers with the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit used a confidential informant to purchase heroin from Bellamy in the Kanawha City area of Charleston. On three additional occasions, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of heroin either directly from Bellamy or from an associate working at his direction. Bellamy admitted that from January through December 2014, he distributed at least 400 grams of heroin in and around Kanawha County.
Bellamy’s co-defendant, Andre Perryman, another Detroit drug dealer, was sentenced in January 2016 to a year and a day for aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin.
The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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New York man pleads guilty to Federal heroin crimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A New York man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Nicholas Thomas Novak, 32, of Brentwood, New York, entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Novak admitted that on September 22, 2015, he possessed about 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.
Novak faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 17, 2016.
The investigation was conducted by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
This case was prosecuted under the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative, part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Charleston heroin and crack dealer sentenced to Federal prison for drug crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to a year and a half in prison for a federal drug crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Donovan Hardison, 26, previously pleaded guilty in January 2016 to possession with intent to distribute heroin and crack.
Hardison admitted that on May 8, 2015, when he was arrested by agents of the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit, he had heroin and crack that he intended to sell concealed in his sock. Hardison also admitted that on several occasions in 2014 and 2015, he sold heroin and crack in the Charleston area to confidential informants working with the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Hardison further admitted that he stored heroin, crack, and firearms in his residence on 2nd Avenue in Charleston.
The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat 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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Beckley doctor sentenced to eight years in prison for Federal drug crime and health care fraudRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. - Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto announced today that Jose Jorge Abbud Gordinho, M.D., of Beckley, was sentenced to eight years in prison, a $15,000 fine, and ordered to pay over $48,000 in restitution to Medicare and Medicaid for a federal drug crime and health care fraud. Dr. Gordinho previously pleaded guilty in January 2016 to illegally prescribing the pain medication hydrocodone and defrauding Medicare and Medicaid by submitting materially false claims for services that were not medically necessary.
Dr. Gordinho admitted that he routinely prescribed pain pills for illegitimate purposes and in a manner that was outside the bounds of medical practice. Dr. Gordinho further admitted that he defrauded Medicare and Medicaid when he sought and received payment for office visits, services, and prescriptions related to his illegal prescribing practices.
Additionally, as part of the plea agreement, Dr. Gordinho will permanently surrender his DEA Certificate of Registration, ensuring that he will no longer be permitted to prescribe controlled substances.
This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
This case is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Lewis County man sentenced to five years in Federal prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Lewis County man was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for a child pornography crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Derrick Young, 33, of Weston, previously pleaded guilty in February 2016 to possessing images and videos of child pornography.
Young admitted that on May 21, 2014, he possessed images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. Young possessed over 3,000 images and over 700 videos containing child pornography. The images and videos were contained on his computer and personal cell phone at his former residence located in Nallen in Nicholas County. The computer and cell phones on which Young stored the child pornography were ordered to be destroyed.
Young’s sentence was further enhanced because he traded the images with others to increase his supply of child pornography. He is also required to register as a sex offender for life.
The Department of Homeland Security and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.
This case is being brought 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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Greenbrier County man pleads guilty to Federal crime involving oxycodoneRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Greenbrier County man pleaded guilty today to a federal crime involving the distribution of oxycodone, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Ronald Ray McMillion, 63, of Renick, entered his guilty plea 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 both before and after that trip.
McMillion faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 17, 2016.
The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
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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Chicago woman pleads guilty to credit card fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Chicago woman pleaded guilty today to credit card fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Wynesha Wilson-Robinson, 27, entered her guilty plea to possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices.
Wilson-Robinson admitted that she, along with three codefendants, possessed over 100 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 drove from Chicago to attempt to use these credit cards. On June 5, 2015, she was observed at the South Charleston Target and Walmart attempting to use the counterfeit cards and was arrested by law enforcement.
Wilson-Robinson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on August 11, 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 codefendants, Christine Johnson, Crystal Merritt, and Stephanie Stevenson, are all charged with the same credit card fraud and are currently scheduled for trial on May 17, 2016. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Atlanta man pleads guilty to role in mail theft and check counterfeiting conspiracyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – An Atlanta man pleaded guilty today to his role in a mail theft and counterfeit check cashing conspiracy, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. DeAndre Smith, 22, entered his guilty plea 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 business establishments and stole checks out of mailboxes. Smith and his co-conspirators then used the information from the stolen checks to make counterfeit checks for cashing at local banks.
Smith faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 10, 2016. Smith also agreed to pay almost $17,000 in restitution.
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. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
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Two women sentenced to Federal prison for heroin crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two women were sentenced to prison today for federal heroin crimes, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto. Charon Chere Harris, 36, of Huntington, was sentenced to a year and three months in federal prison for maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing heroin. In a separate prosecution, Kaleigh Horn, 25, of Chillicothe, Ohio, was sentenced to three years and two months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin.
From May to June 2015, Harris leased an apartment located at 2736 Rear 4th Avenue in Huntington. The terms of the lease provided that Harris would be the tenant of the apartment for a year beginning in May 2015. However, Harris never resided in the apartment and actually leased it for the purpose of allowing Eddie William Randall, of Detroit, to reside there and distribute heroin that was transported from Detroit to the Huntington area.
On June 25, 2015, officers with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the apartment. During the search, officers seized approximately 40 grams of heroin, drug paraphernalia, a loaded 9mm pistol, and $13,030 in cash. During the search of another residence in Huntington on 25th Street, also identified through the investigation, officers seized approximately 280 grams of heroin and a loaded .45 caliber pistol. Randall admitted that he possessed the heroin from both residences for distribution and that he possessed the guns in an effort to protect himself from theft or robbery of heroin or cash. Randall was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on April 11, 2016, after previously pleading guilty to drug and firearms charges.
In a separate heroin prosecution, Kaleigh Horn admitted that in 2014, she conspired with others to distribute heroin in the Mason County area. Horn further admitted to transporting heroin from Detroit to Gallipolis, Ohio, and to Point Pleasant, where it was sold for $200 per gram by Horn and others involved in the conspiracy. Finally, Horn admitted that the group had been responsible for distributing up to 1000 grams of heroin over the course of the conspiracy.
The investigation of Harris was conducted by the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, the Huntington Police Department, and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution of Harris. The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the DEA, the West Virginia State Police, and the Gallia County Sheriff’s Department in Ohio conducted the investigation of Horn. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is responsible for the prosecution of Horn. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.
These cases were brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Multiple defendants appear in Federal court on drug chargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Multiple defendants appeared in federal court today on drug charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Carol Casto.
Kevin Brown, 32, of Huber Heights, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to possession of heroin with intent to distribute. 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. Brown faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 1, 2016.
Alisha Watts, 36, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to maintaining a drug-involved premises. On March 18, 2015, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team executed a search warrant at 1210 Stonebrook Road in Charleston. Upon entering the residence, officers found Watts asleep in the bedroom. Watts admitted to being the occupant of the residence. Beside the bed, officers found a loaded handgun, over 600 grams of suspected methamphetamine in the kitchen cabinets, and over 100 pounds of suspected marijuana packaged in one-pound blocks throughout the residence. Additionally, officers located approximately $34,000 cash. Watts admitted that the drugs were being stored at her residence and were intended for distribution by another individual. Watts faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on August 17, 2016.
Lawrence Watson, 22, of Detroit, was sentenced to credit for time served for distribution of heroin. Watson previously pleaded guilty in January 2016 and admitted that on June 12, 2014, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug deal took place at a residence on Elaine Drive in Rand. After the drug deal, officers executed a search warrant on the residence and found Watson in the house. During the search, officers discovered additional heroin and recovered the money used in the controlled drug purchase from Watson’s pocket.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigations of Brown, Watts, and Watson.
Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for the prosecution of Brown. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over Brown’s plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution of Watts. The plea hearing for Watts was held before United States District John T. Copenhaver, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is in charge of the prosecution of Watson. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed Watson’s sentence.
These cases were brought as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat illegal drugs in our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of heroin and other drugs in communities across the Southern District.
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