Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Detroit man sentenced for federal heroin distributionRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – Dennis Pinckney, 23, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston to seven months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Pinckney previously pled guilty in May of 2015 admitting that he had travelled with two other males from Detroit in June of 2014 to a residence in Rand, West Virginia with heroin that they intended to sell. During execution of a search warrant by agents of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) at the Rand home, heroin was seized along with money that had been used by law enforcement to make undercover buys of heroin. Pinckney, who was in the house when agents arrived, was arrested. He admitted his involvement in transporting the heroin and serving as a “lookout” during drug deals.
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 heroin and prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal heroin and pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Charleston woman sentenced to more than three years for pill distribution conspiracyRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Bridgette Kelly, 23, of Charleston, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for her role in an oxymorphone distribution conspiracy. Beginning in November of 2013 and continuing until January 30, 2014, Kelly conspired with Gregory Lindsey of Detroit, Michigan to distribute oxymorphone pills, commonly known as “Opana”, from a residence at 21A Bailes Drive in Nitro, West Virginia. Lindsey made bi-weekly trips to and from Detroit and brought approximately 100 Opana pills each time for distribution by Kelly and others. Kelly also made trips with Lindsey to Detroit to obtain Opana pills for distribution. On January 30, 2014, officers executed a search warrant at the Bailes Drive residence and located a bag containing 23 30 mg oxymorphone pills, 34 40 mg oxymorphone pills, and a firearm in Lindsey’s possession.
Today’s sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers.
Lindsey previously plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute oxymorphone and was sentenced to 57 months imprisonment.
The home owner, Jenifer Russell, has entered a guilty plea to maintaining a residence for the purpose of distribution and faces up to 20 years imprisonment when she is sentenced on December 7, 2015.
Karson Williams entered a guilty plea to aiding and abetting the distribution of oxymorphone relating to a controlled buy from the Bailes Drive residence in January of 2014. Williams is also schedule to be sentenced on December 7, 2015.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT). The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman.
US Attorneys Goodwin and Ihlenfeld announce almost $3 million in grants to State of WV to address backlog of untested sexual assault kitsRead the Press Release
Part of $79 Million Grant Initiative to Address National Backlog Announced Today by Vice President Biden, Attorney General Lynch and N.Y. County District Attorney
Charleston, WV – United States Attorneys Booth Goodwin (Southern District of West Virginia) and William J. Ihlenfeld, II (Northern District of West Virginia) announced today almost $3 million in grants to the State of West Virginia designed to reduce the backlog of untested sexual assault kits in West Virginia. The State of West Virginia grants include a $1,170,800 grant to the West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services and a $1,763,281 grant to the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory. The grants are part of $79 million in grant awards to 43 jurisdictions in 27 states to eliminate or reduce the number of untested sexual assault kits across the country. The grant initiative was announced earlier today in New York by Vice President Joe Biden, Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and New York County District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr.
Below is the Department of Justice Press Release regarding the national announcement and attached are documents reflecting the State of West Virginia awards.
Vice President Biden and Attorney General Lynch announce $41 million grant to address national backlog of untested sexual assault kitsCombined Total of $79 Million through Partnership with New York County DA’s Office
NEW YORK, NY – Vice President Joe Biden and Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch today announced $41 million in grant awards to 20 jurisdictions to eliminate or reduce the number of untested sexual assault kits across the country. Today’s announcement is being announced as part of an unprecedented partnership with the New York County District Attorney’s Office (DANY) – whose own grant program is contributing $38 million to the cause for a total of $79 million to eliminate the backlog reaching 43 jurisdictions in 27 states across the country.
“Rape kits are an essential tool in modern crime fighting — not only for the victim, but, for the entire community. Studies show we solve up to 50 percent of previously unsolved rapes when these kits are tested. When we solve these cases, we get rapists off the streets. For most survivors, seeing their rapists brought to justice, and knowing that they will not return, brings peace of mind and a sense of closure. The grants we’re announcing today to reduce the national rape kit backlog will bring that sense of closure and safety to victims while improving community safety,” Vice President Biden said.
“The groundbreaking initiative we are announcing today is part of the Justice Department’s longstanding efforts to support survivors of sexual violence and to bring abusers to justice,” said Attorney General Loretta Lynch. “For anyone who has felt isolated and afraid, left out and left behind as a result of a sexual crime, our message is clear: we will not forget you. We will not abandon you. You are not alone.”
The National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, a competitive grant program administered by the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), supports the comprehensive reform of jurisdictions’ approaches to evidence found in sexual assault kits that have never been submitted to a crime laboratory for testing. BJA created the initiative in consultation with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), Office for Victims of Crime, (OVC), and Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). The goals of the initiative are to create a coordinated community response that ensures just resolution to these cases whenever possible through a victim-centered approach, as well as to build jurisdictions’ capacity to prevent conditions that lead to high numbers of untested kits. The funding awarded through DANY’s program will pay directly for testing kits, and the combined effort between BJA and DANY is projected to achieve testing of approximately 70,000 sexual assault kits. BJA and DANY partnered to reach as many jurisdictions as possible and also to identify jurisdictions where funding could be combined to adequately address kit backlogs.
The initiative is part of the Justice Department’s larger ongoing effort to comprehensively address the problem of sexual assault and to support victims. For example, NIJ maintains a webpage on Sexual Assault Investigations, Sexual Assault Kits: Using Science to Find Solutions, which provides information ranging from improving forensic sexual assault examinations to research findings on untested evidence in sexual assault cases. OVC provides a Sexual Assault Response Team Toolkit, which has over 1.4 million views to date and includes a checklist of recommendations for victim-centered policies and practices in developing a sexual assault response. OVW updated the National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations and released a companion document on Recommendations for Administrators of Prisons, Jails, and Community Confinement Facilities for Adapting the U.S. Department of Justice's National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations, Adults/Adolescents.
Since 2008, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has provided more than $825 million for DNA analysis in crime laboratories and for activities such as research dedicated to strengthening the accuracy and reliability of forensic science.
A complete listing of today’s federal award recipients can be found at www.bja.gov/SAKI
A complete listing of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Initiative awards can be found here.
Manhattan DA Grant Recipients (96.24 KB)
OJP to WVDJCS (67.66 KB)
Nitro woman pleads guilty to defrauding social securityRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Linda Alford of Nitro West Virginia, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston admitting she had defrauded the Social Security Administration, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Alford, 65, faces ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release when she is sentenced on December 21, 2015. As part of her plea, Alford agreed to pay more than $130,000 in restitution.
Alford was receiving survivor benefits from the Social Security Administration after her spouse died in 1990. In 1997, Alford remarried, which made her ineligible for the benefits. Alford did not report her change in marital status to the Social Security Administration and continued to receive the survivors benefits to which she was no longer entitled. From 1997 to 2013, Alford withdrew more than $130,000 in benefit payments and spent the money knowing that she was not entitled to it.
The United States Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for the prosecution.
Kentucky woman pleads guilty to federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Kentucky woman caught with a large quantity of pills during a traffic stop in Huntington in 2014 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Karen Sue Fields, 45, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Huntington to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and alprazolam.
On July 6, 2014, an officer with the Huntington Police Department was flagged down by a motorist on 5th Street Road in Huntington. The motorist alerted the officer to another vehicle driving erratically on 5th Street. The officer located the vehicle, which was operated by Fields, and conducted a traffic stop after Fields made several abrupt turns in an attempt to evade the officer. The officer then observed multiple bags of pills in the floorboard of Fields’ vehicle. After conducting a search, the officer located 819 30mg oxycodone tablets and in excess of 50 2mg alprazolam tablets. Fields admitted that she had traveled from Kentucky and had purchased the pills for $17,500. Fields also admitted that she taking the pills back to Kentucky to be delivered to another.
Fields faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14, 2015.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Convicted felon pleads guilty to drug distribution and possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that James Miller Johnson, III, 27, of Parkersburg, West Virginia pleaded guilty to a federal drug charge and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Johnson admitted that on August 14, 2014, he sold cocaine base and heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. The drug sale took place in Parkersburg. When Johnson was arrested on the drug charge on November 19, 2014, he had a gun. Johnson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior felony drug conviction in 2009 from Ohio. Under federal law, a convicted felon is prohibited from possessing any firearm.
Johnson faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1,250,000 fine when sentenced on December 9, 2015.
The Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force and Vienna Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Detroit man sentenced to federal prison for leading Huntington heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who led a heroin conspiracy that funneled substantial amounts of heroin into the Huntington area between 2012 and 2014 was sentenced today to 11 years and six months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Christopher Jermaine Taylor, 30, previously pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington in February of 2015 to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
Taylor admitted that between the summer of 2012 to February of 2014, he conspired with others to distribute heroin in the Huntington area. During the conspiracy, shipments of heroin were frequently delivered from Michigan to Huntington at Taylor’s direction. Taylor and his co-conspirators then utilized multiple residences in Huntington as locations from which they prepared, stored and distributed heroin.
At Taylor’s sentencing hearing, the Court imposed enhanced penalties based on Taylor’s leadership role in the conspiracy, his maintenance of a dwelling for the purpose of distributing heroin, and his possession of a firearm during the conspiracy. The Court also found that the organization was responsible for the distribution of over 2 kilograms of heroin in the Huntington area.
Others convicted for their roles in the conspiracy include Bryant Donavan Taylor of Detroit who received 78 months in federal prison, Kenneth D. Bowden of Detroit who received 97 months in federal prison, Robert Lamar Payne of Detroit who received 87 months in federal prison, Derrick Wayne Goodwin of Detroit who received 74 months in federal prison, and Lakeisha Sherrell Williams of Detroit who received 37 months in federal prison. Darius Jerome Perry of Detroit is scheduled to be sentenced on September 28, 2015.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
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.
Detroit man pleads guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute heroinRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who participated in a heroin distribution conspiracy between 2013 and 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Sean L. Gist, 21, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Huntington to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.
From at least December of 2013 to January of 2015, Gist participated in a conspiracy that transported heroin from Detroit to Huntington for distribution. Once in Huntington, Gist provided heroin to others for distribution from multiple residences in Huntington. Gist also distributed heroin himself and arranged the sale of heroin to a confidential informant on January 28, 2015. Gist admitted during the plea hearing that he possessed a firearm in connection with the conspiracy.
Multiple others have been convicted for their respective roles in the conspiracy including Paul A. Roberts, who pleaded guilty to maintaining a residence for the distribution of heroin in March 2015, Ramone L. Wells, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin in June 2015, Pricilla Lee Dylan, who pleaded guilty to maintaining a residence for the distribution of heroin in August 2015, Dustin S. Barton, who pleaded guilty to distributing heroin in August 2015, Kenneth E. Baxter, who pleaded guilty to distributing heroin in August 2015, and Coty S. Richardson, who pleaded guilty to attempting to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin in August 2015,
Gist faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14, 2015.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, United States Postal Service, West Virginia State Police and Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Branchland man pleads guilty to trafficking drugs from Florida to West VirginiaRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that William Harrison Meade, 47, of Branchland, West Virginia, plead guilty in federal court in Charleston today to conspiring to distribute oxycodone. During his plea hearing, Meade admitted that from January of 2010 through January 11, 2011, he conspired with individuals in Florida and Lincoln County, West Virginia, to distribute oxycodone, also known as “Roxycodone.” Meade also admitted that he laundered the proceeds of the drug sales through a bank account controlled by his associate in West Virginia for withdrawal in Florida in an effort to conceal the source of the cash, the source of the pills, and the location of the drug proceeds.
Meade admitted that beginning in January of 2010 and continuing until January of 2011, Lester Taylor acquired oxycodone pills in Florida and used various methods, including shipment via common carrier and personal trips to West Virginia to deliver the oxycodone pills to Lincoln County for distribution by Meade. After Meade sold the oxycodone pills, he deposited the drug proceeds into bank accounts in Barboursville and Huntington. Following the deposits in West Virginia, Taylor or others acting on his behalf withdrew the money in Florida.
From May 17, 2010 through January 8, 2011, 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 1000 30 mg oxycodone pills.
From October 13, 2010 through December 3, 2010, Meade deposited $149,500.00 in drug proceeds into Taylor’s Fifth Third Bank account at the Huntington, West Virginia branch.
Meade faces up to 20 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on January 20, 2016.
Lester Taylor previously entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and conspiracy to money launder and faces up to 40 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on October 19, 2015.
The West Virginia State Police, the IRS-CID, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team were in charge of the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution.
These cases were prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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.
Logan man sentenced in federal court for lying in attempt to retrieve pawned gunsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Brian Keith Conley, 42, of Logan, was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston for making a false statement in connection with an attempt to acquire firearms. Conley was sentenced to serve one month in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release, seven months of which will be spent on home confinement.
Conley previously pleaded guilty and admitted that on October 29, 2014 when trying to retrieve guns he had pawned at a local pawn shop, he completed a required federal form on which he denied that he had ever been convicted of domestic violence. Conley knew, however, that he had been previously convicted of domestic battery in Logan County Magistrate Court of domestic battery. Conley was unable to retrieve the guns from the pawn shop, and law enforcement was alerted to Conley’s unlawful possession of firearms and his attempt to retrieve them from the pawn shop.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney C. Haley Bunn handled the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
Charleston heroin and meth dealer enters federal guilty pleaRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Brian Keith Dunnigan, 46, of Charleston, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to possession with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of methamphetamine.
On April 8, 2015, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted a knock and talk at a residence where Dunnigan was staying. Officers recovered over 100 grams of methamphetamine, over 50 grams of heroin, and cash from the residence. Dunnigan admitted that the drugs and cash were his and stated that for approximately two months he had been receiving heroin and methamphetamine from a source in Ohio and distributing it in Kanawha County.
Dunnigan also admitted that on May 6, 2015, he was present in a house in Charleston where Charleston Police Department officers were executing a search warrant. On that day, Dunnigan had a loaded .38 caliber hand gun. Dunnigan was prohibited from possessing any firearm because he had previously been convicted of two felonies and had not had his rights to possess a firearm restored.
Dunnigan faces up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 8, 2015.
The investigation was conducted by MDENT, the Charleston Police Department, and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is handling the prosecution.
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. 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.
Two plead guilty to federal oxymorphone chargesRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Karson Williams, 21, of Charleston, entered a guilty plea today to aiding and abetting the distribution of oxymporphone. During his plea hearing, Williams admitted that on January 14, 2014, he sold a confidential informant working with law enforcement a 40 mg oxymorphone pill, which is commonly known as “Opana”, in exchange for $80.00. The drug deal took place at 21A Balies Drive in Nitro, West Virginia. Williams admitted that he aided and abetted Bridgette Kelly in the drug sale.
Bridgette Kelly previously entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute oxymorphone and is schedule to be sentenced on September 14, 2015.
Williams faces up to 20 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on December 7, 2015, by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers.
Jennifer Russell, who leased the residence at 21A Bailes Drive, also entered a guilty plea in federal court today, to one count of knowingly maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing oxymorphone and faces up to 20 years imprisonment. Russell is set to be sentenced on December 7, 2015.
These cases were investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman. These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Two men plead guilty in Detroit to Huntington heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two men who participated in a heroin conspiracy between 2012 and 2014 pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Kenneth E. Baxter, 25, of Detroit entered a guilty plea to distributing heroin. Coty S. Richardson, 24, of South Point, entered a guilty plea to attempting to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Both hearings were held in federal court in Huntington before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
From at least November of 2012 to December 8, 2014, Baxter led a conspiracy that involved the transportation of heroin from Detroit to Huntington for distribution. Once in Huntington, Baxter provided heroin to others, including Richardson, for distribution from multiple residences in the Huntington area. Baxter was also personally engaged in the distribution and sold heroin to confidential informants on four separate occasions between April and December 2014.
One of the residences secured by the group was at 403 Homestead Place in Huntington. Richardson arranged for the lease of the residence and the residence was used to prepare and distribute heroin. On December 6, 2014, a postal inspector with the United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted a package addressed for the residence containing approximately 230 grams of heroin. Agents delivered the package that day and executed a search warrant at the residence after the package was accepted. When agents entered the residence, Richardson was observed throwing the package from a second floor window. When Richardson was arrested, agents seized heroin, paraphernalia used to package and distribute heroin, and firearms from the residence.
Multiple others have been convicted for their respective roles in the conspiracy including Paul A. Roberts, who pleaded guilty to maintaining a residence for the distribution of heroin in March 2015, Ramone L. Wells, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin in June 2015, Pricilla Lee Dylan, who pleaded guilty to maintaining a residence for the distribution of heroin in August 2015, and Dustin S. Barton, who pleaded guilty to distributing heroin in August 2015.
Baxter faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30, 2015. Richardson faces up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 30, 2015.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, United States Postal Service, West Virginia State Police and Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Putnam County man pleads guilty to federal drug chargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Putnam County man pleaded guilty today to five federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Christian Garrett Thornton, 29, of Bancroft, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to four counts of distributing oxymorphone and one count of possessing oxymorphone with the intent to distribute it. Thornton admitted that on four occasions between February 24 and March 23, 2015, he sold Opana pills in Kanawha and Putnam Counties to a cooperating individual working with law enforcement. Thornton further admitted to possessing additional Opana pills on March 25, 2015, that he intended to distribute.
Thornton faces up to twenty years of imprisonment on each count when he is sentenced on January 13, 2016.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution.
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.
Huntington man pleads guilty to federal oxycodone chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who possessed and sold oxycodone in 2013 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Tracey Lee Gibson, 36, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Huntington to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.
On March 26, 2013, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at Gibson’s residence at 1608 Madison Avenue in Huntington. During the search, agents recovered 43 oxycodone pills that Gibson intended to sell. Prior to the search, Gibson assisted in the sale of oxycodone to a DEA confidential informant on three occasions in February and March of 2013.
Gibson faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30, 2015.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Logan man sentenced for being a convicted felon in possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Gary Brian Adams, 35, of Logan, West Virginia was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston to 37 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of three firearms. In May of 2013, officers with the West Virginia State Police and the Logan County Sheriff’s Department responded to a home near Chapmanville and recovered three firearms that Adams had stored in the home. Adams has two prior felony drug trafficking convictions from Logan County, so he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms.
This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is 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.
Logan County man sentenced to five years for mailing threatening lettersRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A Logan County man who wrote threatening letters while incarcerated was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Kelly Gerald Crosby, 32, previously pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to mailing threatening communications.
On September 8, 2014, Crosby was incarcerated at the Southwestern Regional Jail on state criminal charges relating to the use of minors in filming sexually explicit conduct. While incarcerated, Crosby mailed a letter addressed and delivered to the Logan County Courthouse, in which he made several threats to workers, public officials and others in the Logan County area. The threats included a list of people who he wanted to “kill, rape and make suffer.”
The investigation was conducted by the United States Postal Inspector’s Service, the United States Secret Service, the Logan County Sheriff’s Department, and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for the prosecution.
Logan County man pleads guilty to drug distributionRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that William Leslie Toler, 29, of Logan, West Virginia entered a guilty plea to distribution of oxymorphone, commonly known as “Opana”. During his plea hearing, Toler admitted that on April 10, 2014, he sold a 40 mg Opana pill to a confidential informant working with law enforcement for $65.00. The drug sale took place at a residence new Chapmanville in Logan County, West Virginia.
Toler faces up to 20 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on January 6, 2016.
This case was invested by the US 119 Drug Task Force, Logan County Sheriff's Department, WVSP-BCI-Charleston, Chapmanville Police Department, DEA- Charleston Office, IRS Criminal Investigation- Charleston Office, and WVSP Logan Detachment.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Charleston heroin dealer pleads guilty to federal chargeRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Michael Ealm, 36, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to distribution of heroin. On three occasions in January, February, and March of 2015, Ealm sold heroin to an individual working as a confidential informant for the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT). On March 4, 2015, MDENT officers executed a search warrant at Ealm’s residence in Charleston. When the officers entered the residence, Ealm was trying to flush some of the heroin down the toilet. Officers recovered additional heroin from the residence, and Ealm gave a statement admitting that he had been selling heroin in the Charleston area since January of 2015.
Ealm faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 7, 2015. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. is presiding over the case. MDENT conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Parkersburg man sentenced to federal prison for cocaine and heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man who possessed heroin and cocaine in his home and a rented storage unit was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Dustin Keith Jarvis, 34, of Parkersburg, West Virginia previously pleaded guilty in April to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
On April 23, 2014 drug task force officers searched Jarvis’ apartment and a storage unit in Mineral Wells. They seized more than 120 grams of cocaine, approximately 400 grams of heroin, and more than $12,000 cash. This case is part of a larger cooperative investigation by drug task forces in Wood County, West Virginia and Washington County, Ohio.
Other individuals prosecuted in federal court as part of this investigation include Brent J. Sidwell who pleaded guilty on April 24, 2015 to conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, Timothy Fields who was sentenced to six years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana, and David Naylor who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana.
This prosecution is a result of the ongoing cooperation between the Parkersburg Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, Washington County, Ohio Major Crimes Task Force, and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney, Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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.
Federal inmate sentenced for possessing a weaponRead the Press Release
efield, W.Va. –United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a federal inmate was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber in Bluefield. Rico Joy, 34, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for possession of contraband by an inmate. Joy pled guilty in July of 2015, admitting that on April 21, 2015, he had a handcrafted weapon known as a “shank” while he was serving a sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell. The sentence imposed by Judge Faber will run consecutively to the 240-month sentence Joy is serving for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John File.
Hurricane man sentenced to federal prison for obstruction of justiceRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Hurricane man who threw guns from his car during a traffic stop on I-64 was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. John Anthony Roberts, 47, plead guilty May of 2015 in federal court in Huntington to obstruction of justice.
On July 20, 2014, Roberts was traveling on I-64 in Barboursville when a West Virginia State Trooper attempted to stop of his vehicle. Roberts refused to stop and attempted to evade the Trooper. While fleeing from the Trooper, Roberts threw two guns from his moving vehicle. During his guilty plea, Roberts admitted that he threw the guns from his car in an attempt to hide them because he was aware that he was prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
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.
Huntington woman pleads guilty to federal firearm chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman who brought a concealed weapon into the federal building in Huntington pleaded guilty today in federal court, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Whitney H. Borders, 29, entered a guilty plea before Chief Judge Robert C. Chambers to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On May 28, 2015, Borders entered the federal courthouse and approached the security post to be screened for entry into the building. While Borders was being screened, security officers found a .22 caliber pistol in a purse Borders was carrying. Borders was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on a previous felony conviction in Cabell County.
Borders faces up to 10 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 23, 2015.
The United States Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution.
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.
Huntington man sentenced in federal court for distributing heroinRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who sold heroin to a confidential informant on multiple occasions in 2014 was sentenced today to one year in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Tayvon Mykal Gaulds, 21, previously pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington in May of 2015 to distributing heroin.
On November 12, 2014, Gaulds arranged to sell heroin to a confidential informant working at the direction of the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force. Gaulds met the informant in the 1800 block of 9 1/2 Alley in Huntington and sold the informant approximately 5 grams of heroin in exchange for $650. Gaulds also distributed heroin to the informant on two other occasions in Huntington.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Kanawha County man sentenced to 97 months in prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – A 58-year old Kanawha County man, Ronnie Eugene Naylor, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
Naylor previously admitted that on April 10, 2014, he possessed over 600 images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The videos were stored on his personal computer located at his Elkview home. The investigation revealed that Naylor was using two peer-to-peer file sharing programs to share child pornography via the Internet. Some of the videos possessed by Mr. Naylor depict a prepubescent minor engaged in sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence. “We will make every effort to ensure that our children are not the victims of such depravity” said Goodwin. “The sentence in this case reflects the seriousness of the offense, and society’s intolerance of victimizing children.”
The West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston was in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being brought as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
Final Freedom Industries defendants plead guiltyRead the Press Release
Former Freedom Presidents Gary Southern and Dennis Farrell
Admit to Federal Environmental Crimes in Elk River Chemical Spill
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced that the final defendants charged in connection with the January 2014 Elk River chemical spill pleaded guilty in federal court. Gary Southern, 53, the president of Freedom Industries, Inc., at the time of the spill, pleaded guilty today to violating the federal Clean Water Act, negligently discharging refuse matter in violation of the federal Refuse Act, and failing to have a pollution prevention plan. Dennis P. Farrell, 58, a former Freedom president and owner, pleaded guilty Tuesday to violating the federal Refuse Act and failing to have a pollution prevention plan. Freedom and four other Freedom officials previously pleaded guilty to environmental crimes in March 2015.
“This should serve as a wakeup call to those who operate chemical storage facilities near our precious water resources. If you place our water at risk, you face prison time,” Goodwin said. “As I said when these individuals were charged, this spill, which was completely preventable, happened to take place in this district, but it could have happened anywhere. If we don’t want it to happen again, we need to make it crystal clear that those who engage in this kind of criminal behavior will be held accountable. That’s exactly what we have done through these prosecutions.”
Freedom Industries, Inc., and six former Freedom officials—including Farrell and Southern—were charged in December 2014 with various federal crimes related to the January 2014 Elk River chemical spill in Charleston, W.Va., which ultimately affected the water supply of more than 300,000 people.
Southern faces a mandatory minimum of 30 days and up to three years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 16, 2015. Farrell faces a mandatory minimum of 30 days and up to two years in federal prison when he is sentenced on December 14, 2015.
Southern and Farrell’s criminal conduct included:
• failure to properly maintain the containment area surrounding the tanks at Freedom’s Elk River facility and to make necessary repairs to ensure the containment area would contain a chemical spill;
• failure to properly inspect a tank containing the chemical MCHM;
• failure to develop and implement a spill prevention, control and countermeasures plan; and
• failure to develop and implement a stormwater pollution prevention plan and groundwater protection plan, both requirements of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit.
William E. Tis of Verona, Pa., and Charles E. Herzing of McMurray, Pa., former owners of Freedom, each pleaded guilty in March 2015 to one count concerning the negligent discharge of refuse matter in violation of the federal Refuse Act. They each face a mandatory minimum of 30 days and up to a year in federal prison. Tis is set to be sentenced December 2, 2015. Herzing is set to be sentenced December 3, 2015.
Freedom environmental consultant Robert J. Reynolds of Apex, N.C., and tank farm plant manager Michael E. Burdette of Dunbar, W. Va., were charged separately with violating the federal Clean Water Act. They each pleaded guilty to those charges in March 2015. They each face up to one year in prison. Reynolds is set to be sentenced December 7, 2015. Burdette’s sentencing is set for December 9, 2015.
Freedom Industries itself, which has been in bankruptcy since shortly after the spill, was charged with violating the Clean Water Act, negligent discharge of refuse matter in violation of the Refuse Act, and violating an environmental permit. A representative of the corporation entered a guilty plea to those charges on its behalf in March 2015. Freedom is set to be sentenced December 10, 2015.
MEDIA ADVISORY -- Goodwin to Join State and Federal Officials at Press ConferenceRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, along with other federal and state law enforcement officials, will hold a press conference in Charleston on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2015 at noon to discuss cases and events stemming from the investigation of the January 2014 Elk River chemical spill in Charleston.
WHO: U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, along with other state and federal law enforcement officials
WHAT: Press conference concerning investigation and prosecutions arising from January 2014 Elk River chemical spill in Charleston
WHERE: Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse, 300 Virginia Street, East, Fifth Floor, Charleston, WV 25301
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, August 19, 2015 at noon
Federal inmate pleads guilty to escapeRead the Press Release
Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a female inmate pled guilty yesterday in federal court in Beckley to escaping from a federal correctional facility. Patricia Alfieri, 54, admitted that she escaped from the Federal Prison Camp at Alderson, a federal prison for women, on June 18, 2015. Alfieri was captured in Lewisburg on June 28, 2015. At the time of her escape, Alfieri was serving a 41-month sentence imposed by a federal court in New York for mail fraud and making a false tax return. As a result of her escape, Alfieri faces up to five additional years in prison when she is sentenced on November 18, 2015.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution.
Charleston man sentenced for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Charles Corey Michael, 32, of Charleston, West Virginia was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston to 27 months in prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Michael previously pled guilty to this charge in May of 2015. In March of 2015, officers with the Charleston Police Department executed a search warrant at Michael’s apartment on Charleston’s East End and recovered several firearms and heroin. Michael is prohibited by federal law from possessing any firearms because of a prior felony drug conviction in Ohio.
This case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department. The case is 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.
Beckley man sentenced in federal court for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Beckley man was sentenced in federal court in Beckley distribution of heroin. John Lee Jenkins, 51, of Beckley, was sentenced to a 14-month term of imprisonment, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Jenkins previously pled guilty in April, 2015, to distributing heroin.
On November 11, 2014, Jenkins sold heroin to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Stanaford Road in Beckley, West Virginia.
This case was investigated by the Beckley Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and is being prosecuted under the Beckley Pill Initiative directed by the United States Attorney’s Office.
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.
Beckley man sentenced in federal court for distributing cocaineRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Beckley man was sentenced in federal court in Beckley for distribution of cocaine. Bryan Cross, 31, of Beckley, was sentenced to twelve years and seven months in prison, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Cross previously pled guilty in April of 2015, to distributing a quantity admitting that he had sold cocaine to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Canterbury Drive in Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia. This case was investigated by the Beckley Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
Huntington woman pleads guilty to federal heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman who participated in a heroin distribution conspiracy in 2012 and 2013 pleaded guilty today in federal court in Huntington, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Patricia Lee Dylan, 21, entered a guilty plea to maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing and using heroin.
Between November of 2012 and March of 2013, Dylan was the tenant of an apartment located at 1231 10th Avenue in Huntington. During that period, Dylan allowed others to store heroin at her apartment after it was transported to Huntington from Detroit. Dylan also allowed others to distribute heroin from her apartment to various customers.
On March 8, 2013, agents with the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Dylan’s apartment. During the search, agents seized heroin, a .32 caliber revolver, ammunition, and other items associated with the sale of heroin.
Dylan faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 9, 2015.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Former Detroit man sentenced to more than six years in federal prison on firearm chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a convicted felon originally from Detroit, Michigan was sentenced in federal court in Huntington today to seventy months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Joseph Lovell Cook, 22, previously pled guilty to possessing an SKS semi-automatic assault rifle on July 3, 2014, in Barboursville, West Virginia. Cook was prohibited from possessing the firearm because of a 2010 assault with a dangerous weapon conviction in Michigan and a 2012 drug trafficking conviction in Cabell County, West Virginia.
The FBI Drug Task Force and the DEA Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Greg McVey and Jennifer Rada Herrald are responsible for the prosecution.
The case is 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.
Former Detroit man sentenced to federal prison on drug chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A former Detroit man was sentenced today to 41 months in prison on a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Tony Searcy, 48, previously pled guilty in federal court in Huntington to possessing heroin with the intent to distribute it. Searcy admitted that on September 26, 2014, he traveled from Detroit, Michigan to Huntington, West Virginia, with approximately 100 grams of heroin that he intended to distribute.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Greg McVey and Jennifer Rada Herrald are responsible for the prosecution.
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.
Detroit man pleads guilty in federal court to selling heroinRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who sold heroin to undercover agents on multiple occasions in March of 2015 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Bryant D. Long, II, 28, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Huntington to distributing heroin.
On March 13, 2015, Long agreed to meet with undercover DEA agents in Huntington, where he sold them 8.5 grams of heroin for $1,200. During the meeting, Long also made arrangements with the agents for future heroin sales. The heroin distributed by Long was confirmed through laboratory testing to contain heroin and Fentanyl, a schedule II painkiller that is particularly dangerous when mixed with heroin. On March 23, 2015, Long met with agents again, and sold an additional 9.8 grams of heroin in exchange for $1,250.
On March 30, 2015, Long was arrested after agents executed a search warrant at 504 Marcum Terrace in Huntington. Agents seized additional heroin during the search and Long admitted that he had been in Huntington for the prior month distributing heroin and crack cocaine.
Long faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 9, 2015.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is responsible for the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Chapmanville man sentenced for selling OpanaRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Joseph Allen Rogers, 41, of Chapmanville, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for selling the powerful prescription painkiller oxymorphone, commonly known as Opana. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston.
Rogers previously pleaded guilty to distribution of oxymorphone. As part of the plea, Rogers admitted that he sold Opana to a confidential informant on three separate occasions on April 14, 15, and 16, 2014. Officers with the U.S. 119 Task Force also executed a search warrant on Rogers’ residence in Chapmanville and located additional oxymorphone, oxycodone, cash, and a firearm.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. 119 Task Force and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is responsible for the prosecution.
The prosecution was brought as part of an ongoing effort 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.
Cabell County man sentenced to federal prison for failing to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A 55-year old Cabell County man was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Daniel Walter Varnes, of Huntington, West Virginia, had previously entered a guilty plea before Chief District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers.
Varnes was convicted in 2000 in Colorado of Sexual Assault of a Child Under Age 15 by a Person in a Position of Trust and was required to register as a sex offender as a result. In August 2014, Varnes moved to Huntington, West Virginia, and did not register as a sex offender despite knowing it was required by law. He continued to reside and work in Huntington without registering until his arrest on February 6, 2015.
The United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is responsible for the prosecution.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
Former Barboursville Pharmacy operator sentenced for federal banking crimesRead the Press Release
Former A+ Care Pharmacy Sentenced to 64 Months in Federal Prison and Forfeited $2.3 Million and a Lexus
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Kofi Ohene Agyekum, 37, former owner and operator of A+ Care Pharmacy in Barboursville, West Virginia, was sentenced in federal court in Huntington today to five years and four months in federal prison for violating federal banking laws. Federal banking laws aimed at identifying criminal activity, including drug crimes and terrorism, require financial institutions to report cash transactions of more than $10,000 to federal authorities. Structuring, or dividing cash transactions into amounts less than $10,000, is a common technique used by criminals to avoid triggering the reporting requirements and the detection of the underlying crimes.
At his plea hearing in May 2015, Agyekum admitted that he deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash that he derived from his operation of A+ Care Pharmacy. To avoid the federal reporting requirement, Agyekum admitted that he structured each deposit in an amount less than $10,000 and made the deposits in multiple bank accounts in various area banks, including Huntington National Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Chase Bank and First Sentry Bank.
At the sentencing hearing, the Court found that the money Agyekum used in the banking crimes was derived from the distribution of oxycodone from A+ Care Pharmacy, both with prescriptions that had every indicia of illegality and without any prescriptions at all. The Court noted that these were very serious crimes that contributed to the oxycodone abuse epidemic and that Agyekum was driven by simple greed.
Agyekum also agreed to forfeit to the United States more than $2.3 million plus a Lexus.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed today’s sentence.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, the West Virginia State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution.
Detroit man sentenced to prison for federal heroin offenseRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Lawrence Milton Works, 28, of Detroit, Michigan was sentenced to three years and ten months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute a quantity of heroin.
In his April 2015 guilty plea, Works admitted that he possessed for distribution, approximately 80 grams of heroin, 117 30 mg oxycodone pills, and approximately 3.3 grams of cocaine at his apartment in East Pea Ridge, Huntington for distribution. Works also had over $5,700.00 in drug proceeds and two firearms inside the apartment.
Today’s sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers.
The investigation was conducted by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.
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.
Detroit heroin dealer sentenced to eleven years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Antonio Sanjuan Shadwick, also known as “Eastside,” of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison after being convicted of conspiracy to distribution 100 or more grams of heroin. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.
Shadwick, 32, admitted that from April 2013 through April 4, 2014, he worked with his source to distribute approximately 50 grams of heroin per week to individuals in and around Cabell County. Shadwick was arrested on January 8, 2015, and was found in possession of a loaded handgun, heroin, and crack cocaine. Shadwick admitted that over the course of the conspiracy, he distributed between 1 and 3 kilograms of heroin.
The investigation was conducted by the Huntington FBI Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department’s Special Emphasis Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Haley Bunn and Greg McVey handled the prosecution.
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. 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.
Atlanta man sentenced to federal prison for drug offenseRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Atlanta man who was caught with crack cocaine and a loaded firearm in Huntington in 2014 was sentenced today to ten years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Reginald Wendell Weems, 33, previously pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington in April of 2015 to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base.
On September 15, 2014, agents with the DEA Task Force received a tip that Weems was in the 1400 block of 15th Street in Huntington selling crack cocaine. Agents stopped a car in which Weems was a passenger. When agents searched the car, they found over 35 grams of crack and a loaded 9mm pistol. Weems admitted that both the crack cocaine and the gun were his. Weems also admitted that he distributed crack cocaine in the Huntington area.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
Charleston man pleads guilty to federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL DRUG CHARGE
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Matthew Julius Watts, II, 30, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to distributing heroin. Watts admitted that on September 17, 2014, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place at the 7-Eleven Store parking lot located on Washington Street, West, Charleston, West Virginia.
Watts faces up to twenty years of imprisonment and a $1,000,000.00 fine when he is sentenced on October 29, 2015, by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. .
The investigation was conducted by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution.
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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Charleston husband and wife sentenced for illegal firearm possessionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Carl Taylor, 64, and Patsy Taylor, 52, of Charleston were each sentenced yesterday to federal prison for illegal firearm possession. On January 4, 2013, Carl Taylor received a package of 100 oxycodone pills. Just weeks earlier Carl and Patsy Taylor had received a package of 90 oxycodone pills. During a search of the Taylor residence, a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson handgun was discovered. The Taylors admitted that at the time they jointly possessed the firearm, they were unlawful and habitual users of oxycodone. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston sentenced Patsy Taylor to 12 months and one day imprisonment, and Carl Taylor to five months imprisonment to be followed by five months of home confinement. Both Patsy and Carl Taylor must also complete a three year term of supervised release following their prison sentences.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn was responsible for the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case was also prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat 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.
Beckley man pleads guilty to federal firearm chargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Kevin Terrell, 29, of Beckley, West Virginia, plead guilty in federal court in Beckley today to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On January 13, 2015, law enforcement officers seized an assault rifle from Terrell’s residence on Granville Avenue in Beckley. Terrell admitted that he possessed the rifle, knowing that he was prohibited because of prior felony convictions in 2007 for unlawful wounding and felony destruction of property. Under federal law, a convicted felon is prohibited from possessing any firearm.
Terrell faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger scheduled the sentencing for November 18, 2015.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.
Huntington woman sentenced for role in heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman who participated in a heroin distribution conspiracy in 2012 was sentenced today to five years’ probation, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Kathleen M. Young, 51, previously pleaded guilty in March 2015 to conspiring to distribute heroin. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
During the month of June 2012, Young assisted others in distributing heroin in and around Huntington. Young frequently delivered heroin for others to locations where it was subsequently distributed. Young also collected cash proceeds from distributions and delivered them to other heroin dealers.
On June 28, 2012, Young was stopped by agents in the 2100 block of 9th Avenue in Huntington. Agents observed Young attempting to stuff a plastic bag in her pants and subsequently discovered the bag to contain approximately 20 grams of heroin.
The Huntington FBI Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
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.
Federal inmate pleads guilty to possessing homemade weapon in prisonRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a federal inmate pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon in a federal prison.
Rico Joy, 34, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell, located near Welch, West Virginia, admitted that on April 21 he possessed a handcrafted knife known as a “shank.” Joy is serving a twenty-year sentence following his 2007 conviction in South Carolina for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He faces up to five additional years in prison when he is sentenced on August 15, 2015.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John File. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber conducted the plea hearing.
Oak Hill man pleads guilty to possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
Defendant had more than 600 child-pornography photos and videos
CHARLESTON, W. Va. – An Oak Hill, West Virginia man pleaded guilty today to possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. William A. Cracraft, 52, admitted to having more than 600 photographs and videos of child pornography on his computers and mobile phones.
The images included sexually explicit depictions of prepubescent minors, as well as scenes of sadistic and masochistic conduct and of violence toward minors.
Cracraft faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on October 8, 2015. The devices containing the child pornography will be destroyed.
The Department of Homeland Security and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is handling the prosecution. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., conducted the plea hearing.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/wvs/PSCpage.html.
Lewisburg men get federal prison time in heroin casesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that United States District Judge Irene C. Berger sentenced two Lewisburg men to federal prison in heroin cases today. The sentences were handed down in Beckley.
Harry Franklin Huffman II, 26, was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment for use of a communication facility to facilitate a felony. Huffman pleaded guilty in March, admitting that on September 23, 2014, he used a telephone in Lewisburg to help set up a drug transaction with a confidential informant. Shortly after that phone conversation, Huffman distributed heroin to the informant.
Kip Aaron Sears, 26, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for use of a communication facility to facilitate a felony. Sears also pleaded guilty in March. He admitted that on September 30, 2014, he used a telephone in Lewisburg to set up a drug transaction with an informant. Later that day Sears met with the informant and distributed a quantity of heroin.
These cases were 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 sale of heroin and the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down the spread of heroin and opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District. Assistant United States Attorney John File prosecuted these cases.
Charleston man gets 3+ years in federal prison for timeshare fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that David Brandon Ball, 35, of Charleston, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for defrauding timeshare owners throughout the United States and Canada.
Ball and an associate, David Andrew Glynn, formed Mountain State Resales, LLC (MSR), a bogus company used to defraud timeshare owners of money. Ball and his associates told timeshare owners that MSR had a buyer for their timeshares and persuaded them to advance money to MSR in South Charleston to cover fees and expenses necessary for the sales.
In truth, however, MSR had no buyers for the timeshares. Ball knew that the timeshare owners would not receive anything in return for money sent to MSR.
In an unusual twist on their principal scam, Ball and his associates, including Glynn, also posed as “agents” eager to help timeshare owners who had lost money in other timeshare fraud schemes. In this spin-off scheme, they said they were affiliated with a non-existent organization named “Internal Revenue Recovery Associates” and were investigating timeshare fraud. Ball admitted that he and his coconspirators told the timeshare owners to send money to MSR to assist “agents” in recovering the lost funds.
“This guy was stealing money out of both pockets of timeshare owners,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “He got rich by setting up fake timeshare sales, while at the same time posing as someone who could help fraud victims get their money back. It would be hard to believe if it weren’t true.”
“Protecting innocent citizens against fraud schemes like this is an important part of what my office does,” Goodwin continued. “I’m happy to say this crook is heading to federal prison.”
Neither MSR nor Internal Recovery Associates were legitimate businesses. Both were used to defraud timeshare owners. Ball admitted that MSR received at least $80,346 from the conspiracy.
Ball further admitted that in 2013, he operated a Florida-based company called International Transfers and Documents (International Transfers), which, like MSR, was created and used to defraud timeshare owners. This Florida scheme tricked victims out of more than $145,000.
Ball was ordered to pay restitution to the victims of both MSR and International Transfers in the amount of $210,920.25. Glynn previously pleaded guilty and received 30 months in federal prison for his role in the offense.
Ball’s sentence was handed down by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., in Charleston.
Today’s sentencing stems from an investigation being conducted by the West Virginia State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is handling the prosecution.
Beckley-area man pleads guilty to federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Lorenzo Anderson, 32, of Beckley, pleaded guilty to a federal drug charge. Anderson admitted that on February 16, 2015, when a search warrant was executed at his Beckley home, he was in possession of cocaine base with the intent to distribute it.
Anderson faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger scheduled Anderson’s sentencing for October 21, 2015.
The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit conducted the investigation.