Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Law Enforcement Officials Announce Results of Southern W.Va. Sex Offender Registration Compliance BlitzRead the Press Release
Operation White Water Blitz targeting sex offenders in Nicholas, Fayette and Greenbrier Counties found 45 sex offenders out of compliance
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A major law enforcement blitz aimed at verifying compliance of more than 300 registered sex offenders currently residing in three southern West Virginia counties found 45 offenders out of compliance, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, U.S. Marshal John D. Foster, and West Virginia State Police Lt. Michael Baylous announced today during a press conference in Beckley, W.Va. This week’s law enforcement sweep covered Nicholas, Fayette and Greenbrier counties.
The initiative, known as Operation White Water Blitz, is a multi-agency law enforcement effort targeting registered sex offenders to determine individual compliance with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, also known as SORNA. Led by the U.S. Marshals Service’s Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division (CUFFED), the operation targeted 304 registered sex offenders. A total of 45 individuals were determined to be out of compliance within the Southern District of West Virginia during checks conducted this week. The violations ranged in severity from individuals who had failed to register vehicles or cell phones to one individual in Nicholas County who was in possession of three firearms and growing 76 marijuana plants on his property.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “Registering as a sex offender is not optional. It’s not something that offenders can simply put on the back burner or casually get around to completing whenever they feel like it. It’s mandatory.” Goodwin continued, “I’ve made prosecuting sex offenders who violate federal registration requirements one of my office’s top priorities. Today I want to reiterate that message: If you are out of compliance, we will track you down and we will bring you to justice.”
Operation White Water Blitz was initiated by members of the West Virginia State Police, in cooperation with the U.S. Marshals Service’s CUFFED Division.
“One registered sex offender out of compliance is one too many,” U.S. Marshal John Foster said. “The U.S. Marshals Service is thoroughly committed to tracking down fugitives who attempt to evade the law.”
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-248). SORNA provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States.
Detroit man pleads guilty to illegal distribution of pain pillsRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – Deangelo Cann, 25, of Detroit, Michigan, pled guilty today in federal court in Charleston to distribution of oxymorphone. Cann admitted that on each of February 2 and 3, 2015, he sold the prescription drugs to a confidential informant (CI) working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT). Both transactions, which occurred in a vehicle in Charleston, were witnessed by an undercover police officer who accompanied the CI. Cann faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000.00 fine when he is sentenced on August 24, 2015.
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.
This case was investigated by MDENT. AUSA John Frail is responsible for the prosecution.
Charleston man pleads guilty to 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 pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. 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 has a prior felony drug conviction from Ohio, so he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms. Michael faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment when he is sentenced on August 13, 2015.
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.
Mother and son plead guilty in federal court to drug crimesRead the Press Release
Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a mother and son pled guilty before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger in Beckley. Tricia Diane Arbaugh, 43, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, pled guilty to traveling in interstate commerce to facilitate unlawful activity. She faces up to five years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. She admitted that she brought oxycodone and oxymorphone from Tennessee and distributed them in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Her son, Jeffrey Stephen McCallister, 24, also of Murfreesboro, pled guilty to two counts of using a communication facility to facilitate a felony. He admitted that he used a telephone on one occasion to set up a drug deal in which he sold oxymorphone to a confidential information working with authorities, and on another occasion to set up a transaction in which he sold oxymorphone and buprenorphine to an informant. He faces up to eight years in prison and a fine of $500,000. The sentencings are set for August 26, 2015.
These cases were investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force 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. Assistant United States Attorney John File prosecuted the cases.
Former federal bureau of prisons employee sentenced in federal court for sex crimeRead the Press Release
Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that United States District Judge Irene C. Berger sentenced a former Federal Bureau of Prisons employee to 14 months in federal prison for abusive sexual contact involving a ward. Richard Canterbury, 50, of Lewisburg, West Virginia pled guilty in January of 2015, admitting that in April of 2014, he touched the breasts of a female inmate at the Federal Prison Camp at Alderson while he was overseeing her work. Judge Berger also ordered that following his release from prison Canterbury will be on supervised release for five years and he must register as a sex offender.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution.
Federal jury convicts physician's assistant for witness tamperingRead the Press Release
P.A. Was Employed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that defendant Scotty Rose was convicted yesterday after a two-day jury trial in federal court in Beckley, West Virginia. Rose was convicted of tampering with a federal witness. Rose, 41, from Beckley worked in the Federal Correctional Institution in Beckley as a physician’s assistant. On February 6, 2013, Rose disclosed to an inmate that another inmate was wearing a wire and working for the FBI as an informant. The informant identified by Rose was, in fact, working with the FBI on a large scale methamphetamine trafficking investigation, and was wearing a recording device to further the investigation. News of the inmate informant spread quickly throughout the correctional facility, which placed the informant at risk. As a result, the informant was moved from the from the facility for his own safety, and the FBI investigation of the methamphetamine trafficking ring was abruptly terminated.
Rose faces up to three years in prison for witness tampering when he is sentenced on August 13, 2015. The Honorable Irene Berger presided over the trial.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, assisted by Bureau of Prison Investigators. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Timothy Boggess were responsible for the prosecution.
Detroit man sentenced on federal drug trafficking chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Terrance Wilson, 26, of Detroit, Michigan was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in February of 2015 to interstate travel in aid of drug trafficking. Wilson admitted that he transported heroin from Detroit to Charleston multiple times in November and December of 2014, with the intent to carry out an ongoing business enterprise involving the distribution of heroin in the Charleston area.
On four occasions between December 1 and December 4, 2014, Wilson sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (“MDENT”).
United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over this case. The case was investigated by MDENT.
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 and heroin trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Charleston man sentenced to federal prison for home invasion robberyRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Robert J. Smith, 36, of Charleston, West Virginia was sentenced in federal court in Charleston for aiding and abetting a robbery affecting interstate commerce. On April 22, 2012, Smith, Robert Barcliff, Keith Glenn, and William Seltzer carried out an armed, home-invasion robbery in Marmet, West Virginia, of drug dealers they believed to be from Detroit, Michigan, and who they expected to have drugs and cash from the illegal drug sales. Barcliff and Smith dressed in dark clothing and stormed the apartment at gunpoint. They stole drug proceeds from the apartment and then fled from the scene. During the robbery, a firearm was discharged inside the apartment.
Smith was sentenced to 70 months in prison for the armed robbery, and upon completion of that sentence, to serve an additional 37 months for violation of a period of supervised release. Smith was on supervised release at the time of the home invasion for a previous drug conviction.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Charleston Police Department, and Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution.
Beckley area man sentenced to nine years for distributing oxycodoneRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Boyd Wendell Clark, age 31, of Daniels, West Virginia, was sentenced in federal court in Beckley to nine years of imprisonment, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. Clark previously pled guilty in January of 2015, to distributing oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Pine Grove Circle in Daniels, West Virginia. Clark was sentenced under the federal “career offender” guideline, which provides for enhanced sentencing based upon the defendant’s criminal history. 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.
The sentence was imposed by the Honorable Irene C. Berger.
Detroit man sentenced to 97 months for role in heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who participated in a conspiracy that funneled multiple kilos of heroin into the Huntington area between 2012 and 2014 was sentenced yesterday to more than eight years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Kenneth D. Bowden, 29, previously pleaded guilty in February 2015 to possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
Bowden admitted that between 2013 and April 2014, he conspired with other individuals to distribute heroin in the Huntington, West Virginia area. During the conspiracy, shipments of heroin were frequently made from Michigan to Huntington. Bowden and his associates used multiple residences in Huntington as locations from which they prepared, stored and distributed heroin.
On April 8, 2014, officers executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 900 block of 6th Street in Huntington. Bowden was staying in the apartment at the time of the search warrant. When they entered the apartment, officers observed Bowden and a second individual exiting through the rear bedroom. During the search, officers found a bag containing 113.7 grams of heroin. The Huntington Police Department Forensic Investigations Unit located a usable print on the bag, and connected the drugs to Bowden through his right thumb print.
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.
Lesage man sentenced to federal prison for distributing oxycodoneRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Lesage man who helped distribute oxycodone pills from his trucking business to an undercover federal agent in 2013 was sentenced today to 58 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Kenneth Ray Cisco, 50, previously pleaded guilty in February of 2015 to aiding and abetting the distribution of oxycodone.
Cisco, owner of now defunct Cisco Trucking, admitted that he exchanged oxycodone pills for tractor-trailer tires. On March 14, 2013, an undercover federal agent traveled to Cisco Trucking in Huntington, West Virginia, to meet with Cisco for the purposes of conducting a pre-arranged oxycodone sale. Cisco directed another individual to distribute 33 oxycodone pills to the undercover agent in exchange for six tires. Cisco also admitted that he made additional oxycodone sales with the undercover agent and others in exchange for tires, motor oil, and cash.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from the Huntington Police Department. 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.
Kanawha County woman gets probation and home confinement for possessing opiates for distributionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A London, West Virginia woman who received a package of oxycodone from New York through the U.S. mail, was sentenced today to five years of probation, with the first six months to be served in home confinement, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Whitney Reanne Kent, 26, previously pleaded guilty in February of 2015, to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.
On December 5, 2012, the United States Postal Inspection Service and a member of the Metro Drug Enforcement Network Taskforce (MDENT) were conducting interdiction efforts at the Charleston Post Office to curb drug trafficking through the U.S. Mail. They intercepted a package addressed to Kent. Upon executing a federal search warrant on the package, investigators seized approximately 89 30mg oxycodone pills. On December 7, 2012, when Kent arrived at the Post Office to retrieve the package, investigators confronted her about the pills. She admitted she knew the pills were in the package and that she was there to pick them up for someone else. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston handed down the sentence.
The Metro Drug Enforcement Network Team and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks 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.
Cabell County man pleads guilty for failure to register as a sex offenderRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A 55-year old Cabell County man faces up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty today to failing to register as a sex offender, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Daniel Walter Varnes, of Huntington, West Virginia, 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. As a result of that conviction, Varnes was required to register as a sex offender. In August of 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 court scheduled sentencing for Varnes for August 10, 2015, in Huntington, West Virginia.
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 U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
Charleston man sentenced for aggravated identity theftRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Troy Lawrence, 45, of Charleston, West Virginia, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft. In July of 2014, Lawrence pleaded guilty to aggravated identify theft admitting that he used a dead person’s name and driver’s license to purchase pseudoephedrine from a Rite Aid store in Charleston. Sellers of pseudoephedrine, like Rite Aid, are required by federal law to keep a logbook that identifies individuals who purchase pseudoephedrine. This logbook helps law enforcement identify people who purchase pseudoephedrine to manufacture methamphetamine. “Making and distributing methamphetamine is dangerous business,” said U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. “When buyers of pseudoephedrine lie about who they are, they obstruct law enforcement efforts to stop the spread of methamphetamine at the source. We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that buyers and sellers of pseudoephedrine comply with laws intended to protect us from the unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine.”
This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
Former Barboursville pharmacy operator pleads guilty to federal banking crimesRead the Press Release
Former A+ Care Pharmacy head agrees to forfeit $2.3 million, plus Lexus and Barboursville home
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Kofi Ohene Agyekum, 37, the former owner and operator of A+ Care Pharmacy in Barboursville, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to violating federal banking laws aimed at identifying criminal activity, including drug crime and terrorism. Federal laws, including the Patriot Act, 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 requirement and detection of the underlying crimes.
At his plea hearing, 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 to multiple bank accounts in various area banks, including Huntington National Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Chase Bank and First Sentry Bank.
As part of his plea agreement, Agyekum will forfeit to the United States more than $2.3 million, plus a Lexus and his home in Barboursville. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 3, 2015.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers conducted today’s plea hearing.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is responsible for the prosecution.
Detroit man gets federal prison time for Charleston heroin salesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Terrell Montaie, 31, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence
Montaie previously pleaded guilty in January 2015, admitting that in March 2014, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. The sale occurred at a residence on Kay Lane in Charleston. Montaie admitted that he had been selling heroin in the Charleston area for a four-month period prior to the March 2014 controlled buy.
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.
Detroit Man Sentenced to 6+ Years in Federal Heroin CaseRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who participated in a heroin distribution conspiracy in 2013 was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Bryant Donavan Taylor, 36, pleaded guilty in February 2015 to aiding and abetting the possession of 100 grams or more of heroin with the intent to distribute. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed today’s sentence.
On August 21, 2013, agents with the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of 8th Ave. in Huntington. The residence was rented by another man and used by Taylor and others to distribute heroin. During the search, Taylor and two other men were present, and agents seized 134.8 grams of heroin along with various items of drug paraphernalia.
Taylor admitted that he jointly possessed the heroin with a partner for distribution in and around the Huntington area.
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.
Charleston man pleads guilty to federal meth chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Daniel Lupson, 58, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to possession of methamphetamine for distribution, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Lupson admitted to possessing methamphetamine that was found in his vehicle during a traffic stop by agents of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Lupson said he intended to sell some of the methamphetamine and use some of it himself.
Lupson faces a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine when he is sentenced August 18, 2015.
United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., conducted the plea hearing.
Charleston man sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Jon Paul Clements, 33, of Charleston, West Virginia, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for selling heroin. Clements pled guilty in October of 2014 to four counts of distributing heroin in the Charleston area.
At his guilty plea hearing, Clements admitted that he repeatedly sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement at various times and locations in July and August of 2014. Clements was sentenced as a career offender based on his criminal history that included prior convictions for robbery, unlawful wounding, and possession with intent to deliver marijuana.
“We’re fighting back hard against the spread of heroin in West Virginia,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “Honest citizens shouldn’t have to worry about career criminals selling drugs in their communities. Now this defendant will have a long time in federal prison to think about the families and neighborhoods he damaged.”
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman was in charge of the prosecution.
Parkersburg cocaine and heroin dealer pleads guilty in federal courtRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man who had cocaine, heroin, and cash pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney, Booth Goodwin. Dustin Keith Jarvis, 34 pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine today before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston.
On April 23, 2014, drug task force officers executed search warrants at Jarvis’ apartment and his rented storage unit in Mineral Wells, West Virginia. Among other items, police seized approximately 120 grams of cocaine, 380 grams of heroin and more than $12,000 in 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.
Jarvis faces up to 20 years in prison, and a $1 million fine when sentenced on August 11, 2015.
This case represents 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 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.
Former Detroit man pleads guilty to federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A former Detroit man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Tony Searcy, 48, pleaded 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 planned to sell in the Huntington area.
Searcy faces up to twenty years of imprisonment when he is sentenced on August 10, 2015.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Greg McVey and Jennifer Rada Herrald are 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.
Convicted felon pleads guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a convicted felon originally from Detroit, Michigan pleaded guilty today in federal court in Huntington to unlawfully possessing a firearm. Joseph Lovell Cook, 22, entered a guilty plea 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.
Cook faces up to ten years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 10, 2015.
The FBI Drug Task Force and the DEA Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Greg McVey and Jennifer Rada Herrald are in charge of 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.
Atlanta man pleads guilty to federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Atlanta man who possessed cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, and a loaded gun in 2014 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Reginald Wendell Weems, 33, entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute cocaine base before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
On September 15, 2014, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force were notified that Weems was in the 1400 block of 15th Street in Huntington with crack. Agents subsequently conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Weems was a passenger. Agents searched the vehicle and recovered over 35 grams of crack and a loaded 9mm pistol. Weems admitted to possessing the crack and the pistol. Weems also admitted to selling crack in the Huntington area.
Weems faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 3, 2015.
The DEA Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of 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.
Belpre, Ohio man pleads guilty to federal drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Belpre, Ohio man is the latest member of a large-scale marijuana trafficking organization to plead guilty in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Brent J. Sidwell, 33, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to his role in a conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.
At today’s plea hearing, Sidwell admitted that he and others operated a drug trafficking organization in and around Wood County, West Virginia and Washington County, Ohio. In the fall of 2013, members of the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force (PNTF) and the Washington County Major Crimes Task Force (WCMCTF) began working with a confidential informant who began purchasing marijuana and cocaine from Sidwell and other members of the organization. The drug deals took place primarily at the former 5th Street Pub in Parkersburg, but also occurred at numerous locations in Wood and Washington Counties. Eventually, police obtained a wiretap on Sidwell’s phone and executed search warrants at various locations.
Sidwell admitted that he provided marijuana on consignment and recruited others to deliver marijuana and pick up money for the fronted marijuana from previous deals. Evidence given at earlier court proceedings revealed that Sidwell and others, at his direction, would pick up large marijuana shipments delivered by U.S. Mail to various locations within Wood and Washington Counties. Sidwell would then direct members of the organization to package the marijuana in smaller multi-pound quantities and deliver it to street-level distributors and collect the proceeds of drug sales. The money would then be delivered to Sidwell’s suppliers, either by bulk cash delivery, wire transfer, or by depositing the money into a local branch of a national bank to be withdrawn at a different location by the supplier.
Timothy Fields, 38, of Vienna previously pleaded guilty in federal court and admitted distributing more than 1000 kilograms of marijuana and smaller quantities of cocaine. He was sentenced in January 2015 to six years in federal prison. David A. Naylor also pleaded guilty in federal court and admitted distributing more than 700 kilograms of marijuana. He is scheduled for sentencing on July 30, 2015.
Sidwell faces at least five and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on July 7, 2015.
This case represents the ongoing cooperation between the PNTF, WCMCTF, the Wood County, WV Prosecuting Attorney, the Washington County, OH Prosecuting Attorney and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney, Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.
Sissonville man pleads guilty to federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Sissonville, West Virginia man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Jamie Ray Green, 32, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to using a phone to facilitate drug trafficking. Green admitted that on February 10, 2015, he received a phone call from a confidential informant (CI) who wanted to buy methamphetamine from him. During the call, Green instructed the CI to meet him near the Crossings Mall in Elkview, W.Va. After the call, Green travelled to the arranged spot, and sold methamphetamine to the CI.
Green faces up to four years of imprisonment when he is sentenced on July 7, 2015.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution.
Two Beckley men plead guilty to selling crack cocaineRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Dshawn Dozier, 34, and Michael Hodge, 36, both of Beckley, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today in federal court to distributing cocaine base, commonly known as crack cocaine. Dozier and Hodge both admitted that they sold crack in the fall of 2014 to individuals who were cooperating with law enforcement authorities. Both drug deals took place on Rice Street in Beckley.
Dozier and Hodge face up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger scheduled the sentencing for August 13, 2015.
The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit conducted the investigations.
Logan County man sentenced for role in Arch Coal kickback schemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Scott Ellis, 45, of Holden, West Virginia, was sentenced today by Judge Thomas Johnston to three years of probation and a $3,000 fine announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Ellis had previously pleaded guilty in July of 2014 to structuring, a federal crime that involves the breaking down of cash banking transactions in amounts of $10,000 or less to avoid triggering a financial institution’s reporting requirements to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Ellis also admitted that he and his business partner, Stephen Herndon, paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks to the general manager of Arch Coal’s Mountain Laurel mining complex, located in Logan County.
Ellis admitted that he owned Tri-State Mine Service, Inc., a vendor at Mountain Laurel that rebuilt mining equipment. Ellis gave Herndon a half interest in Tri-State in approximately March 2011, after Herndon left his position at Mountain Laurel as the warehouse manager. To ensure that Tri-State received the rebuild work from Mountain Laurel, Ellis, later joined by Herndon, engaged in a bid-rigging scheme where, in exchange for a guaranteed winning bid on certain jobs, vendors had to pay cash kickbacks to a person identified in other court documents as David Runyon.
Ellis initially delivered the cash to Herndon, while he worked at Mountain Laurel, or Runyon. While Herndon was the warehouse manager at Mountain Laurel, from approximately 2006 through March 2011, he served as a facilitator of kickback payments by vendors at Mountain Laurel to Runyon.
To generate the necessary cash, Ellis, later joined by Herndon, structured cash withdrawals from various personal and business accounts in amounts of $10,000 or less. They conducted the cash withdrawals in that manner to avoid triggering the bank's obligation to file a currency transaction report with the Internal Revenue Service.
Between early 2009 and approximately March 2011, Ellis structured approximately $163,521.25 in cash transactions. Ellis estimates that almost all of those funds were used to pay cash kickbacks to Runyon, and that he paid approximately $187,000 in cash kickbacks during that time. Between April 1, 2011, and September 30, 2013, Herndon and Ellis, working together, structured approximately $183,853. They estimate that they used almost all of those funds to pay cash kickbacks to Runyon and that they paid approximately $237,000 in cash kickbacks during that period.
Ellis has agreed to forfeit $215,355.85 to the United States, representing a portion of the funds involved in and traceable to structuring.
Today’s sentencing stems from an investigation being conducted by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution.
Chapmanville man pleads guilty to selling opanaRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Chapmanville, W.Va. man admitted to selling the powerful prescription painkiller oxymorphone, commonly known as Opana. Joseph Allen Rogers, 41, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to distribution of oxymorphone, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.
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 and located additional oxymorphone, oxycodone, cash, and a firearm.
Rogers faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on August 10, 2015 by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. 119 Task Force and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is handling the prosecution.
The prosecution is 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.
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 was placed on probation for three years for his conviction for selling heroin. Mario Walton, age 28, of previously pled guilty in January of 2015, to selling heroin to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Airport Road in Beaver, Raleigh County, 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.
Charleston man pleads guilty to federal heroin chargeRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Joshua Matthews, age 32, of Charleston, plead guilty today in federal court to distribution of heroin. Matthews admitted that on August 19, 2014, he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit in exchange for $105.00. The drug deal took place on Capitol Street in downtown Charleston. Matthews faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000.00 fine when he is sentenced on July 29, 2015.
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 and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
The case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney John Frail.
Kanawha County man pleads guilty to possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A 58-year old Kanawha County man faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty today to possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Ronnie Eugene Naylor, of Elkview, West Virginia, entered a guilty plea before District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
Naylor admitted that he possessed over 600 images and videos of minors engaged in sexual acts. Many of the images and videos depict prepubescent minors. The images and videos were located on his personal computer which was kept in his home. The investigation revealed that Naylor was using a computer program that allowed him to download, receive and distribute child pornography to and from others. U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “We are committed to the fight against criminals like Ronnie Eugene Naylor who contribute to the exploitation and abuse of children. We will use every available tool to track them down and prosecute them to the fullest extent allowed by law.”
The court scheduled sentencing for Naylor for August 5, 2015, in Charleston, West Virginia.
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 is 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.
Drug dealers face charges in federal court in BluefieldRead the Press Release
Bluefield, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that two drug dealers appeared in federal court in Bluefield, West Virginia. Shawn Owen Gillespie II, 25, of Shady Spring, West Virginia was sentenced to 18 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin. Gillespie pled guilty on December 3, 2014, admitting that on May 12, 2014, he possessed more than 400 pouches of heroin, which he intended to sell. Gillespie possessed the heroin in Princeton, West Virginia. Adrian Dewayne King, also known as “Fled,” 38, of Bluefield, West Virginia, pled guilty to using a communication facility to facilitate a felony. King admitted that on January 21, 2015, he had a telephone conversation with a confidential informant (CI) to set up a drug deal. A few minutes after the telephone conversation, King met the CI as planned, and sold hydromorphone to the CI. The phone call and drug deal took place in Bluefield, West Virginia. King faces up to four years in prison and a $250, 000 fine when he is sentenced on August 13, 2015.
These cases were investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force as part of the Bluefield 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. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecutions of Gillespie and King.
Beckley man pleads guilty to cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Bryan Cross, 31, of Beckley, West Virginia, plead guilty yesterday in federal court in Beckley to distributing cocaine. Cross admitted that on September 23, 2014, he sold cocaine to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Canterbury Drive in Beckley, West Virginia.
Cross faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger scheduled the sentencing for August 12, 2015.
The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit conducted the investigation.
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 United States 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.
U.S. Attorney's office establishes website for potential victims of Freedom chemical spillRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that his office has established a new website to provide information to potential victims of the January 9, 2014, Freedom Industries’ chemical spill. The website is located at http://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/chemical-spill. The site may also be accessed from www.justice.gov/largecases.
In accordance with the Crime Victims’ Rights Act and the Attorney General’s Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance, the site will provide information to potential victims of the chemical spill. The information on the site will include links to all documents charging the defendants with crimes, dates and times of upcoming public criminal proceedings, and a listing of resources available to those who believe they may have been harmed by the chemical spill.
Anyone who believes that they are a victim of the chemical spill and wishes to receive notice of future developments in the criminal cases related to the spill, submit written information concerning the impact the alleged crimes have had on them, or attend the criminal court proceedings, should visit the website above or contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia and ask to speak with the Victim-Witness Coordinator. The local number for the United States Attorney’s office is (304) 345-2200, and the toll-free number is (800) 659-8726.
Pending charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Beckley area man pleads guilty to federal heroin chargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that John Lee Jenkins, 51, of Beckley, West Virginia, plead guilty in federal court in Beckley to distributing heroin. Jenkins admitted that on November 11, 2014, he sold heroin to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Stanaford Road in Beckley, West Virginia.
Jenkins faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger scheduled the sentencing for August 12, 2015.
The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit conducted the investigation.
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 United States 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 Charleston man sentenced to two and a half years for federal firearms chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former Charleston resident who illegally possessed a firearm on November 30, 2012, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Blaine Jerome Ivery, 32, previously pleaded guilty in November of 2014 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
At approximately 3 a.m. on November 30, 2012, members of the Charleston Police Department were parked outside of the Impulse night club on Capitol Street in downtown Charleston when they heard what they believed to be a gunshot. Officers then watched Ivery run a red light in a car near the area where the gunfire sounded. When officers stopped the car, Ivery tossed a loaded Hi-Point 9mm semiautomatic from the passenger side of the car onto the sidewalk. Ivery was alone in the car. A spent 9 mm shell casing was also recovered from inside the vehicle. Ivery had previously been convicted in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, in 2010 of wanton endangerment with a firearm.
The Charleston Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Haley Bunn and Jennifer Rada Herrald handled the prosecution.
The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a commitment of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s office and other officials nationwide to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
Hurricane man gets probation for stealing more than $24,000 from Social SecurityRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Vallas Paul Bell, 31, of Hurricane, West Virginia, received five years of probation today for stealing more than $24,000 of his mother’s Social Security Benefits after her death. The Social Security payments for Bell’s mother were deposited in her checking account at City National Bank. For over a year and a half after her death, Bell used a debit card to withdraw money from his mother’s account and spend it on himself. As part of his sentence, Judge Thomas Johnston ordered Bell to make full restitution to the Social Security Administration.
The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Blair L. Malkin and Erik S. Goes were responsible for the prosecution.
Huntington man sentenced in federal court for distributing heroinRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who distributed heroin in May of 2014 was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Thomas Edward Hill, 41, previously pleaded guilty in January of 2015 to distributing heroin.
On May 21, 2014, officers using a confidential informant (CI), arranged a drug deal with Clarence Edward House II, also known as “Nitty.” The informant contacted House and negotiated the purchase of 7.5 grams of heroin in exchange for $800. Thereafter, House and Hill met with the CI in House’s vehicle where Hill distributed the heroin to the CI at House’s direction.
The 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.
Charleston man pleads guilty to defrauding timeshare ownersRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that David Brandon Ball, 35, of Charleston pled guilty in federal court today to his role in defrauding timeshare owners throughout the United States and Canada. Ball admitted that he and his associate, David Andrew Glynn, formed Mountain State Resales, LLC (MSR) a bogus company used to defraud timeshare owners of money. Ball and his associates advised timeshare owners that MSR had a buyer for their timeshares, and asked them to front money to MSR in South Charleston, to cover fees and expenses necessary to facilitate the sales. MSR had no buyers for the timeshares and Ball knew that the timeshare owners would not receive anything in return for money sent to MSR.
Ball and his associates, including Glynn, also posed as “agents” and contacted timeshare owners who previously lost money in other timeshare fraud schemes and represented that they were affiliated with a non-existent organization named “Internal Revenue Recovery Associates” and were investigating timeshare fraud schemes. Ball admitted that he and his coconspirators told the timeshare owners to send money to MSR to assist “agents” in recovering the lost funds.
At his plea hearing, Ball admitted that neither MSR nor Internal Recovery Associates were legitimate businesses and were used to defraud timeshare owners. Ball also 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), that like MSR, was created and used to defraud timeshare owners of more than $145,000.
Ball has agreed to pay restitution to the victims of both MSR and International Transfers. Ball is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8, 2015. Glynn has already pled guilty and been sentenced for his role in the offense.
Today’s plea 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.
Two Georgia men plead guilty to federal methamphetamine chargesRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Nicolas Dale Pierce, 32, of Covington, Georgia, and Eric James Nelson, 27, of Conyers, Georgia, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 50 or more grams of methamphetamine.
On February 10, 2015, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) received information that Nelson and Pierce had brought large quantities of methamphetamine from Georgia to Elkview, West Virginia. Officers attempted to stop Pierce near the LaQuinta Inn in Elkview, but before officers were able to reach the car, Pierce sped away hitting several vehicles. Officers eventually found Pierce behind the nearby Crossings Mall. Pierce rammed two police cars with his car, and then fled on foot. One of the police cars was a total loss due to the impact. When police finally caught up with Pierce, they found him in possession of approximately $2,900 in cash, part of which was prerecorded buy money used during a controlled drug deal earlier in the day. Police also located a loaded gun that Pierce had thrown from his car.
Officers also apprehended Nelson near the LaQuinta Inn. Nelson had approximately 150 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded handgun in his possession.
Nelson and Pierce admitted that they were working together to sell methamphetamine in and around Kanawha County.
Nelson and Pierce face up to 40 years in federal prison when sentenced on July 29, 2015. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. is presiding over the cases.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation with the assistance of Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution.
Huntington woman pleads guilty to federal heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman who sold heroin on multiple occasions in 2014 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Sunshine Renae Midkiff, 24, entered a guilty plea to distributing heroin before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
On October 16, 2014, Midkiff met an informant working with the FBI Drug Task Force in the 2200 block of Artisan Avenue in Huntington and distributed heroin to the informant in exchange for $180. Mount previously sold heroin to an informant in Huntington in September 2014.
Midkiff faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 6, 2015.
The FBI Drug Task Force 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.
Huntington man pleads guilty to federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man who illegally sold oxycodone pills in 2013 and 2014 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Clinton Mack Mount, 37, entered a guilty plea to distributing oxycodone before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
On January 13, 2014, Mount met an informant working with the Drug Enforcement Administration outside a Barboursville restaurant and sold 100 oxycodone pills to the informant in exchange for $3,000. Mount also sold oxycodone pills to an informant on three other occasions from December of 2013 to January of 2014.
Mount faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 6, 2015.
The Drug Enforcement Administration 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.
Beckley man sentenced for federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Beckley man was sentenced in federal court in Huntington on a federal drug charge. Michael Greer, 30, of Beckley, was sentenced as a career offender to a 120-month term of imprisonment, followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Greer previously pled guilty in December of 2014, to distributing heroin to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Brooks Street in Beckley. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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.
Mercer County man sentenced to six years in federal prison for child pornographyRead the Press Release
Bluefield, W.Va. - A 19-year old Mercer County man, Joshua Dwayne Poff, was sentenced today to six years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Today’s sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber in Bluefield.
Poff previously admitted that on January 10, 2014, he possessed pictures of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The images were located on his personal computer located in his residence. Poff also admitted to trading video files containing child pornography via the Internet to another person who had a Google email account. U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “We are committed to the fight against criminals like Joshua Dwayne Poff who contribute to the exploitation and abuse of children. We will use every available tool to track them down and prosecute them to the fullest extent allowed by law.”
The West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is 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.
Mercer County man sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for child pornographyRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a 50-year old Mercer County man, Charles Edward Lawrence, was sentenced today to six and half years in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release for possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Today’s sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber in Bluefield.
Lawrence previously admitted that on October 10, 2013, he possessed videos depicting prepubescent minors having sex or performing sexual acts. The investigation revealed that Lawrence kept the videos of the children on a USB flash drive discovered during the execution of a search warrant at his home.
“We will not tolerate child exploitation in our communities. Folks who engage in this kind of deviant behavior are on notice that we will use every available law enforcement tool to identify and prosecute them,” Goodwin said.
The West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department 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.
Governor, Goodwin and state and local officials unveil West Virginia Center for Children's JusticeRead the Press Release
Center will serve as a statewide clearinghouse for information, resources, training and technical assistance
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin, and West Virginia State Police Colonel Jay Smithers, and other state and local officials, along with school, law enforcement, and child advocacy and mental health professionals, came together today to unveil the West Virginia Center for Children’s Justice. The Center, a collaborative effort between Goodwin’s office, West Virginia State Police and West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Children and Families, will serve as a statewide clearinghouse for information, resources, training and technical assistance.
The Center, located at the West Virginia State Police Professional Development Center in Dunbar, West Virginia, will house the West Virginia Defending Childhood Initiative Task Force (Handle With Care), West Virginia Children’s Justice Task Force, and the West Virginia Drug Endangered Children’s Task Force. All three task forces are charged with improving the investigation, prosecution and judicial handling of child abuse and neglect cases, strengthening prevention and intervention efforts, and promoting school-community partnerships aimed at ensuring that children who are exposed to trauma in their home, school or community receive appropriate interventions to help them achieve academically at their highest levels despite whatever traumatic circumstances they may have endured.
“I’m proud of the continued collaboration by our state’s law enforcement, Department of Health and Human Resources and educators to provide at-risk children with the support they need to heal, thrive and achieve long-term success in West Virginia,” Gov. Tomblin said. “I’m confident the West Virginia Center for Children’s Justice—through its partnership with schools and communities across the state—will play a significant role in expanding prevention and intervention services to ensure a promising future for our kids now and for years to come.”
The Center will promote safe and supportive homes, schools and communities that protect children, and help traumatized children heal and thrive. “This Center will improve communication and collaboration between law enforcement, prosecutors, schools, advocates and mental health providers, and help connect families, schools and communities to mental health services. We can no longer work in our silos focused on one piece of a child’s life puzzle. We must work together to make systemic improvements that can truly change the trajectory of a child’s path,” stated Goodwin.
Colonel Jay Smithers commented, “Child abuse is a community problem. No single agency can intervene effectively -- it takes a team. As law enforcement, we can play a crucial role in helping to link child victims to essential services and counseling. The West Virginia State Police is proud to house the Center for Children's Justice which will strengthen the multidisciplinary team response to child victims across the state.”
For more information about the West Virginia Center for Children’s Justice, visit www.handlewithcarewv.org.
Governor Tomblin, Goodwin and other leaders to unveil statewide initiative to benefit childrenRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin, West Virginia State Police Colonel Jay Smithers, and other state leaders, along with school, law enforcement, child advocacy and mental health professionals will come together at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2015, to unveil a statewide initiative to address child maltreatment and children’s exposure to trauma.
EVENT INFORMATION:
WHO: Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin and WVSP Colonel Jay Smithers
WHAT: Unveiling of a statewide initiative to benefit children
WHEN: 2:00 p.m., Tuesday March 31
WHERE: West Virginia State Police Professional Development Center, 123 Academy Drive, Dunbar, WV 25064
McDowell County woman sentence in federal court for filing fraudulent water quality reportsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Bonita Witt-Hird, 60, of Thorpe (McDowell County), West Virginia, was sentenced today to one year and one day in federal prison for filing fraudulent water quality reports.
Witt-Hird was formerly employed as the office manager for Richmorr Associates, Inc., an environmental engineering firm in Elkview, West Virginia. Richmorr provides water sampling services to wastewater treatment plants throughout West Virginia. Wastewater plants are required by state and federal law to sample wastewater discharges. The results are submitted to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP). WVDEP reviews the results to ensure compliance with water quality standards. In the event of non-compliance, WVDEP may levy fines or, in extreme cases, shut down the wastewater treatment plant.
In November of 2015, Witt-Hird pleaded guilty admitting that from April of 2012 to June of 2013, she filed approximately 80 false reports with the WVDEP. The false reports made it appear that current water quality sampling had been performed for the wastewater plants when, in fact, the test results had been copied from previous years.
Witt-Hird previously plead guilty in September of 2013 to obstructing an IRS investigation and served a one year sentence imposed for that offense.
The wastewater investigation was conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Investigation Division, the WVDEP and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes was responsible for the prosecution.
Kentucky man indicted for defrauding U.S. Department of Veteran's AffairsRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Kentucky man was indicted on March 25, 2015, by a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston for allegedly defrauding the U.S. Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation Program. The indictment charges Phillip M. Henderson, 50, of Olive Hill, Kentucky with fraudulently receiving approximately $800,000 in compensation and other benefits, including funds for the installation of a swimming pool and a vehicle, from March 17, 1995 to February 27, 2015. The indictment includes nine counts of wire fraud, which reflect payments from the VA to Henderson.
Each count carries a statutory maximum of 30 years and a $1,000,000 fine upon conviction.
The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of Inspector General, is conducting the investigation, assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Eumi L. Choi is in charge of the prosecution.
A copy of the indictment is linked below Henderson Indictment.
Note: The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Charleston man indicted for filing fraudulent tax returnsRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a 39-year old man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston for filing multiple false claims with the Internal Revenue Service. According to the 12-count indictment, Michael D. Jarrell, formerly of Boone County, West Virginia, filed fraudulent Individual Income Tax Return Forms for tax years 2009 – 2011, in which he claimed refunds in the names of individuals for whom he was not authorized to file. Further, as alleged in the indictment, these tax forms contained false information about the residences, employment, bank accounts and income for these individuals, as well as false withholdings. The false refunds totaled over $57,000.
Each count carries a statutory maximum of up to five years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
The investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service under its stolen identity refund fraud initiative. Assistant United States Attorney Eumi L. Choi is in charge of the prosecution.
A copy of the indictment is linked below.
Note: the charges contained in the indictment are merely accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty.