Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Charleston husband and wife admit 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 pleaded guilty today to unlawful possession of a firearm. 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.
The Taylors face up to 10 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on July 9, 2015.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn 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 networking existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case is also 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.
Greenbrier County men plead guilty to federal heroin related chargesRead the Press Release
Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that two men pled guilty in federal court in Beckley before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger. Harry Franklin Huffman II, 25, of Lewisburg, pled guilty to using a phone to facilitate a drug felony, admitting that on September 23, 2014, in Lewisburg, he had a telephone conversation with a confidential informant to help set up a drug deal. Shortly after the telephone conversation, Huffman sold heroin to the informant.
Kip Aaron Sears, 26, from the Lewisburg area, also pled guilty to using a phone to facilitate a drug felony. Sears admitted that on September 30, 2014, in Lewisburg, he used a telephone to help arrange a drug deal. After the telephone conversation, Sears sold heroin to an informant.
Both Huffman and Sears face up to four years and a $250,000 fine when they are sentenced on July 8, 2015.
These cases were investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. They are part of the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative, in furtherance 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.
Dunbar heroin dealer sentenced to nearly four years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
Charleston, W. Va. - United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that William Leon Sales, 37, of Dunbar, West Virginia was sentenced by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., to 46 months in prison for a federal drug offense.
On July 16, 2014, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team found about 75 grams of heroin and $4000 in cash in Sales’ home in Dunbar. Sales admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin in the Dunbar area. On July 1, 2014, Sales also provided a gram of heroin to a middleman who sold it to a confidential informant for $150. At the time, Sales told the informant that he had another half-ounce of heroin at home if the informant wanted more.
The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald was responsible for 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 in federal court to distribution of heroinRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that James Darnell Walker, 31, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin. Walker admitted that he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement in Charleston on September 23, September 30, and October 11, 2014. On September 1, 2014, Walker was also found to have 600 individual packages of heroin in his possession that he intended to distribute.
United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., presided over the plea hearing. Sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2015.
The Charleston Police Department 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 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.
Point Pleasant man sentenced to 3+ years for investment fraudRead the Press Release
Defendant swindled victims out of more than $220,000
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Point Pleasant man was sentenced today to 37 months in federal prison for an investment fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Mark Anthony, 40, who pleaded guilty last November to one count of mail fraud in connection with the scheme, also was ordered to repay more than $220,000 that he stole from his victims, including two elderly widows.
Anthony previously admitted that over a span of nearly 10 years, he deceived an elderly Point Pleasant couple into believing that he was a licensed investment representative who would invest their money in high-yielding annuities and money-market accounts. In all, the couple gave him more than $200,000 of their savings to invest, with the wife continuing to give Anthony money for supposed investments after her husband passed away. Instead of investing the money, Anthony stole it, spending the couple’s nest egg to buy things for himself and pay personal expenses. Occasionally, Anthony mailed the couple a small check that he pretended was a return on their investments. These checks were actually money from other sources, which Anthony sent to make his victims believe their so-called investments were producing legitimate returns. Anthony also mailed the couple fake tax forms that pretended to show their income from investments Anthony had made for them.
Anthony also defrauded at least three other victims as part of the same scheme.
“Protecting West Virginia’s senior citizens from scams like this has been a priority for me from day one,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “This case is a reminder to stay vigilant. There are plenty more scammers out there like this defendant, who may seem trustworthy but are really out to separate people from their hard-earned savings. Always be wary of a deal that seems too good to be true.”
U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s website provides information for seniors to avoid becoming victims of fraud and other crimes: http://www.justice.gov/usao/wvs/Safe-senior-brochure.pdf.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the FBI investigated the case. Counsel to the United States Attorney Steve Ruby and Assistant United States Attorney Gabriele Wohl handled the prosecution.
Michigan man sentenced to federal prison for heroin offenseRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Michigan man who sold heroin in the Huntington area, was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Clarence Edward House II, also known as “Nitty,” 44, previously pleaded guilty in December of 2014 to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin. House admitted that he had arranged for the sale of $800 worth of heroin from a drug dealer to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers handed down the sentence.
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.
Freedom Industries pleads guilty to environmental crimesRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – Freedom Industries pleaded guilty in federal court today in Charleston to three environmental crimes in connection with the January 2014 Elk River chemical spill, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Freedom, which owned and operated the facility from which the chemical MCHM spilled into the river, pleaded guilty to negligent discharge of a pollutant, the unlawful discharge of refuse, and violating a permit condition. Sentencing of the company is scheduled for June 29, 2015.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Environmental Protection Agency - Criminal Investigation Division.
Convicted felon pleads guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a convicted felon from the Washington, D.C. area pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to unlawfully possessing a firearm. Sean Anthony Nalle, 30, of Washington, D.C. entered a guilty plea to pawning a semiautomatic pistol at Carl’s Pawn Shop on Dudley Avenue in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Nalle was prohibited from possessing the firearm because of prior federal drug trafficking convictions in the District of Columbia in 2006 and 2009.
Nalle faces up to ten years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 23, 2015.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Parkersburg Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is 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.
Two more former Freedom Industries officials plead guilty to environmental crimesRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – Two former Freedom Industries officials, Michael E. Burdette and Robert J. Reynolds, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston today to environmental crimes in connection with the January 2014 Elk River chemical spill, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Both men pleaded guilty to negligently discharging MCHM into the Elk River without a permit. Sentencing is set for June 24, 2015.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division.
Burdette’s and Reynolds’ plea agreements, which include stipulations of facts in which they admit their criminal conduct, are linked below.
Lincoln County nurse pleads guilty to obtaining drugs by fraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Betty Jo Tudor, 35, of Alkol, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to obtaining hydrocodone by fraud. Tudor, a former nurse at Sweetbriar Assisted Living in Dunbar, West Virginia, admitted that in June of 2013 she stole hydrocodone intended for patients for her own personal use and falsified records to cover up the theft.
Tudor faces up to 4 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., scheduled the sentencing for June 18, 2015.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is handling 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 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.
Convicted felon sentenced for escape from reentry centerRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Billy Roy Myers, 39, of Charleston, West Virginia was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Myers pled guilty in December of 2014 to escaping from the Dismas Charities Residential Center in St. Albans, West Virginia, a federal residential reentry center, where he had been placed by the United States Bureau of Prisons after his release from prison. Myers had previously been convicted of a federal firearms violation in 2008, and after a term of imprisonment, was serving the remainder of his sentence at the Dismas Center. Myers escaped on May 6, 2014, and was apprehended on the West Side of Charleston by United States Marshals on October 6, 2014. The sentence imposed on the escape charge will run consecutive to the sentence he is currently serving for the firearms offense.
Charleston man who impersonated United States Marshal sentenced in federal courtRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W. Va. - United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that John E. Swain II, 52, of Charleston, West Virginia was sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas Johnston to three years of probation for impersonating a federal law enforcement officer. On April 14, 2014, Swain chased a Ford Explorer on I-77, while the passenger in Swain’s car waived a badge that appeared to belong to a United States Marshal. The driver of the Ford Explorer was an undercover Kanawha County Detective. When the Detective pulled over at the Greenbrier Street exit, Swain sped away. The Detective followed Swain and directed him to stop. When the Detective approached the car, Swain claimed he was a United States Marshal from Richmond, Virginia. Swain advised that he asked his passenger to waive the badge because the Detective was driving too fast and Swain wanted him to slow down. The Detective contacted the United States Marshal in Richmond and learned that Swain had never been employed with the federal law enforcement agency. When confronted, Swain admitted that he had lied to avoid arrest for impersonating a federal officer. Swain claimed that he bought the fake badge on the internet.
The United States Marshal Service and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes was responsible for the prosecution.
Huntington man pleads guilty to federal heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a Huntington man who participated in a heroin distribution ring in 2014, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Huntington to a drug charge. Paul A. Roberts, Jr., 21, entered a guilty plea for providing a residence in Huntington that was used by him and others as base for the distribution of heroin in the community.
From at least October of 2014 to December of 2014, Roberts and others used a home at 403 Homestead Place, Huntington, to operate their heroin distribution ring. Roberts signed a lease for the property, knowing it would be used as a base to store, package and distribute heroin.
On December 6, 2014, a United States Postal Inspector intercepted a package addressed to Roberts Homestead Place home. The package contained approximately 230 grams of heroin. After agents delivered the package, they executed a search warrant and seized heroin, equipment used to package and distribute heroin, more than $6,500 in cash, and four guns.
Roberts faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2015.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.
Former Freedom Industries executives plead guilty to environmental crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – William E. Tis and Charles E. Herzing, former owners, officers, and directors of Freedom Industries, Inc., pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston today to an environmental crime in connection with the January 2014 Elk River chemical spill, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Both men pleaded guilty to causing the unlawful discharge of MCHM into the Elk River without a permit. Sentencing is set for June 22, 2015.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division.
Tis and Herzing’s plea agreements, which include stipulations of facts in which they admit their criminal conduct, are linked below.
Detroit man pleads guilty to distributing heroin in HuntingtonRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.VA. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Keith Cornell McKinney, also known as “Tony,” 32, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of heroin.
McKinney admitted that on October 9, 2013, he sold heroin to an informant working for the Huntington Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force. The transaction occurred at a residence on Rear 30th Street in Huntington.
McKinney who is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15, 2015, faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Barboursville Police Department, Cabell County Sheriff’s Department and the Huntington Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is handling 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.
Charleston man sentenced to 13+ years in carjacking caseRead the Press Release
Defendant participated in string of home-invasion robberies targeting drug dealers
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Joe Croft, 41, of Charleston, was sentenced to 158 months in federal prison following a conviction for carjacking.
On May 21, 2012, Croft, Robert Barcliff, and David Himes carried out an armed home-invasion robbery in South Charleston, West Virginia, of a drug dealer they believed would have high quality marijuana or proceeds from the sale of such marijuana. Barcliff arranged for a female friend to lure the victim to an apartment. Croft and Himes, dressed in dark clothing, then stormed the apartment at gunpoint to carry out the robbery. After they zip-tied the victim, Croft stole his car keys, and Croft and Himes fled the apartment. Croft took the victim’s vehicle because the group believed drugs or drug proceeds were located inside the vehicle.
This robbery was just one in a string of robberies committed by Barcliff and his associates. Beginning in the fall of 2011, Barcliff, Keith Glenn, Brandon Davis, Darrell Gillespie, Jamaa Johnson and other individuals conspired and agreed to commit armed home-invasion robberies of drug dealers in several states, including West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Many of the robberies occurred in and around Charleston. The object of the conspiracy and the robberies was to steal drugs---including cocaine, pills, and marijuana---along with drug proceeds and firearms. The group targeted drug dealers because they believed that drug dealers were not likely to call the police if they were robbed.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston sentenced Croft to 140 months’ imprisonment for the carjacking itself plus an additional 18 months for violating the terms of his supervised release from a prior 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.
Charleston felon pleads guilty to illegally possessing firearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to illegally possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Travis Devon Woods, 26, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On December 16, 2013, on the West Side of Charleston, members of law enforcement approached Woods to discuss an incident that had occurred nearby. When officers asked Woods to stop to speak with them, Woods fled on foot down a nearby alley. Subsequent to stopping Woods after a brief chase, law enforcement located a loaded Taurus .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol in the alley where Woods fled. The West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory matched Woods’s DNA to DNA recovered from the weapon.
Woods had previously been convicted in Kanawha County, West Virginia, in 2009 of nighttime burglary and first degree robbery. He faces up to ten years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 11, 2015.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston conducted today's plea hearing.
The Charleston Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of 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.
Former Logan County Assessor sentenced for federal banking law violationRead the Press Release
Rick Grimmett admits to more than $366,000 in structured cash transactions
Charleston, W.va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Russell R. Grimmett, also known as Rick Grimmett, 51, of Man, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years’ federal probation, including six months of home confinement, for violating federal banking laws. Grimmett is the former Logan County assessor. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
Banks are required by federal law to report all cash transactions in excess of $10,000. Grimmett admitted that he and an associate withdrew cash from the Logan Bank and Trust in Man, West Virginia, in amounts less than $10,000 to prevent triggering the reporting requirement. This practice, known as “structuring,” is a federal crime. Grimmett further admitted that between early 2009 and December 2012, he and his associate structured more than $366,000 in cash from various banks.
As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Grimmett agreed to resign his position as assessor. He also agreed to forfeit $150,000.
Today’s charge stems from an investigation 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 handling the prosecution.
Media AdvisoryRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Effective immediately, Michael Shane Arrington, former Public Affairs Specialist for United States Attorney Booth Goodwin’s office, is no longer employed with the office. Please forward all press inquiries to www.justice.gov/usao/wvs or to Robin Justice at (304)345-2200.
Detroit man sentenced to 4+ years in federal pill caseRead the Press Release
Defendant caught with more than 300 pills hidden in detergent box
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Kendall Lamar Spears, 35, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison after a December 2014 jury conviction on possession with intent to distribute oxymorphone, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. In late October 2012, Spears paid a Huntington couple to drive him to Detroit under the pretense of allowing him to visit family. After they arrived in Detroit, Spears left the couple for approximately an hour and returned with several bags from a Family Dollar store. He then went into a back room of the apartment in which the couple was waiting, where, according to trial testimony, Spears remained for approximately one hour before notifying the couple that he was ready to return to Huntington.
While in Detroit, the female who was driving Spears called her mother and told her that she was concerned that Spears was bringing heroin back to Huntington for resale. The woman’s parents relayed the information to members of the Huntington Police Department, who, along with agents from the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force, set up surveillance in anticipation of the group’s return. When law enforcement saw the van traveling back into Huntington, they stopped it and, with the owner’s permission, searched it. During the search, agents seized 302 oxymorphone pills inside a box of detergent located inside a Family Dollar bag in the seat where Spears had been riding.
Following the discovery of the pills, the couple informed law enforcement that they were unaware of what the package contained.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the two-day jury trial and the sentencing hearing.
Boone County man sentenced to federal prison in meth caseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Chris Curry, 37, of Nellis, Boone County, West Virginia, was sentenced to six months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Curry previously pleaded guilty in December 2014, admitting that he had agreed to receive a package containing methamphetamine for another person. Curry further admitted that he was to have received a small amount of the methamphetamine in exchange for accepting delivery of the package to his residence.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed today’s sentence.
The successful prosecution of Curry was the result of an investigation by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the West Virginia State Police.
Raleigh County man sentenced to four years for federal child pornography crimeRead the Press Release
SOPHIA, W.Va. – David Alan Hunt, a 33 year-old Raleigh County man, was sentenced to today to serve four years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for possessing child pornography, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.
Hunt previously admitted that on March 23, 2012, he possessed approximately 60 images of child pornography, including sexually explicit images of prepubescent minors and minors engaged in sexual acts. The child pornography was discovered on Hunt’s computers and a computer disc, both of which were located at his home in Sophia, West Virginia. The investigation also revealed that Hunt received and shared child pornography by using a file sharing network that allows users to download files from computers around the world.
U.S. Attorney Goodwin stated, “The exploitation of innocent children is a heinous crime. Child Pornography has a highly destructive impact on the most vulnerable segment of society and my office will work diligently to ensure that individuals like Mr. Hunt are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of United States Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
Beckley nurse pleads guilty to obtaining drugs by fraudRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Olivia Dixon, 31, of Midway, West Virginia, plead guilty today in federal court in Beckley to obtaining hydromorphone and morphine sulfate by fraud. Dixon, a former nurse at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, West Virginia, admitted that on November 10, 2014, she stole pain medications intended for patients, including morphine, for her own personal use.
Dixon faces up to 4 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger scheduled the sentencing for June 24, 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.
Cheylan woman sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Jennifer McClure, 31, of Chelyan, West Virginia, was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston to time served from November 25, 2014 to the present, followed by three years of supervised release. McClure previously pled guilty in December of 2014, admitting that she sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. The drug deal took place at McClure’s home on Firefly Lane in Chelyan.
The case was investigated by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of heroin and prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal heroin and pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is responsible for the prosecution.
Charleston man sentenced for selling pillsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Michael Scarberry, 37, was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston to 63 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Scarberry, who pleaded guilty late last year, admitted that he sold hydrocodone to an undercover Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (“MDENT”) police officer on several occasions. Scarberry also admitted that he obtained the hydrocodone pills on trips to Florida and brought them back to Charleston for sale. His uncle Clarence Scarberry, 51, of Charleston, was sentenced earlier this week to 21 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his role in the same drug conspiracy.
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. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is responsible for the prosecution.
Princeton man pleads guilty to federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Princeton man pled guilty to a drug charge before Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber in federal court in Bluefield. Lamar Baxter, 39, pled guilty to using a phone to arrange a drug deal. Baxter admitted that on November 11, 2014, he used a telephone in Princeton to speak with an informant to arrange a drug deal. A short time later Baxter sold seven oxycodone pills to the informant.
Baxter faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine when he is sentenced on June 25, 2015.
The case was investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John File under 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. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal drug trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Ohio man sentenced for role in pill distribution ringRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that David Frizzell, 44, of Grove City, Ohio, was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston to five years’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Frizzell previously pled guilty in September of 2014, to conspiring with others to sell prescription pills containing hydrocodone. Frizzell admitted that he arranged and financed multiple trips to Florida where eight or nine people on each trip obtained prescription pills that were later sold in the Charleston area and in Ohio. The drug ring was responsible for buying and reselling more than 60,000 Lortab pills during the nearly two-year conspiracy.
The successful prosecution of Frizzell and his associates was the result of an investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (“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 trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Charleston man sentenced for selling pillsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Clarence Scarberry, 51, of Charleston, was sentenced today in federal court in Charleston to 21 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release. Scarberry pled guilty late last year to the distribution of pills containing hydrocodone. Scarberry admitted that he sold pills to an undercover police officer. Scarberry also admitted that he and others had obtained the pills during trips to Florida.
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. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is responsible for the prosecution.
Beckley man sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a Beckley man was sentenced today in federal court in Beckley for selling heroin. Robert Meade, 28, was sentenced to three years of probation. Meade previously pled guilty in November of 2014, admitting that he sold heroin to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Laurel Terrace in Beckley. The sentence was imposed by United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger.
This case was investigated by the Beckley Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
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 for federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Beckley man was sentenced for a federal drug charge. Jason Calendar, 40, was sentenced to a four-month term of imprisonment, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Calendar previously pled guilty in November of 2014, admitted that he sold heroin to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Laurel Terrace in Beckley.
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.
Defendant was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger.
Beckley man sentenced for distribution of heroinRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that another Beckley man was sentenced in federal court for distribution of heroin. Ronald Greer, 60, was sentenced by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger to a 16-month term of imprisonment, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Greer previously pled guilty in November of 2014, admitting that he sold heroin to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Adrian Court in Beckley.
This case was investigated by the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
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.
Ohio woman pleads guilty in federal court to defrauding Huntington medical practiceRead the Press Release
Huntington, W. Va.- United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Teresa Lewis, 60, of South Point, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington to two felony offenses.
Lewis was a billing assistant in the Huntington Retina Center, a medical practice specializing in the treatment of vision disorders, eye injuries, and eye diseases. From 2012 to 2014, Lewis used her position to gain access to credit cards issued to the practice and an associated physician. Lewis used the credit cards to buy personal items and pay personal expenses of more than $50,000.
Lewis faces a total of 20 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine when she is sentenced on June 1, 2015. As part of her plea agreement, Lewis has agreed to pay $52,317 in restitution.
Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the guilty plea.
The United States Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Huntington Police Department are conducting the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for the prosecution.
Ohio man sentenced in federal court for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Ralph Shoemaker, 36, of Gallipolis, Ohio, was sentenced today by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers to 15 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Shoemaker previously pled guilty in December of 2014 admitting that he sold heroin to a confidential informant working with the West Virginia State Police. Shoemaker also admitted that he and others distributed heroin in the Gallipolis, Ohio, and Mason County, West Virginia areas over a six-month period between the summer of 2012 and March of 2013.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of heroin and prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal heroin and pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail was responsible for the prosecution.
Hurricane woman pleads guilty to defrauding small businessRead the Press Release
Huntington, W. Va. - United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Sandra Ball, 58, of Hurricane, West Virginia pleaded guilty to two felony counts of wire fraud. Ball was an auditor for Mountaineer 4X4, a small business in Hurricane, West Virginia that provides service and accessories for off-road vehicles. From 2008 to 2013, Ball transferred money from Mountaineer 4x4’s checking account to her personal credit card to pay for personal items and expenses. Ball made approximately 500 online transfers resulting in a loss to Mountaineer 4X4 of nearly $450,000.
Ball is scheduled to be sentenced on June 1, 2015. She faces a total of 40 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $500,000. As part of her plea agreement, Ball has also agreed to pay restitution of $445,164. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.
The Hurricane Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are conducting the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for the prosecution.
McDowell County man pleads guilty to distributing crackRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that William Sykes, 29, of Welch, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to distributing crack cocaine.
Sykes admitted that on June 15, 2011, he sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant. The drug deal took place in front of Sykes’ residence in Welch.
Sykes faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2015.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Southern Regional Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail is handling the prosecution.
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Four plead guilty to federal drug charges in BluefieldRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that four men pleaded guilty to federal drug charges in Bluefield.
Joshua Blevins, 30, of Bluefield, pleaded guilty to using a phone to facilitate a felony. He admitted that on Nov. 21, 2014, he was in the Bluewell, West Virginia, area when he had a phone conversation with a confidential informant to help set up a drug deal. Shortly after the call, Blevins distributed oxymorphone to the informant.
Blevins faces up to four years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Marcus Edwards, 40, of Bluefield, pleaded guilty to distributing hydromorphone to a confidential informant in Bluefield on Aug. 25, 2014.
Leonard Carey Rucker, 44, of Princeton, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin to a confidential informant on Nov. 4, 2014, in Princeton.
Carl E. Howard, Jr., also known as Preacher, 62, of Princeton, pleaded guilty to distributing hydromorphone to a confidential informant on July 8, 2014, in Princeton.
Edwards, Rucker and Howard each face up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine.
All four men are scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2015.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearings.
The cases are being investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecutions.
The cases are being prosecuted under the Bluefield Pill Initiative, part of the 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 opiate painkillers. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing those who engage in illegal drug trafficking in the Southern District.
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St. Albans woman sentenced on oxycodone chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Katie Prater, 24, of St. Albans, West Virginia, was sentenced to five years of federal probation.
In October 2012, Prater pleaded guilty to possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute. She admitted to having a package of oxycodone delivered to a residence in Charleston, which she then went to pick up May 2, 2012. When Prater took the package, officers with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team approached her, and she admitted the package was hers and contained drugs she intended to sell. The package contained 50 30-mg oxycodone pills, 83 10-mg oxycodone pills and 67 10-mg hydrocodone pills.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.
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Charleston man sentenced for distributing heroinRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Kennele Groom, 36, of Charleston, was sentenced to 58 months in federal prison.
In May 2014, Groom pleaded guilty to distributing heroin in Charleston. On Jan. 14, 2014, officers searched Groom’s residence in the 1200 block of Griffith Drive in Charleston, finding more than $20,000 cash and more than 12 grams of heroin. Another $1,979 cash was found on Groom when he was arrested. Groom admitted that he traveled to Cincinnati to purchase heroin to sell in the Charleston area.
Groom sold heroin to a confidential informant on three separate occasions in Charleston prior to his arrest.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Steven I. Loew handled the prosecution.
The 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, 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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Trivillian's Pharmacy, owner plead guilty to federal health care and drug crimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Paula Butterfield, owner and pharmacist-in-charge of Trivillian’s Pharmacy, a long-standing Kanawha City retail and compounding pharmacy, pleaded guilty to making a false statement in a healthcare matter. Butterfield also pleaded guilty on behalf of Trivillian’s to one count of health care fraud and one count of misbranding drugs.
Butterfield admitted that Trivillian’s defrauded Medicare and Medicaid by dispensing less expensive compounded drugs while billing for more expensive brand name drugs, dispensing generic drugs while billing for more expensive brand name drugs, billing for drugs that were never dispensed or were expired and dispensing drugs that were compounded outside of a safe and clean environment. The pharmacy also admitted to dispensing compounded drugs under labels and identification numbers associated with brand name drugs.
Butterfield, a Medicare beneficiary, pleaded guilty to submitting false information claims to Medicare on her own behalf, seeking payment for drugs that were never dispensed to her.
Trivillian’s faces a fine of up to $1 million or twice the gross financial gain or twice the gross financial loss resulting from the pharmacy’s conduct, whichever is greater; not less than two years nor more than 10 years of probation; a mandatory special assessment of $800; and an order of restitution.
Butterfield faces up to five years in federal prison; a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross financial gain or twice the gross financial loss resulting from her conduct, whichever is greater; three years of supervised release; a mandatory special assessment of $100; and an order of restitution.
Trivillian’s and Butterfield are scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2015.
Goodwin also announced that his office reached a civil settlement with Trivillian’s and Butterfield, recovering $1.1. million on behalf of Medicare and West Virginia Medicaid. The settlement represents more than three times the loss suffered by Medicare and Medicaid.
“Cheating Medicare and Medicaid is really cheating the American taxpayer,” Goodwin said. “Thanks to these prosecutions and this settlement, money that was taken from the taxpayers by fraud can now be used to provide health care to the many people who depend on these programs.”
The investigation is being conducted by United States Health and Human Services, the United States Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigation, West Virginia State Police, West Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Eumi Choi is handling the prosecution.
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Man sentenced for lying about role in Arch Coal kickback schemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Ronald Barnette, 54, of Holden, West Virginia, was sentenced to three years of probation, including six months of home confinement and a $20,000 fine for lying about paying kickbacks at Arch Coal’s Mountain Laurel mining complex.
In July 2014, Barnette pleaded guilty to making a materially false statement in a federal matter by lying about paying kickbacks to David Runyon, Mountain Laurel’s general manager. Barnette owned and operated Mining Repair Specialist, Inc., which rebuilt mining equipment from Mountain Laurel. Barnette admitted that from 2009-2010, he paid around $300,000 in kickbacks so Runyon would continue hiring his company to do work at the mine. Barnette further admitted to lying to agents when asked about paying cash kickbacks.
Barnette forfeited $400,000 to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in connection with the kickback scheme.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case stems from a larger investigation conducted by the FBI, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service and West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas handled the prosecution.
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Heroin dealers plead guilty to federal chargesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Randolph Ingram, 55, of Detroit; and Rachel Jade Corrigan, 26, of Huntington, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to heroin charges.
Ingram admitted that on Sept. 27, 2014, he used a phone to arrange a heroin sale with a confidential informant in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Corrigan admitted to assisting Ingram by transporting the heroin from Huntington to Lewisburg, and taking the money from the sale back to Huntington.
Immediately following the drug deal, authorities arrested Ingram and Corrigan, and recovered the heroin and money.
Ingram faces up to four years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Corrigan faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. Both are scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2015.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearings.
This case is being investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Greenbrier Valley Heroin and Pill Initiative, an ongoing effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the sale of heroin and the illicit sale 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 opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
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Beckley man sentenced on federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Demetrice Johnson, 42, of Beckley, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
In November 2014, Johnson pleaded guilty to distributing heroin to a confidential informant. The drug deal took place on Robert C. Byrd Drive in Beckley.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Beckley Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and was prosecuted under the Beckley Pill Initiative.
The 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 opiates. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Beckley man pleads guilty to using phone to commit felonyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Richard Pfost, 32, of Beckley, pleaded guilty to using a telephone to commit a felony.
Pfost admitted that on Aug. 12, 2014, he used a telephone in the Beckley area to arrange a sale of oxycodone to a confidential informant.
Pfost faces up to four years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24, 2015.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.
The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit is conducting the investigation.
The 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 opiates. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Beckley area woman pleads guilty to heroin distributionRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Andrea Austin, 42, of Sophia, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to distributing heroin.
Austin admitted that on Aug. 11, 2014, she sold heroin to a confidential informant on East Camellia Street in Sophia.
Austin faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. She is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2015.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.
The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit is conducting the investigation.
The 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 opiates. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement, 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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Appalachian Labs employee sentenced in water quality schemeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that John W. Shelton, 47, of Daniels, West Virginia, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison.
In October 2014, Shelton pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the Clean Water Act. He admitted that he, and other employees, tampered with water samples to make them appear within permissible levels. He stated he diluted samples by adding distilled water, and substituted water samples from the “honeyhole,” named such because samples taken from that spot were always within permissible limits. Each time samples were diluted or water was substituted, Shelton allowed excessive pollutants to be discharged from mining operations into adjacent creeks and rivers.
Shelton also admitted that from 2008-2013, he and other Appalachian Laboratory employees failed to place samples on ice as required by law, and instead kept them in their trucks all day, compromising the integrity of the samples. They would place samples on ice inside coolers on known inspection days to give the appearance it was the regular practice.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant United States Attorney Blair L. Malkin and Larry R. Ellis handled the prosecution.
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Virginia man gets nearly six years for robbing drug dealersRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Brandon Davis, 24, from Wytheville, Virginia, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison.
In October 2012, Davis pleaded guilty to his role in robbing Charleston drug dealer Cabell Franklin. He admitted that on Jan. 18, 2012, he and Robert Barcliff committed the robbery, during which Franklin was shot in the leg and stabbed.
This robbery was part of a larger conspiracy among Barcliff and his associates. Beginning in the fall of 2011, Barcliff, Davis, Keith Glenn, Darrell Gillespie, Jamaa Johnson and others conspired and agreed to commit armed home-invasion robberies of drug dealers in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. The objective of the conspiracy and robberies was to steal drugs, drug proceeds and firearms. The group targeted drug dealers because they believed it unlikely they would call the police.
Barcliff was recently sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. Johnson and Gillespie are scheduled to be sentenced in May 2015
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnson imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Charleston Police Department and Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.
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Ohio man sentenced for role in heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Eric Greer, 39, of Gallipolis, Ohio, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.
In October 2014, Greer pleaded guilty to his role in a conspiracy to transport heroin from Detroit for distribution in Gallipolis, Ohio, and Mason County, West Virginia. He admitted to participating in the conspiracy from the summer of 2011 to October 2012.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail 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 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.
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Man pleads guilty to threatening Senator ManchinRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Steven Anthony Major, 50, from Barboursville, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to threatening to murder United States Senator Joseph Manchin, III.
Major made four separate threats to murder Sen. Manchin from Mar. 17-20, 2014. He admitted to making calls to Sen. Manchin’s Charleston and Washington D.C. offices, during which he left messages identifying himself, and making violent threats against the senator and his family.
Major faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 2015.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the plea hearing.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Capitol Police and West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is handling the prosecution.
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Kentucky man sentenced on heroin, cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Leroy “B.K.” Wilson, 33, of Lexington, Kentucky, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison.
In November 2014, Wilson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine. He admitted that between 2010 and 2014, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Huntington. During that period, Wilson worked as a drug courier for Mark Silverburg transporting cocaine from Lexington to Kenneth Newman in Huntington.
On Jan. 8, 2014, Wilson traveled from Huntington to Lexington with nearly $7,000 to purchase cocaine for Newman. Silverburg placed a brown paper bag in the trunk of Wilson’s vehicle, which was opened by Newman in Huntington to reveal two plastic bags of cocaine.
Wilson also did construction work on rental property owned by George Newman, for which he was paid in cash and heroin. Newman instructed Wilson to pay those working for him in heroin.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey handled the prosecution.
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Detroit man sentenced on heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Anthony M. Barnes, 38, of Detroit, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison.
In November 2014, Barnes pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with the intent to distribute. On April 8, 2014, officers with the Huntington Police Department executed a search warrant in the 900 block of 6th St. in Huntington. Barnes was there when they entered, attempting to conceal heroin by smashing it into the carpet. Officers seized around 18 grams of heroin, which Barnes admitted to possessing for distribution.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
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