Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Detroit man pleads guilty to heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Robert Lamar Payne, 31, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.
Payne admitted that from 2012 to 2014, he conspired with other individuals to distribute heroin from Detroit in the Huntington area. He used an apartment in the 1000 block of 12th Avenue in Huntington to store and distribute the heroin. On Feb. 13, 2014, agents with the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force searched the apartment, recovering around 41 grams of heroin, two firearms and $2,411 in cash.
That same day, agents also searched a room at the Super 8 Motel on 16th Street Road in Huntington. There, agents found Payne, and accomplice Derrick Goodwin, with more than 200 grams of heroin and $2,915 in cash. Payne and Derrick Goodwin stated they jointly possessed the heroin for the purpose of distribution.
Payne face up to 40 years in federal prison and a $5 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2015.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
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Boone County man sentenced on drug chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Terry L. Daugherty, 50, of Nellis, Boone County, West Virginia, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
In November 2013, Daugherty pleaded guilty to arranging the delivery of a package containing methamphetamine to resident of Chris Curry. Curry pleaded guilty to agreeing to the scheme with the reward of receiving a small amount of the drugs, and is scheduled to be sentenced in March 2015.
On March 14, 2014, the package was delivered to Curry’s residence by undercover police officers, who had intercepted it in transit. After Curry accepted the package, officers executed a search warrant for the residence and retrieved the package. Curry provided a statement detailing his involvement with Daugherty, who admitted the package was his when questioned by law enforcement.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Frail handled the prosecution.
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Virginia man gets nearly six years for armed robbery of drug dealerRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that William Seltzer, 29, of Wytheville, Virginia, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison.
In July 2013, Seltzer pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting armed robbery affecting interstate commerce. He admitted that on April 22, 2012, he, Robert Barcliff, Keith Glenn and Robert Jared Smith carried out an armed home-invasion robbery in Marmet, West Virginia. They believed the victim to be a drug dealer in possession of oxycodone pills or proceeds from drug sales. Seltzer worked with Barcliff to set up the robbery, and provided information to him about the location of the victim. After receiving word from Seltzer that it was time to enter the apartment, Barcliff and Smith entered the apartment brandishing firearms to carry out the robbery. They stole drug proceeds from the victim before fleeing. A firearm was discharged during the robbery.
This robbery was part of a larger conspiracy committed by Robert Barcliff and his associates. Beginning in the fall of 2011, Barcliff, Keith Glenn, Brandon Davis, 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 them not likely to 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. Johnston 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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Charleston man pleads guilty to federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Jermain Santell Hill, 35, of Charleston pleaded guilty to possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute.
Hill admitted that on March 2, 2014, he was in possession of crack cocaine that he intended to distribute. He also admitted to possessing a loaded semi-automatic pistol while in possession of the crack cocaine.
Hill faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of $1 million. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2015.
United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Dunbar Police Department and United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is handling the prosecution.
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Logan County man gets three years' probation, fine for federal tax crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Alvis Porter, 61, of Holden, Logan County, West Virginia, was sentenced to three years of federal probation and a $2,000 fine.
In July 2014, Porter pleaded guilty to failing to collect, account for and pay over federal employment taxes. He also admitted to paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks to David Runyon, general manager of Arch Coal’s Mountain Laurel mining complex in Logan County.
Porter owned and operated Quality Oil, Inc., which did construction work at the Mountain Laurel complex. Porter admitted that he began paying kickbacks to Runyon in 2009, so Runyon would continue to hire Porter’s company to do work at the mine. Porter paid Runyon $5,000 per month initially, with the sum eventually growing to $10,000 per month. Porter estimates he paid Runyon around $400,000 in kickbacks over four years.
Porter also admitted that in 2013, he paid a Quality Oil employee under-the-table cash wages to avoid withholding federal taxes. Failing to collect and pay over federal employment taxes is a crime. Porter paid the employee more than $63,000 in cash.
Porter agreed to forfeit $350,000 to the Internal Revenue Service in connection with the kickback scheme, and $29,851.48 in restitution for his failure to withhold employment taxes.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This sentence stems from an investigation being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS 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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Felon sentenced for concealing illegal firearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Reginald Bennett, 41, of Cedar Grove, West Virginia, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
In August 2014, Bennett pleaded guilty to unlawful concealment of a firearm. He was stopped by the Charleston Police Department for a traffic offense Sept. 12, 2013, during which he was found to be in possession of a .38-caliber Colt revolver. Bennett was prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple felony convictions in Baltimore.
After being charged with felony possession of the revolver, Bennett moved a Ruger M77 rifle from his home to hide it at another location in South Charleston. It was Bennett’s intent to keep federal authorities from locating the rifle, which was ultimately located and recovered when agents executed a federal search warrant in South Charleston.
Bennett agreed to forfeit both firearms.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution.
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Pennsylvania man sentenced for possessing firearms while using drugsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Seth Grim, 21, of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to two years in federal prison.
In December 2014, Grim pleaded guilty to being an unlawful user of drugs in possession of firearms.
On Aug. 22, 2014, Grim was involved in a single vehicle accident on I-79 near Amma, Roane County, West Virginia.
The Roane County Sheriff’s Department responded to the accident, and once on scene a deputy observed fuses running from cardboard tubes inside a bag. The discovery led to the closure of I-79 in the vicinity of the accident while the explosives were safely removed from Grim’s vehicle.
Further search of the vehicle uncovered three semi-automatic rifles with high-capacity magazines, five explosive devices, a bullet proof vest, a gas mask and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Around five ounces of marijuana were also found, which Grim admitted was for his personal use. As an illegal drug user, Grim was prohibited from possessing firearms.
At the time of the accident Grim was moving from Pennsylvania to Kentucky. His vehicle was doubling as his moving van, and in addition to the drugs, firearms, tactical gear and explosives, he was also transporting all his personal belongings, which included more than 30 chickens and his dog.
United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Roane County Sheriff’s Department, West Virginia State Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Steven I. Loew handled the prosecution.
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Three men plead guilty to federal charges in BeckleyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that three men pleaded guilty to federal charges in Beckley.
James Edward Chambers, 44, of Glen White, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to distribution of cocaine. He admitted that on Aug. 28, 2014, he sold cocaine to a confidential informant near Robert C. Byrd Drive in Beckley.
Sean Scott Hafesh, 26, of Trenton, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin. He admitted that on Sept. 24, 2013, he sold heroin to a confidential informant on Skyline Drive in Beaver.
Chambers and Hafesh both face up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. They are scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2015.
Michael Erwin Basham, 35, of Glen Daniel, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to using a communications device to commit a felony. He admitted that on Aug. 22, 2014, he used a phone to arrange the sale of oxycodone to a confidential informant.
Basham 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 hearings.
The cases are being investigated by the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit.
The cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and opiates. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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New York man gets more than nine years for role in robbing drug dealersRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Keith I. Glenn, 31, of New York, was sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
In October 2013, Glenn pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm while participating in armed home invasion robberies of drug dealers. He admitted that on March 22, 2012, he, Robert Barcliff, Brandon Davis and Darrell Gillespie robbed someone they believed to be a drug dealer in Bristol, Virginia. They entered the victim’s home brandishing weapons, and stole firearms, ammunition and drugs. The group then returned to South Charleston to divide the spoils.
On March 22, 2012, Glenn also participated in an attempted robbery in Dunbar, West Virginia. He, Davis and Gillespie attempted to rob a drug dealer in the Roxalana Hills apartment complex but failed when the victim resisted. The group was later arrested by police.
Glenn further admitted that on April 22, 2012, he, Barcliff, Robert Jared Smith and William Seltzer carried out an armed home-invasion robbery in Marmet, West Virginia, of drug dealers believed to be from Detroit. A firearm was discharged during the robbery.
Smith, Seltzer and Davis have pleaded guilty to charges related to this investigation, and await sentencing in February. Barcliff was recently sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. Gillespie was convicted by a federal jury and awaits sentencing in May 2015.
Beginning in the fall of 2011, Glenn was part of a group that 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 the dealers were not likely to call the police.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston 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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Cincinnati man gets nearly six years for role in robbing drug dealersRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that David Himes, 29, of Cincinnati, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison.
In March 2013, Himes pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting robbery affecting interstate commerce. He admitted that on May 21, 2012, he, Robert Barcliff and Joe Croft carried out an armed home-invasion robbery of a drug dealer believed to have high-quality marijuana or drug proceeds in South Charleston. Himes stated he entered the apartment with a firearm to conduct the robbery.
Croft has pleaded guilty to charges related to this investigation and awaits sentencing in February. Barcliff was recently sentenced to 16 years in federal prison.
Beginning in the fall of 2011, Himes was part of a group that 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 the dealers were not likely to call the police.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston 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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Former W.Va. State Police employee gets two years for child porn possessionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Jeffrey Erra Osborne, 49, of Clendenin, West Virginia, was sentenced to two years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release.
Osborne was employed by the West Virginia State Police for 21 years, most recently as a forensic analyst.
On Nov. 24, 2014, Osborne pleaded guilty to possession of pictures of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. Osborne admitted that on Jan. 17, 2014, he possessed the images on his personal computer in his residence. As part of Osborne’s plea agreement, he has surrendered possession of computers, hard drives and electronic storage devices seized during the execution of the search warrant.
United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa. G. Johnston was in charge of the prosecution.
The case was prosecuted as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
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Virginia man gets 16 years for robbing drug dealersRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Robert L. Barcliff was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison.
Barcliff pleaded guilty in January 2014 to robbery affecting interstate commerce and to brandishing a firearm. On April 22, 2012, Barcliff, along with Keith Glenn, Robert Jared Smith and William Seltzer, carried out an armed home-invasion robbery in Marmet, West Virginia. Their targets were drug dealers that the robbers believed were from Detroit, and would be in possession of oxycodone and proceeds from pill sales.
Barcliff and Smith entered the apartment brandishing firearms to carry out the robbery. They stole money before fleeing the scene. A firearm was discharged inside the apartment during the robbery.
Glenn, Smith and Seltzer have all entered guilty pleas in federal court for charges related to this investigation, and are scheduled to be sentenced in February.
Beginning in the fall of 2011, Barcliff was part of a group that 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 the dealers were not likely to call the police.
In January 2015, two men were convicted by a federal jury in Charleston for their roles in the conspiracy. Darrell E. Gillespie faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years, and up to life, in federal prison, and Jamaa I. Johnson faces up to 45 years in prison when they are sentenced on May 6, 2015.
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 was in charge of the prosecution.
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Huntington cocaine dealer sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Curtis Rollins, 34, of Huntington, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison.
In October 2014, Rollins pleaded guilty to using a communication device to facilitate a drug crime. He admitted that on Dec. 31, 2013, he made a call to known drug dealer Kenneth Newman, during which he stated he had two people needing something. He made multiple calls that day, one in which he requested “two extra things,” referring to cocaine he intended to provide to someone else.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Huntington Police Department were in charge of the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey was in charge of the prosecution.
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Head of Newman drug ring gets 10 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Kenneth Dewitt Newman, 32, of Huntington, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
In May 2014, Newman, also known as “K-Kutta,” pleaded guilty to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. He also pleaded guilty in October 2014 to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. On Jan. 20, 2014, Drug Enforcement Administration agents conducted a search of Newman’s residence in the 1800 block of Artisan Ave. in Huntington. During the search, agents located and seized cocaine, oxycodone, heroin, MDMA and marijuana, which Newman admitted he intended to sell. He further admitted that from 2010 to 2014, he, with the aid of others, sold drugs from his home, and that he possessed a firearm to help facilitate their distribution.
Newman received five years in federal prison for each charge to which he pleaded guilty, to run consecutively for a total of 10 years.
Newman, his brother George Antonio Newman, their mother Darlene Newman and 12 others were indicted for their various roles in the drug distribution conspiracy. The charges against Newman and his associates arose out of a long-term investigation led by the DEA, Huntington Police Department and Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Huntington Police Department were in charge of the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey was 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, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
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Detroit man pleads guilty to heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Darius Jerome Perry, 31, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting possession of heroin with intent to distribute.
On Aug. 21, 2013, Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force agents executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200 block of 8th Ave. in Huntington. Perry admitted to utilizing the residence to distribute heroin. During the search, agents seized 134.8 grams of heroin and $10,431.76. Perry stated he jointly possessed the heroin with another man.
On Aug. 22, 2013, agents executed a second search warrant at the same residence, where they located and seized $3,000 concealed in a television. Perry stated the money seized during both searches was proceeds from heroin distributions.
Perry faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a $5 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2015.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
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Detroit man sentenced on heroin chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Stacy Erwin Jones, 35, of Detroit, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin.
On March 20, 2014, Jones, also known as “Red,” sold heroin to a confidential informant at a store in the Charleston Town Center Mall. Officers executed a search warrant at Jones’ residence, where they seized around 10 grams of heroin. Jones had more than $3,000 on his person when he was arrested following the warrant execution.
Jones previously served 13 years in prison for a 1999 assault with intent to murder conviction in Detroit.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Networking Team. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks was in charge of the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communications across the Southern District.
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Detroit man pleads guilty to heroin chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Steven Adams, 47, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.
Adams admitted that on June 16, 2014, he travelled by Greyhound bus from Detroit to Charleston with heroin intended for delivery to another person. He said he was approached by an individual in Detroit, who offered him money to carry the drugs to someone else in West Virginia. Adams was arrested at the bus station, following an encounter with agents of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).
Adams faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a $1 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 11, 2015.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by MDENT. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail 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 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 pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of heroin and opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
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Detroit man pleads guilty to drug trafficking chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Terrance Wilson, 25, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to interstate travel in aid of drug trafficking.
Wilson admitted that he transported heroin from Detroit to Charleston multiple times in November and December 2014, with the intent to carry out an ongoing business enterprise involving the distribution of the drugs in the Charleston area for profit.
On four occasions between Dec. 1-4, 2014, Wilson provided heroin to a confidential informant working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team.
Wilson faces up to five years in federal prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 13, 2015.
United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by MDENT. Assistant United States Attorney Steven I. Loew is in charge of the prosecution.
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Kanawha County woman pleads guilty to oxycodone crimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Whitney Reanne Kent, 26, of London, Kanawha County, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute.
On Dec. 5, 2012, investigators with the United States Postal Inspection Service and Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team were conducting a drug interdiction operation at the United States Post Office in Charleston when they executed a search warrant on a package addressed to Kent. The package contained 87 30-mg oxycodone tablets.
The investigators confronted Kent on Dec. 7, when she came to pick up the package. She admitted it contained oxycodone, and she intended to distribute the pills to another individual.
Kent faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a fine of $1 million. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2015.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnson presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and MDENT. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communications across the Southern District.
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Detroit man pleads guilty to heroin crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced Tuesday that Bryant Donavan Taylor, 35, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.
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 utilized 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 and $10,431.76.
Taylor stated that he jointly possessed the heroin with a partner for distribution.
On August 22, 2013, agents executed a second search warrant at the same residence, and seized $3,000 concealed within a television.
Taylor stated the currency seized during both searches was proceeds from heroin distributions.
Taylor faces up to 40 years in federal prison and, a $5 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2015.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
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Detroit man pleads guilty to heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced Tuesday that Kenneth D. Bowden, 28, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute.
On April 8, 2014, Huntington Police Department officers executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 900 block of 6th St. 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 HPD Forensic Investigations Unit located a usable print on the bag, and verified it to be Bowden’s right thumb print.
Bowden stated he possessed the heroin for the purpose of distribution.
Bowden faces up to 40 years in federal prison and, a $5 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2015.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
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Detroit drug dealer convicted by federal jury gets 30 yearsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Willie Slocum, Jr., 36, of Detroit, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
Following a five-day trial in November 2014, Slocum was convicted by a federal jury in Charleston of conspiracy to distribute heroin, conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of tampering with a witness.
Fifteen witnesses who purchased pills and heroin from Slocum, or sold them for him in the Charleston area testified before the jury to his guilt. Slocum ran his drug trafficking organization from Detroit, traveling to West Virginia while still on parole for a 1999 murder conviction in Michigan. It was this conviction, along with convictions for assault with intent to murder and felony possession of firearms, that prohibited Slocum from possessing a firearm.
Slocum used violence and threats of violence to keep his lower level dealers in line. He told Matt Quinn, an addict and low-level dealer, that if he got behind on his money that “he might as well jump in the river.” Going beyond words, Slocum stabbed Chris O’Dell after he found O’Dell had stolen money and heroin from one of Slocum’s dealers.
United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Steven I. Loew was in charge of the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communications across the Southern District.
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Boone County man sentenced for role in heroin conspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that James Harry Barker, 63, of Ashford, Boone County, West Virginia, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
In April 2014, Barker, also known as “Firebug,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. On June 6, 2013, officers executed a search warrant at Barker’s residence, and a business he operated. Cash and drug distribution packing material were seized.
Barker stated that the money seized was proceeds from illegal drug distribution. He admitted that he had obtained heroin from a source since June 2012, and distributed hundreds of heroin packets in the Boone County area until summer 2013.
Barker also admitted to supplying his daughter heroin daily while he was distributing. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston, who imposed the sentence, commented that was like giving her a gun and telling her to play Russian roulette.
The case was investigated by the United States 119 Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn was in charge of the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communications across the Southern District.
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New York man gets nearly six years for oxycodone distributionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Ajamu Sawandi Osborne, 40, of New York, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison.
In September 2012, Osborne pleaded guilty to possession of oxycodone with the intent to distribute. He was arrested June 2012, in Charleston, with 96 oxycodone pills on his person for distribution. Following the arrest, officers searched his residence and recovered 60 additional oxycodone pills, 10 oxymorphone pills and 30.2 grams of MDMA. Officers also found $14,000 in cash, which Osborne admitted was drug proceeds.
In addition to the items recovered from Osborne in June 2012, he also admitted involvement in other oxycodone distributions in the Charleston area prior to his arrest.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Unit (MDENT). Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman was in charge of the prosecution.
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Logan County man sentenced for role in Arch Coal kickback schemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Stephen B. Herndon, 37, of Holden, Logan County, West Virginia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston to five years of federal probation for his role in a multi-million dollar scheme orchestrated at Arch Coal’s Mountain Laurel Mining Complex in Sharples, West Virginia.
In July 2014, Herndon pleaded guilty to structuring a transaction in order to evade federal reporting requirements. He also admitted that he and business partner Scott Ellis paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks to David Runyon, Mountain Laurel general manager. The kickbacks were in exchange for business that Runyon directed to Tri-State Mine Service, Inc., a Mountain Laurel vendor in which Herndon was a part owner.
To generate the necessary cash for the kickbacks, Herndon and Ellis structured cash withdrawals from various personal and business accounts for $10,000 or less. This was to avoid triggering the bank’s obligation to file a currency transaction report with the Internal Revenue Service for sums greater than $10,000.
Between April 1, 2011, and September 30, 2013, Herndon and Eillis structured around $183,853. They estimate they used almost all those funds to pay cash kickbacks to Runyon, and in total paid around $237,000 during that period.
Herndon has agreed to forfeit $132,000 to the United States, representing a portion of the funds involved in, and traceable to, the structuring.
This sentence stems from an investigation being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service and West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecutions.
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Detroit man pleads guilty to heroin crimesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Derrick Wayne Goodwin, 25, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.
Derrick Goodwin admitted that between the fall of 2013 and February 2014, he conspired with other individuals to distribute heroin in the Huntington, West Virginia, area. He stated that he and his co-conspirators arranged for the transportation of the heroin from Detroit to Huntington.
Derrick Goodwin utilized an apartment in the 1000 block of 12th Avenue in Huntington to store and distribute heroin. On Feb. 13, 2014, agents with the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the apartment, where they recovered around 41 grams of heroin, two firearms and $2,411.
That same day, agents executed a search warrant at the Super 8 Motel on 16th Street Road in Huntington. Agents found Derrick Goodwin and another man in one of the rooms, with a search uncovering around 203.6 grams of heroin and $2,915. Goodwin stated he jointly possessed the heroin with a partner for the purpose of distribution.
Derrick Goodwin faces up to 40 years in federal prison, and a $5 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2015.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
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Detroit man pleads guilty to heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Christopher Jermaine Taylor, 29, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.
Taylor admitted that between the summer of 2012 to February 2014, he conspired with other individuals to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin in the Huntington, West Virginia area. Taylor said he and his co-conspirators arranged for the transportation of the heroin from Detroit to Huntington.
During the conspiracy, Taylor and the others utilized residences in Huntington as locations to distribute heroin. He stated they agreed to provide heroin to the residents’ occupants in exchange for utilizing them for the distributions.
Taylor leased an apartment in the 600 block of 22nd St. in Huntington in February 2013. In April 2013, Huntington Police Department officers seized around 23.6 grams of heroin and $7,380 from the apartment.
In February 2014, agents with the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence in Detroit. Agents located Taylor, and seized a firearm.
Taylor faces up to 40 years in federal prison, and a $5 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4, 2015.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
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St. Albans felon gets 15 years for illegal firearm possessionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Desmond Ra’Keesh White, 26, of St. Albans, West Virginia, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
In October 2014, White pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On July 9, 2014, White was arrested by Charleston Police Department officers following a vehicle stop on Charleston’s West Side. The arrest led to the recovery of a firearm inside White’s car, which he admitted on the scene belonged to him.
White had previously been convicted in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, in 2007 of armed robbery, grand larceny and three counts of burglary. He was on parole for the robbery conviction when arrested in July. White was sentenced as an armed career criminal, which provided for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department, with assistance from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Monica Coleman were in charge of the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to reduce gun crime by networking existing local programs.
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Point Pleasant man sentenced for heroin distributionRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Steven Libertore, 50, of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
In October 2014, Libertore pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin. He admitted that he sold heroin to a confidential informant Feb. 27, 2013, in the parking lot of a Dollar General in Point Pleasant. He further admitted to assisting others in distributing heroin in the Mason County area from the summer of 2012 to March 2013.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail was in charge of the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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 pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of heroin and opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
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Parkersburg woman sentenced on heroin, cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Gerri Raye Parker, 30, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison.
In October 2014, Parker pleaded guilty to using a communications device to facilitate a drug trafficking crime. She admitted that on Oct. 24, 2013, she received a call from a known heroin dealer warning her that police were conducting a roundup and arresting members of the dealer’s organization. The dealer told Parker to remove drugs and other evidence he had hidden in her apartment.
Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force personnel were conducting surveillance of Parker’s apartment when they observed her carry a bag to the rear of the building. Upon recovering the bag, police found approximately 100 grams of heroin, 62 grams of cocaine, scales and packaging material.
This case was part of a larger investigation that has resulted in the arrest and prosecution of several individuals involved in heroin trafficking between Marion, Ohio, and Parkersburg. Those prosecuted include Marion Felder, sentenced to 84 months for distribution of heroin; Keith Irons, 18 months for distribution of heroin; Cordaro Robert Johnson, 44 months for distribution of heroin; Zina Wakefield, three years’ probation for aiding and abetting heroin distribution; and Daquarri Tamara Coats, eight months’ time served and three years’ probation for distribution of heroin.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
This case was investigated by the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Josh Hanks was in charge of the prosecution.
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Huntington man sentenced on cocaine chargesRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today George Antonio Newman, 37, of Huntington, West Virginia, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison.
In May 2014, Newman pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. On April 15, 2013, members of the Drug Enforcement Agency found one ounce of cocaine while searching Newman’s residence in the 1300 block of 18th Street in Huntington. Newman admitted he intended to distribute the cocaine. Agents also seized a loaded handgun found with the cocaine.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency and Huntington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey was in charge of the prosecution.
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Huntington man gets nine years for heroin, cocaine chargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Dwight McVernon Green, 24, of Huntington, West Virginia, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison.
In October 2014, Green pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and cocaine for resale. On July 10, 2014, Green was stopped by a Huntington Police Department officer for speeding, and was ultimately arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, a loaded pistol with a chambered round, nearly $60,000 and a box of clear plastic baggies were found. In the trunk were two plastic bags containing around 104 grams of cocaine and around 50 grams of heroin.
Green was sentenced to 87 months for the drug charge, with an additional 21 months for violation of supervised release, which he was on when he committed the July 2014 offense. The sentences will run consecutively.
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 Greg McVey was in charge of the prosecution.
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Huntington felon sentenced for firearm possessionRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Robert Gene Small, 54, of Huntington, West Virginia, was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison.
In September 2014, Small pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On Aug. 4, 2013, members of the Huntington Police Department responded to a shots fired call at Marcum Terrace in Huntington. Once there, the officers learned that Small and a female were both armed, and had left the area in a vehicle. When the HPD later stopped the vehicle, an officer saw a rifle lying in the back seat. A further search uncovered another rifle, and a loaded revolver.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey was in charge of the prosecution.
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Cisco Trucking owner admits swapping pain pills for truck tiresRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Kenneth Ray Cisco, 50, of Lesage, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of oxycodone.
Cisco, owner of defunct Cisco Trucking, admitted to exchanging 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 transaction.
The undercover agent met with Cisco and another individual at Cisco Trucking to exchange six tires for oxycodone. Cisco provided the other individual with 31 oxycodone pills, and directed the undercover agent to unload the tires. The individual distributed the pills to the agent after the tires were unloaded.
The agent requested two additional oxycodone pills from Cisco, who provided them to the third individual, who then distributed them to the agent. In total, the agent received 29 15-mg and 4 30-mg oxycodone pills in exchange for the tires.
Cisco faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a $1 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2015.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Joe Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
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Beckley man sentenced for using phone to arrange drug crimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Marcus Graves, 37, of Beckley, West Virginia, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison.
In October 2014, Graves pleaded guilty to using a communications device to facilitate a drug crime. He admitted that on Jan. 13, 2014, he made a call to Kenneth Newman, who pleaded guilty to drug charges in federal court in May 2014, stating that he wanted to “bring some bread,” and that he would “take two.” Graves made the call to order around two ounces of marijuana.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency and Huntington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey was in charge of the prosecution.
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Former Federal Bureau of Prisons employee pleads guilty to sex chargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Richard Canterbury, 50, of Lewisburg, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact involving a ward.
Canterbury, a former Federal Bureau of Prisons employee, admitted that while he was working as a supervisor in the garage at the Federal Prison Camp in Alderson, West Virginia, he intentionally touched the breasts of a female inmate on one occasion in early 2014.
Canterbury faces up to two years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13, 2015.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File is in charge of the prosecution.
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Beckley area man pleads guilty to oxycodone distributionRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Boyd Wendell Clark, 31, of Daniels, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of oxycodone.
Clark admitted that on Oct. 1, 2014, he sold oxycodone to a confidential informant at Pine Grove Circle in Daniels.
Clark faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a $1 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 13, 2015.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit.
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 opiates. 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.
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Federal jury convicts two men involved in multiple armed robberiesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that two men were found guilty by a federal jury, following a nearly three week trial at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston.
Darrell E. Gillespie, 29, of Smyrna, Georgia; and Jamaa I. Johnson, 34, of Wytheville, Virginia; were found guilty of conspiracies to commit armed robbery and to use firearms in crimes of violence, as well as offenses relating to obstruction of justice.
The conspiracy involved armed robberies dating back to the fall of 2011 in Pittsburgh. Gillespie, joined by co-defendants Brandon Davis and Robert Barcliff, traveled to Pittsburgh to rob a drug dealer that Davis knew. After the robbery, the men came back to Charleston to split up marijuana stolen in the robbery.
Over the next four months, Gillespie, or his co-conspirators, participated in six more robberies in West Virginia and Virginia. All involved firearms, and during the Jan. 18, 2012 robbery of Cabell Franklin in Charleston, committed by at least Robert Barcliff and Brandon Davis, Cabell Franklin was shot in the leg and stabbed.
Throughout the trial, multiple victims and co-conspirators of Johnson and Gillespie took the stand to testify against the two men. Barcliff, Davis and Glenn all testified to the defendants’ involvement in the robberies, the use of firearms and the conspiracy to commit the crimes. Barcliff and Megan Smith, Johnson’s ex-girlfriend, also testified to the defendants’ efforts to cover up the crimes.
Barcliff testified that he and Gillespie worked out a false alibi for a robbery that took place March 22, 2012, in Bristol, Virginia. The two men planned to use a female friend, who was uninvolved in the crimes, to say she had been with Gillespie that entire night. The friend said she received calls from a person identifying himself as DJ, a known nickname for Gillespie, who asked her to provide a false alibi for him. She refused.
Johnson was found guilty of witness tampering by attempting to use Smith, his ex-girlfriend, to craft his false alibi. Smith said Johnson sent her a letter requesting her to “please get this prepared” and “I need you to really remember that trip you took to see me.” He was referring to a fake trip to Richmond, Virginia, but Smith confirmed that trip never happened, and that she drove him instead to Charleston on January 18, 2012, the day of the Franklin robbery, so he could destroy evidence.
Gillespie faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years, and up to life, in prison when he is sentenced on May 6, 2015. Johnson faces up to 45 years in prison when he is sentenced on May 6, 2015.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the trial.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Charleston Police Department and Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Monica D. Coleman, Meredith Thomas and Timothy Boggess were in charge of the prosecution.
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Charleston woman sentenced on heroin, firearm chargesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Chandra Ross, 30, of Charleston, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
In October 2013, Ross pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin. In March 2014, she also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of her drug trafficking.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Kanawha Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Steve Loew was in charge of the prosecution.
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Virginia man sentenced on heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Justin M. Kent, 32, of Richmond, Virginia, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.
Kent pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin in October 2014. During a traffic stop on Aug. 14, 2012, members of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force found Kent to be in possession of 10 individually wrapped packets of heroin. Kent was also involved in sales of heroin to a confidential informant on two separate occasions in May and June 2012.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey was in charge of the prosecution.
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Huntington man sentenced on heroin chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Mark R. Tabb, 46, of Huntington, West Virginia, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.
Tabb pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin in October 2014. During a search of his home in the 500 block of 4th Avenue on Aug. 12, 2012, Tabb was found to be in possession of more than 10 grams of heroin, which he intended to sell.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey was in charge of the prosecution.
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Huntington man pleads guilty to oxymorphone chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Eric Lawrence Silverstein, 39, of Huntington, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to distribution of oxymorphone.
Silverstein admitted that he made multiple sales of oxymorphone to a confidential informant.
On July 25, 2014, the informant arranged a controlled buy of 10 40-mg oxymorphone pills through Silverstein. Silverstein drove the informant to the 1400 block of 4th Avenue in Huntington, where a third individual entered the vehicle and sold the informant the pills for $600.
On July 28, 2014, the same informant arranged a similar purchase through Silverstein. The informant purchased eight 40-mg oxymorphone pills for $480.
Silverstein faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 27, 2015.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey is in charge of the prosecution.
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Detroit man sentenced on firearm chargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Demarco R. Bradberry, 37, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, and was subsequently sentenced to 66 months in federal prison.
After responding to a call at a Red Roof Inn on U.S. Route 60 in Huntington, deputies with the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department approached Bradberry as he exited a room. A search of the room uncovered a Smith and Wesson .38-caliber revolver.
Bradberry had been prohibited from possessing any firearm due to four prior convictions in Detroit. They include drug convictions in April and November 1995, and weapons violations in December 2001 and May 2008.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
This case was investigated by the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joe Adams was in charge of the prosecution.
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Two Bluefield men appear in federal court on drug chargesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Marvin Gillespie, 62, of Bluefield, West Virginia, was sentenced to six months in federal prison.
Gillespie pleaded guilty in September 2014, to distribution of hydromorphone. He admitted that on Feb. 6, 2014, he distributed two hydromorphone pills to a confidential informant in Bluefield.
The case was investigated by the Southern West Virginia Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John J. File was in charge of the prosecution.
Goodwin also announced that Samuel Miller, 60, of Bluefield, pleaded guilty to distribution of hydromorphone. Miller admitted that on Aug. 28, 2014, he distributed hydromorphone pills to a confidential informant in Bluefield.
Miller faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a $1 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2015.
The case is being investigated by the Southern West Virginia Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John J. File is in charge of the prosecution.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over both cases.
Both cases are part of the Bluefield Pill Initiative, one component 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 pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
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Princeton man pleads guilty to possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Lindsey Dale Bowling, 30, of Princeton, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.
Bowling admitted that on Nov. 22, 2013, he possessed images and videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The images were contained on his personal computer, as well as on multiple storage disks located in his residence in Princeton.
Bowling faces up to 20 years in federal prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2015.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the U.S. Attorney’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District.
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North Carolina men plead guilty to crack distributionRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that two North Carolina men pleaded guilty to distribution of crack cocaine.
Anthony Kearse, 39, of High Point, North Carolina, admitted that on Sept. 1, 2011, he sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant in exchange for $200 at an apartment building in Welch, West Virginia.
Chad Commander, 26, of High Point, North Carolina, admitted that on Dec. 2, 2011, he sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant in Welch.
Both men face up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. They are scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2015.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, Southern Regional Drug Task Force and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is in charge of the prosecution.
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Raleigh man pleads guilty to oxycodone chargeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Kevin Edmonds, 34, of Raleigh, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.
Edmonds admitted that on Oct. 3, 2014, he possessed oxycodone, with intent to deliver to a confidential informant. On Oct. 3, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Edmonds home on Burmeister Avenue in Beckley, where they found oxycodone.
Edmonds faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 30, 2015.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit.
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 opiates. 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.
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Beaver woman pleads guilty to distributing heroinRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Kristen Rachele Davis, 24, of Beaver, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court to distributing heroin.
Davis admitted that on Sept. 4, 2013, she distributed heroin to a confidential informant. The drug deal took place on Skyline Drive in Beaver.
Davis faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. She is scheduled to be sentenced on April 30, 2015.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing.
The case is being investigated by the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit.
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 opiates. 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.
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Kentucky woman sentenced for arranging drug buysRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Tonda Click, 58, of Ashland, Kentucky, was sentenced to five years of federal probation.
Click pleaded guilty in September 2014, to using a telephone to facilitate a drug crime. On Dec. 26, 2013, Click made a series of calls to a known dealer to arrange the sale of cocaine to a third party.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Huntington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey was in charge of the prosecution.
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Two Greenbrier County heroin dealers sentencedRead the Press Release
Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that two men involved in distributing heroin in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, were sentenced in federal court.
Joshua Osborne, 31, of Lima, Ohio, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for traveling in interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity. Osborne pleaded guilty in July 2014, admitting that on Sept. 1, 2013, he traveled from Alderson, West Virginia, to Columbus, Ohio, where he obtained heroin and returned to Alderson. He admitted to placing the heroin into capsules, with the intention to sell them. Osborne also admitted to having made previous trips to Columbus to obtain heroin, and having brought it back to Alderson where he sold it.
Adam Ray Smith, 26, of Ronceverte, West Virginia, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for distribution of heroin. Smith pleaded guilty in July 2014, admitting that on Aug. 30, 2013, he sold two packets of heroin to an individual in Ronceverte.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney John File was in charge of the prosecution for both cases.
This case was prosecuted under the Beckley Pill Initiative 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 markets and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.