Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Beckley Area Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of OxycodoneRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Steven D. Benko, 29, of Beckley, West Virginia, plead guilty in federal court in Beckley to distribution of oxycodone. Benko admitted that on March 5, 2014, he sold oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Antonio Avenue in Beckley. Benko faces a sentence of up to twenty years and a $1,000,000 fine.
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.
United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger set the sentencing for January 14, 2015.
Two Kanawha County Men Sentenced to Prison on Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that David Burgess, 27, and Jesse Burgess, 26, both of Charleston, West Virginia, were each sentenced to 21 months in federal prison. Both men were sentenced on federal gun charges in connection with the theft of firearms from two local businesses. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentences.
David Burgess previously admitted that he illegally possessed a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol on September 17, 2012, the day he stole the firearm from Pawn for Cash, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Charleston. David Burgess had previously been convicted of the felony offense of credit card forgery in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, and his rights to possess a firearm had not been restored. Jesse Burgess previously admitted that he aided and abetted his brother in stealing the pistol from Pawn for Cash. Jesse Burgess was also prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of breaking and entering in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, and his rights to possess a firearm had not been restored.
The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn handled the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
Saint Albans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Saint Albans man who illegally possessed a firearm on July 2, 2014, pleaded guilty today to a federal firearms charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Keival Lewis Kelley, 30, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kelley entered his guilty plea before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.
On July 2, 2014, the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Kelley at a residence in Huntington after Kelley was charged with distribution of heroin. When Kelley was arrested, he was found to be in possession of a loaded,.25 caliber Taurus semiautomatic pistol.
Kelley had previously been convicted in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia in 2006 and 2011 on federal drug trafficking charges. He was on federal supervised release at the time of his most recent arrest.
Kelley faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentence on December 1, 2014.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department STOP team and the U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the investigation.
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.
Parkersburg Man Sentenced to 17 1/2 Years in Federal Prison for Accessing Child Pornography on A Library ComputerRead the Press Release
Defendant also sentenced to lifetime supervision after release; previously convicted of possessing child pornography in 2000
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Matthew John Wiggins, a 41-year old Wood County resident, was sentenced today to 17½years in federal prison followed by a life term of supervised release, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Wiggins’ sentence follows his conviction last March for accessing child pornography with intent to view it and attempting to persuade a person to destroy evidence. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.Following a bench trial in March of 2014, Wiggins was found guilty of knowingly accessing child pornography with intent to view it while he was logged on to a computer located at the Parkersburg and Wood County Library on January 16 and 17, 2013. Chief Judge Chambers also found that on the eve of trial, Wiggins sent a letter to a person attempting to persuade that person to destroy a library card that Wiggins knew would be important evidence in his trial.
“Criminals who seek out child pornography are supporting and sustaining the exploitation of children,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “It’s heartbreaking to think of the children whose innocence was stolen to entertain people like this defendant. I applaud the tough sentence that Chief Judge Chambers handed down. It should send a powerful message.”
In imposing today’s sentence, Chief Judge Chambers praised the diligent and efficient police work that led to Wiggins’ arrest. The investigation of Wiggins began when an Information Security Officer with the West Virginia Office of Information Security and Controls, an agency that monitors state computers for illegal activity, discovered that someone at the Parkersburg and Wood County Library was downloading child pornography images on a library computer on January 16 and 17, 2013. The Office of Information Security and Controls was able to trace the internet protocol (IP) address to a computer that was located on the main floor of the library. The Information Security Officer reported the illegal activity to the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
On January 17, 2013, a member of the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and two Parkersburg Police Department detectives went to the library and found Wiggins sitting at the computer on which he had downloaded child pornography on January 16 and 17. A forensic examination performed on that computer revealed that Wiggins accessed, with intent to view, 324 images of child pornography. Some of the images depict minors engaged in sadistic and masochistic conduct or other acts of violence.
Wiggins was previously convicted in federal court in the Southern District of West Virginia in 2000 of knowingly possessing child pornography and was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment. Within 11 days of being released from prison, he was found to be in possession of a computer in violation of the terms and conditions of his supervised release. At that time, Wiggins admitted to using software designed to delete data on the computer he had at his residence. During Wiggins’ second term of supervised release, he was caught viewing pictures of naked young females on a computer located at the West Virginia University Parkersburg library and was sentenced to imprisonment for 12 months.
The investigation of Wiggins was conducted by the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with the assistance of the West Virginia Office of Information Security and Controls, the Parkersburg Police Department, the West Virginia State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa Johnston and Jennifer Rada Herrald were in charge of the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.
Detroit Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in HuntingtonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Ivory Hall, 32, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and heroin, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. From March 2012 through September 2012, Hall, sometimes known as “Chris Nelson,” distributed heroin in and around Huntington. On September 20, 2012, Hall was in a vehicle stopped by officers with the Huntington Police Department. At the time of the stop, Hall threw to the ground packages containing 163 30-milligram oxycodone pills, heroin packages for sale and digital scales.
Additionally, on September 20, 2012, Hall’s residence at 222 Fifth Avenue in Huntington was searched. Officers found ammunition and two firearms belonging to Hall. Hall also had $18,312 in the apartment which was used in his distribution of controlled substances.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers scheduled Hall’s sentencing for December 1, 2014. Hall faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a $1 million fine at sentencing.
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.
Vienna Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Heroin and A FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Vienna, West Virginia man who possessed heroin and a pistol in November of 2013 was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Robert Lamar Bates-Porter, 27, previously pleaded guilty in May of 2014 to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
In August, October, and November of 2013, drug task force officers made controlled purchases of heroin from Bates-Porter. On November 10, 2013 police executed a search warrant at Bates-Porter’s 29th Street residence in Vienna, where they recovered approximately 100 grams of heroin and a Kimber .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol.
Bates-Porter had been previously convicted of felonies in Detroit, Michigan, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine in 2006 and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in 2007. These convictions preclude him from possessing any firearm.
The Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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. This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
News Conference Regarding Criminal Charges in Death of Cross Lanes TeenagerRead the Press Release
2:30 p.m. today, W. Kent Carper Justice and Public Safety Complex
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin and other law enforcement officials, including officials with the FBI and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, will hold a news conference at 2:30 p.m. on the first floor of the W. Kent Carper Justice and Public Safety Complex, located at 301 Virginia Street, East, in Charleston. The news conference will address criminal charges against Ernest Michael Roach in the death of a Cross Lanes teenager whose body was found in Meigs County, Ohio, on Saturday. Roach faces a murder charge in Ohio, as well as a federal charge of interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The federal charge is pending in federal court in Charleston. Roach will make an initial appearance in the federal case at 2:00 p.m. today, at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse, 300 Virginia Street, East, in Charleston. The 2:30 p.m. news conference will take place across the street at the Carper Complex.
Michigan Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Heroin ChargeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Michigan woman who rented a Huntington apartment as part of a heroin conspiracy pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Lakeisha Sherell Williams, 31, entered a guilty plea to maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing heroin. Williams pleaded guilty in a hearing conducted by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
Beginning in early August 2013, Williams rented an upstairs apartment located at 2504 1/2 Adams Avenue in West Huntington. Williams subsequently allowed multiple individuals to stay at the apartment, where they would store, prepare, and distribute heroin that was transported from Detroit to Huntington. Williams also assisted in transporting heroin and United States currency to and from Detroit on multiple occasions.
Williams faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on December 1, 2014.
The FBI Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Mercer County Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A 54-year old Mercer County man, David A. Punturi, was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Punturi must also pay $2,500 in restitution to victims. Today’s sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber in Bluefield.
Punturi previously admitted that on August 14, 2013, he possessed over 600 images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The images were located on his personal computer at his Bluefield residence. The investigation revealed that Punturi was using two peer-to-peer file sharing programs to share child pornography via the Internet.
The West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston was in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being brought as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
Huntington Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that John Clark Schlotter, 30, of Huntington, and originally from Weirton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months’ probation and six months of weekend confinement for unlawfully possessing a firearm while a drug addict. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed today’s sentence, which follows Schlotter’s May 2014 guilty plea.
In January of 2014, Schlotter possessed two stolen guns at his home on First Avenue Rear in Huntington. Schlotter was holding the guns for a known heroin dealer who had received them in payment of a heroin debt. Schlotter was holding the guns for the heroin dealer in exchange for heroin for Schlotter’s personal use.Chief Judge Robert C. Chambers set the sentencing for September 2, 2014.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Bashiri Deon McDaniel, also known as “Chevy”, age 36, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distributing heroin. McDaniel admitted that on December 22, 2011, he sold heroin to what proved to be a confidential informant working with the West Virginia State Police. The transaction occurred at a residence in Point Pleasant, Mason County, West Virginia. As part of his plea, McDaniel further admitted that between the winter of 2011 and March of 2013, he conspired with others to distribute between 400 and 700 grams of heroin originating out of Detroit to various individuals in Mason County and in Gallipolis, Ohio. McDaniel faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on December 1, 2014.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers conducted today’s plea hearing.
The successful investigation was the result of the cooperative efforts of the West Virginia State Police and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
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 Mail Carrier Sentenced for Arranging Drug Deals by PhoneRead the Press Release
More than 100 Drug Deals Made By On-Duty Mail Carrier
Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Greenbrier County man was sentenced in federal court in Beckley for using a telephone to facilitate the sale of illegal drugs. Jack Edwin McCoy, 30, of White Sulfphur Springs, West Virginia was sentenced to three years of probation including four months of home confinement and 150 hours of community service.
McCoy pled guilty in May of 2014, admitting that on February 20, 2014, he used a telephone to tell a confidential informant working with law enforcement (CI) where to meet him to buy buprenorphine, a controlled substance found in the medication Suboxone. After the telephone conversation, the CI met McCoy in Ronceverte, West Virginia where McCoy sold the CI a Suboxone strip. At the time of the transaction, McCoy was working a shift as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. McCoy admitted that he had sold about 270 suboxone strips, and that he had sold about 100 times while on duty as a mail carrier. McCoy is no longer employed by the Postal Service.
The case was investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney John File, and was pursued under the Greenbrier County Heroin and Pill Initiative, which is part of an ongoing effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, to aggressively pursue and shut down heroin and illegal prescription medication trafficking in communities across the Southern District.
Wayne County Woman Sentenced for Lying and Buying Guns for A Prohibited AssociateRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – A Wayne County woman was sentenced yesterday, to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for her role in helping a convicted felon acquire five firearms from a Huntington pawn shop announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Brittany Amanda Hewlett, 25, previously pleaded guilty in May of 2014 to making a false statement in acquisition of a firearm.
On February 26, 2014, Hewlett and an associate went to a Huntington pawn shop to buy five guns. Hewlett completed a federally required form, and claimed that she was buying the guns for herself when, in fact, the guns were for her associate. Hewlett had previously agreed to buy the guns, understanding that they would be given to the associate who was legally prohibited from buying or possessing guns. When Hewlett and the associate returned later to the pawn shop to finalize the gun purchase, an undercover federal agent was present and posed as the sales clerk.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.
Florida Oxycodone Trafficker Enters Federal Guilty PleaRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – A Florida man who possessed oxycodone and other prescription drugs during a December 2011 traffic stop in Summersville, West Virginia pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Gregory Leandre, 31, of Naples, Florida pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone in federal court in Charleston.
On December 29, 2011, Leandre and another man were stopped by police in Summersville after receiving a tip from a local resident. The men were found in possession of approximately 831 oxycodone and 117 hydrocodone pills. At the plea hearing, Leandre told the Court he intended to distribute the pills.
Leandre made his appearance in U.S. District Court after serving prison time in Florida on an unrelated drug conviction. He faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on December 9, 2014.
The Summersville Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks 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.
David Glynn Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Timeshare OwnersRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a Charleston man pled guilty yesterday in federal court in Charleston to conspiring to defraud timeshare owners throughout the United States and Canada. David Andrew Glynn, 47, admitted that he set up a bogus company named Mountain State Resales, LLC (MSR) that was purportedly in the business of brokering timeshare sales. Glynn, and others, contacted timeshare owners and advised them that MSR had buyers for their the timeshares, and asked owners to pay fees and expenses necessary to complete the sales. Timeshare owners were directed to send the requested payments to MSR in South Charleston, West Virginia.
Glynn also contacted timeshare owners who had been victims of prior fraud schemes and posed as an agent with “Internal Revenue Recovery Associates,” a fictional entity that he claimed was affiliated with a governmental agency. Glynn represented that he was investigating timeshare fraud schemes, and needed the victims of such schemes to send money to MSR to assist with its recovery efforts.
During the guilty plea hearing, Glynn admitted that MSR was not a legitimate business, and was created to defraud owners of timeshare companies. He also admitted that MSR received more than $86,000 from the fraud scheme. As part of the plea agreement, Glynn will be required to make full restitution. Sentencing is scheduled for November 24, 2014.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the West Virginia State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is handling the prosecution.
Cedar Grove Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Concealment of A FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Reginald Bennett, 40, of Cedar Grove, West Virginia pleaded guilty today to unlawful concealment of a firearm announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. In September of 2013, Bennett was stopped by the Charleston Police Department for a traffic violation. During the stop, officers discovered a .38 caliber Colt revolver in Bennett’s possession. Bennett was prohibited from possessing any gun because of a prior felony conviction. After his arrest and release, Bennett removed a Ruger M77 rifle from his home in Cedar Grove, and hid it in a home in South Charleston to prevent law enforcement officers from finding it. The rifle was discovered when a federal search warrant was executed at the South Charleston residence.
Bennett faces a maximum penalty of 20 in prison when he is sentenced on December 11, 2014. As part of his plea, Bennett agreed to forfeit both the revolver and the rifle.
The United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is prosecuting the matter on behalf of the United States.
Mercer County Man Sentenced for Selling HydromorphoneRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Jimmy Dale Wright, age 57, of Rock, West Virginia, was sentenced today in Bluefield, West Virginia, by United States District Court Judge David A. Faber. Wright was sentenced to a 12-month term of imprisonment, and a three year term of supervised release. Wright previously pled guilty in April of 2014, to distributing a quantity of hydromorphone, a powerful and addictive prescription pain medication. Wright admitted that on August 7, 2013, he sold pills to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Pocosin Fork Road in Lashmeet, Mercer County, West Virginia.
The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force 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.
Four Lincoln County Family Members Plead Guilty to Oxycodone DistributionRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that four members of a Lincoln County family entered guilty pleas today in federal court in Charleston. Larry Wayne Lawson, 54, of West Hamlin, wife, Tina Taylor Lawson, 37, son, Jason Wayne Lawson, 30, and son’s fiancé, Tia Estep, 28, of Seymour, Tennessee all entered guilty pleas admitting their involvement in distributing oxycodone in August of 2013.
Larry Lawson and Tina Taylor Lawson admitted that on August 13, 2013, they sold 5 oxycodone pills to a confidential informant (CI) working with law enforcement. The CI sent a text message to the Lawson’s cell phone asking whether the couple had any pills for sale. Tina Lawson responded via text message, that they could supply the pills and directed the CI to meet them at their home on Bear Creek in West Hamlin, West Virginia. When the CI arrived at the Lawson’s home, Larry Lawson sold him 5 oxycodone 30 mg pills for $200.00.
The following day, on August 14, 2013, the CI phoned Larry Lawson and arranged to purchase additional oxycodone pills. Larry Lawson directed the CI to come back to his Bear Creek residence where Jason Lawson and Tia Estep sold the CI 5 oxycodone 30 mg pills for $200.00.
All four defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment when they are sentenced on November 20, 2014, before United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case was investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force and the West Virginia State Police.
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.
Greenbrier County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a Greenbrier county man pled guilty to a federal drug charge in Beckley today. Seth Allen Carr, 24, of Alderson, admitted that on April 9, 2014, he used a telephone to facilitate a drug transaction. When he used the telephone he was in Lewisburg. Following the telephone conversation, Carr sold heroin to a confidential informant. Carr faces up to 4 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. United States District Judge Irene Berger scheduled his sentencing for January 8, 2015.
This case was investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John File.
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.
Crab Orchard Man Sentenced for Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Crab Orchard man was sentenced in federal court in Beckley for distributing oxycodone. Gene James, also known as “Butch,” 44, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. James previously pled guilty in May of 2014, to distributing oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Hot Coal Road in Sophia, West Virginia.
This case was investigated by the Beckley Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and was prosecuted under the Beckley Pill Initiative directed by the United States Attorney’s Office.
This case is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Obtaining Oxycodone by FraudRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Beckley man pled guilty in federal court to obtaining oxycodone by fraud. Daniel Michael Koehler, 30, admitted that he coaxed his girlfriend, a former pharmacy technician at ByPass Pharmacy in Beckley, to steal oxycodone for him. Koehler and his girlfriend avoided detection by stealing the drugs beyond the view of security cameras in the area in which the drugs were stored. Koehler admitted that he sold some of the oxycodone and used the rest. Koehler faces up to four years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release when he is sentenced on December 4, 2014.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
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.
Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Michael J. Dow, 44, of Beckley, West Virginia, pled guilty in federal court in Beckley to distribution of heroin. Dow admitted that on March 2, 2014, he sold heroin to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on F Street in Beckley, West Virginia.
Dow faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger scheduled the sentencing for December 4, 2014.
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.
Logan County Man Sentenced for Access Device FraudRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Joseph Hurley, 28, of Man, West Virginia was sentenced today to five years’ probation, with five months to be served in community confinement for the federal offense of Access Device Fraud. Mr. Hurley was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,766 dollars, the full amount of the loss resulting from the fraud.
On January 26,2013, Hurley took the names and social security numbers of two relatives with whom he was living. Hurley applied online to Citibank for credit cards (access devices) assuming the identities of his relatives. Hurley received the first credit card in the mail at the home where he was staying in Man, West Virginia. Hurley activated the card and fraudulently charged over five thousand dollars between February 2,2013 and March 15, 2013. He attempted to use the second card he received in the mail, but was blocked by the Citibank Fraud Detection Unit because of suspected fraudulent activity.
The United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution.
Delaware Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Bobby Evans, 29, of Delaware, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Charleston to distributing heroin. Evans admitted that on May 28, 2014, he met a confidential informant (CI) at Tudors Biscuit World on Washington Street East, in Charleston and sold heroin to the CI for $60.00. Evans also admitted that he had previously sold cocaine base (crack) to the same CI on May 27, 2014 in front of his residence on Washington Street East in Charleston. On May 29, 2014, officers executed a search warrant at the house where Evans was staying and found $40.00 of the money used by the CI to buy the heroin, additional heroin, and a gun.
Evans faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 13, 2014, by United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is in charge of the prosecution. 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 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.Charleston Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years as A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Mark A. Johnson, Jr., 24, of Charleston, West Virginia, was sentenced today in federal court to six years and six months’ imprisonment for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. In November of 2013, while on federal supervised release for a prior conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Johnson got into an argument with his girlfriend outside of the Town Center Mall. A construction worker attempted to intervene, and Johnson pulled a handgun and threatened to kill him. Johnson was later arrested and has been in federal custody since December of 2013. In January of 2014, Johnson was sentenced to an additional six months of imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release. Today’s sentence imposes an additional six years and six months of imprisonment to be served consecutively to the six month sentence for the supervised release violation. In deciding on the appropriate sentence, the sentencing court considered that Johnson had tried to convince two witnesses to lie for him and to say he did not have a real gun when he threatened the construction worker last November.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime. This case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department and the United States Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Raleigh County Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A 32-year old Raleigh County man faces up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty today to possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. David Alan Hunt, of Sophia, West Virginia entered a guilty plea before United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger.
Hunt admitted that on March 23, 2012, he possessed pictures of prepubescent and pubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The images were located on his personal computer and on a compact disc located in his residence. Hunt also admitted to using a file sharing program that allowed him to share the pornographic images over the Internet. U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “We are committed to the fight against criminals like David Alan Hunt who contribute to the exploitation and abuse of children. We will use every available tool to track them down and prosecute them to the fullest extent allowed by law.”
The court scheduled a sentencing hearing for Hunt on December 4, 2014 in Beckley, West Virginia.
The West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and Federal Bureau of Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being brought as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
Elkview Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Shannon T. Murray, age 42, of Elkview, West Virginia pled guilty today in federal court in Charleston to aiding in the distribution of oxycodone. At the hearing, Murray admitted that in February of 2013, he transported oxycodone pills to a Kirkwood Drive residence where the pills were sold to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Shortly after the drug deal, police executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered the money used by the confidential informant to buy the drugs from Murray, and also found additional oxycodone pills. Murray was in the residence when officers arrived and was arrested. Murray faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000.00 fine when he is sentenced on November 12, 2014.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and 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.
Boone County Man Pleads Guilty in Charleston to Selling HeroinRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Leonard Dillon, 58, of Bim, Boone County, West Virginia pled guilty in federal court in Charleston to selling heroin. On March 21, 2013, Dillon sold heroin to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. On four other occasions in March and April 2013, Dillon sold heroin and oxycodone to a confidential informant. Dillon faces up to twenty years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine when he is sentenced on December 4, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Boone County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald.
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 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.
Detroit Man to Serve More Than Five Years for Heroin PossessionRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – Alton Tribble, 37, of Detroit, Michigan was sentenced in federal court in Huntington today to five years and three months’ in federal prison. Tribble previously pled guilty in April of 2014 to possession with intent to distribute heroin. On December 26, 2013, members of the Huntington Police Department searched a residence at 917 21st Street in Huntington used by Tribble to store heroin he intended to sell in the Huntington area. Police seized heroin, a .32 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a set of digital scales.
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.
Ex-detroit Man Gets 9 Years for Selling HeroinRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Darrell Shawton Collins, 36, formerly of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison for selling heroin in Charleston’s East End, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
In December 2013, a confidential police informant, under the supervision of detectives from the Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit, purchased heroin from Collins. The drug deal took place at the corner of Washington Street East and Thompson Street in Charleston. At the time of the transaction, Collins was on federal supervised release for a prior drug-trafficking offense. At today’s sentencing, Collins received eight years’ imprisonment for the distribution conviction, plus another year for violating the terms of his supervised release.
The Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald 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 agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Two Greenbrier County Men Plead Guilty in Bluefield to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that two Greenbrier County men pled guilty in federal court in Bluefield, West Virginia to federal drug charges, Roger Lee Deem, 60, of Ronceverte, pled guilty to using a telephone to facilitate a drug felony. Deem admitted that on April 25, 2014, he had a telephone conversation with David Eldon Williams to make arrangements for the purchase of oxycodone pills. Williams, 54, of Lewisburg, also pled guilty to using a telephone to commit a drug felony, admitting that on the same day, he had a conversation with Deem about buying oxycodone pills. These conversations took place while the men were in Greenbrier County. On April 26, 2014, the two men traveled to Princeton, West Virginia to obtain 375 30 milligram oxycodone pills from a confidential informant, where they were arrested by authorities. Deem and Williams face up to four years in prison and a $250,000 fine when they are sentenced on December 16, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force under the Greenbrier County Heroin and Pill Initiative. The Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force provided assistance. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney John File.
These cases are being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The 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.
Two Detroit Men Sentenced for Transporting and Distributing Heroin in HuntingtonRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that two Detroit, Michigan men were sentenced to federal prison today for their roles in conspiracies to distribute heroin in the Huntington, West Virginia area. Daniel M. Flowers, 44, and Cecil Rice, 34, appeared before Chief Judge Robert C. Chambers who imposed the sentences.
Flowers previously pleaded guilty in May of 2014 to distributing heroin. Flowers admitted that between August of 2008 and April of 2013, he participated with others to transport heroin from Detroit to Huntington for distribution in Huntington and the surrounding area. Flowers and his co-conspirators used multiple residences around Huntington to store, prepare and distribute the heroin.
On April 10, 2013, a confidential informant (CI) working with law enforcement, contacted Flowers and arranged to buy some heroin. The CI subsequently met with Flowers at an apartment in the 1000 block of 12th Avenue in Huntington, where Flowers sold him heroin in exchange for $150.
The FBI Huntington Violent Crimes Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
In the second case, Cecil Rice was sentenced for his role in the distribution of heroin shipped from Detroit to Huntington, Rice, who pleaded guilty in May of 2014 to possession with intent to distribute heroin, admitted that between August of 2008 and September of 2013, he participated in the transportation of heroin, cocaine base and oxycodone from Detroit to Huntington. Like Flowers, Rice and his co-conspirators used various residences in the Huntington area to store, prepare and distribute the illegal drugs.
On September 19, 2013, Rice was arrested after leaving a motel located on 16th Street in Huntington. When officers went to arrest Rice, they discovered two packs of heroin concealed in his mouth. Rice was in the process of selling the heroin at the time of his arrest. Officers also conducted a search of the motel room from which Rice had exited just prior to his arrest and found more heroin and cocaine base.
The FBI Huntington Violent Crimes Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted this investigation with assistance from the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams also handled this prosecution.
These cases were prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of 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 opiates, including heroin, in communities across the Southern District.
Ohio Prisoner Sentenced for Role in Detroit/west Virginia Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Defendant Managed Drug Conspiracy While Imprisoned in Ohio
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Mack Brooks, age 41, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to the maximum statutory sentence of 20 years imprisonment for his role in a conspiracy to distribute illegal drugs. Brooks was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and oxymorphone, highly addictive pain medications, following a three-day jury trial in July of 2013. During the course of the conspiracy that spanned more than two years, Brooks, while incarcerated in Ohio for a previous drug conviction, arranged the delivery of prescription pills from Detroit to West Virginia. Trial testimony established that Brooks and his organization were responsible for distributing over $1,000,000 worth of illegal pills in southern West Virginia. The sentence imposed today will run consecutive to the sentence Brooks is serving in Ohio.The successful prosecution of Brooks and others in his organization was due to the cooperative efforts of agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department.
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.
Huntington Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Defendant was previously convicted of sexually assaulting two minor girls
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – John D. Hayes, a 66-year-old Cabell County resident, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for possession and attempted distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.
Following a bench trial in March of 2014, Hayes was found guilty of knowingly possessing child pornography and attempting to distribute child pornography. Between March 17 and April 28, 2012, authorities discovered that child pornography was being shared via a peer-to-peer network called Frostwire. Authorities traced the computer used to share the child pornography to Hayes’ Huntington residence. Computer evidence seized from Hayes’ home, including a portable USB drive, was examined by authorities and found to contain thousands of pornographic images and videos of children. The examination also revealed that one of the computers in Hayes’ possession contained the Frostwire program and had a unique user identification number (known as a GUID) that matched the GUID linked to the child pornography shared in March and April of 2012.
In 1979, Hayes was convicted in the Circuit Court of Putnam County, West Virginia for two counts of second degree sexual assault of female children ages 10 and 12.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “When criminals like John Hayes download and trade child pornography, they perpetuate the exploitation and abuse of innocent children. Every successful child pornography prosecution makes our communities and our children safer.”
The investigation of Hayes was conducted by the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with the assistance of the Huntington Police Department and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Lisa Johnston were in charge of the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.
Logan Man Admits Receiving Kickbacks at Arch MineRead the Press Release
More than $1.8 million dollars in kickbacks paid by vendorsCharleston, W. Va. – A 45-year old Mingo County man faces up to 25 years in federal prison after pleading guilty today to extortion and tax evasion, U. S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Former Mountain Laurel Mining Complex General Manager David E. Runyon, of Delbarton, West Virginia, entered a guilty plea in federal court in Charleston.
Runyon admitted that as general manager of the mining complex, he participated in and benefitted from a number of extortion schemes in which he and other Arch Coal employees received cash kickbacks from complicit Mountain Laurel vendors in exchange for continuing to hire those vendors. The cash kickbacks to Arch Coal employees totaled more than $1.8 million dollars between 2006 and 2013.
“This kind of pay-to-play scheme hurts honest vendors in the coal industry—business people who refuse to pay bribes as a way to get customers,” said U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. “The corrupt way that this defendant did business should be a thing of the past. It’s bad for the economy and, ultimately, bad for consumers.”
Runyon admitted receiving kickbacks from numerous vendors who did work for Mountain Laurel. His schemes included:
- The Rebuild Kickback Scheme, in which Runyon and others received kickbacks from companies performing rebuild jobs at Mountain Laurel. These companies included Tri-State Mine Service, Inc., owned by Scott Ellis and later joined by Stephen Herndon after he left employment at Arch Coal, and Carter Sales and Service and Apex Mining Construction and Repair, Inc., owned by Donald Carter. Ellis, Carter, and later Herndon understood that they would be excluded from being vendors if they stopped paying kickbacks.
- The Miner/Bolter Repair Kickback Scheme, where Runyon and others received kickbacks from Ronald Barnette, who owned Mining Repair Specialist, Inc. (“MRS”), which performed rebuild and repair work on mining equipment at Mountain Laurel. Barnette understood if he did not pay the kickbacks, MRS would no longer be permitted to perform rebuild work at Mountain Laurel.
- The Construction Work Kickback Scheme, where Runyon received kickbacks from Alvis Porter, who operated Quality Oil, Inc., which was doing business at Mountain Laurel as Southern Construction of Logan. Porter’s company performed a variety of construction services at Mountain Laurel, and Porter paid the kickbacks to keep that work.
- The Contract Labor Kickback Scheme, where Runyon received kickbacks from David Herndon. David Herndon owned and operated MAC Mine Service, Inc., which provided contract labor at Mountain Laurel. David Herndon paid the kickbacks because he believed that he would lose the business at Mountain Laurel if the kickbacks were not paid.
Runyon admitted that he received approximately $1 million as a result of his participation in these kickback schemes. He also admitted that he owed $426,122 in federal taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Runyon is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2014, in Charleston.
Today’s charge stems from an investigation being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecution.
Click here to hear an audio clip from U.S. Attorney Goodwin.
Charleston Pedophile Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Defendant possessed images of child pornography including ones he took himself
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Stephen Wayne Laton, Jr., 40, of Charleston, W.Va., was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment followed by 20 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., in Charleston.
Laton admitted to possessing sexually explicit photographs of a minor under the age of 12, including photos that he took of himself engaging in sexual contact with the child. He kept the pornographic images on a computer and USB drive at his residence in Charleston.
“This defendant’s crimes are horrific,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “Adults who prey on and victimize children in this most horrible way must be identified, arrested, prosecuted and punished. We will not stand by and allow this kind of perversion to go undetected or unpunished. This conviction and the imposition of the sentence today is a victory for justice and for the safety of our children.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald handled the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/wvs/PSCpage.html.
Marmet Woman Sentneced for Illegally Possessing Stonlen FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Marmet, West Virginia woman who pawned a stolen firearm was sentenced today to two years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Kristie Jo Dorado, 29, previously pleaded guilty in April of 2014 to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On October 8, 2013 Dorado pawned a Glock, Model 23, .40 caliber pistol at a Charleston, West Virginia pawn shop.
The Marmet Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Illegally Possessing More Than 80 FirearmsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A felon convicted in 2003 to unlawful wounding was sentenced today to eight years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Dorsey Woolwine, Jr., 63, of Belle, West Virginia previously pleaded guilty in January of 2014 to being a felon in possession of firearms.
On March 24, 2012, investigators from the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) searched Woolwine’s Simmons Creek Road residence and seized 29 firearms including a sawed-off rifle. On May 15, 2013, members of the West Virginia State Police executed a search warrant at Woolwine’s residence and seized 52 firearms, methamphetamine, and scales. Two of the firearms had been reported stolen. Woolwine told investigators that he had been selling methamphetamine from the residence for approximately six years.
MDENT and the WVSP conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.
Members of Parkersburg Heroin Ring Enter Federal Guilty PleasRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two members of a heroin distribution ring operating in Washington County, Ohio and Wood County, West Virginia pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Cordaro “Chops” Johnson, 22, and Zinia Wakefield, 27, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston in Charleston. Both Johnson and Wakefield admitted selling heroin to an informant in Parkersburg in October of 2013. They each face up to 20 years in federal prison when they are sentenced on November 18, 2014.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an investigation by the Parkersburg Police Department into a drug trafficking organization with ties to Marion, Ohio and Chicago, Illinois. Daquarri Coats, 21, of Marion, OH, pleaded guilty in March 2014. Keith Irons, 23, of Marion, OH and Marion Felder, 30, of Upper Sandusky, OH pleaded guilty in May of 2014.
Assistant United States Attorney, Joshua C. Hanks 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 pills 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 heroin and pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Detroit Drug Dealer Sentenced in Federal Court in HuntingtonRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Gregory Lindsey, 23, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced in federal court in Huntington, West Virginia to four years and nine months in prison for possession with intent to distribute oxymorphone pills. Lindsey previously pled guilty in April of 2014, to possessing more than 50 oxymorphone pills, commonly known as “Opana,” that he intended to distribute at a home on Bailes Drive, in Nitro, West Virginia. At the time of his arrest, Lindsey was in the Bailes Drive home with the oxymorphone pills and a High Point 380 caliber semiautomatic pistol.
The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT). Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription pills 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 heroin and pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
23 Year Old Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Selling HeroinRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Ricky Williams, 23, of Charleston, West Virginia plead guilty today in federal court in Charleston, to distribution of heroin. During his guilty plea, Williams admitted that in September of 2013, he sold heroin in Charleston to an individual who was working as a confidential informant (CI) for the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT). In return for the heroin, Williams received $100. Williams also admitted that he had sold heroin to the CI in Charleston on two other occasions.
Williams faces up to 20 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on October 23, 2014.
This case was investigated by MDENT. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman 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 pills 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 heroin and pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Two Ronceverte Men Appear in Federal Court in BeckleyRead the Press Release
Beckley, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that two Ronceverte men appeared in federal court in Beckley before the Honorable Irene C. Berger. Jeffrey S. Walton, 48, was sentenced to 10 months in prison for abusive sexual contact with a female federal inmate. Walton pled guilty in April of 2014, admitting that in May or June of 2013, he touched the breasts of an inmate at the Federal Prison Camp at Alderson. At the time of the incident, Walton was employed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and was acting as the inmate’s work supervisor. Walton is no longer a Bureau of Prisons employee. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Adam Ray Smith, 26, pled guilty to distribution of heroin. Smith admitted that on August 30, 2013, he distributed heroin to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The transaction took place near Ronceverte. Smith further admitted that he distributed about 1000 packets of heroin, totaling about 48 grams, in Greenbrier County between May 2013 and August 2013. Smith faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine when he is sentenced on November 13, 2014. This case was investigated by the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force under the Greenbrier County Heroin and Pill Initiative. That initiative is part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the sale of heroin and the illicit sale of prescription drugs in communities across the Southern District. Assistant United States Attorney John File handled both cases.
Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Troy Lawrence, 45, of Charleston, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston to aggravated identify theft. Lawrence admitted that he used a dead person’s name and driver’s license to purchase pseudoephedrine from a Rite Aid store in Charleston. Lawrence faces a mandatory two years’ imprisonment when he is sentenced on November 13, 2014.
This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Ohio Woman Sentenced in Huntington for Embezzling Public Housing FundsRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Connie Lynn Whitley, 51, of Proctorville, Ohio, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment by Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington, West Virginia. Whitley worked for Uptowner Inns as the manager for their United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) apartments and checking accounts. The money in these accounts was to be used by the Uptowner Inns to pay a portion of the rent for its HUD apartments for qualifying tenants. Over the course of four years, Whitley stole more than $150,000 in federal funds from the HUD accounts and deposited the money into her personal checking account. She concealed the fraud by entering false information into the check ledger indicating that the money was spent on maintenance and other items for the apartments. Whitley previously pleaded guilty to embezzling money from an organization receiving federal funds in April of 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police, the United States Department for Housing and Urban Development, and with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Drug Gang Enforcer Sentenced to Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Kamel Auntae Burris, 31, of Huntington, West Virginia was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. In November of 2013, Burris, who was wearing a mask, robbed a known drug dealer at gun point. The robbery occurred at the drug dealer’s apartment on 10th Street in Huntington.
This case arose out of a joint law enforcement investigation of Kenneth Dewitt Newman and his organization for the distribution of illegal drugs in the Huntington area. The Newman organization was responsible for the distribution of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, prescription pills, MDMA (a street drug akin to Ecstasy) and marijuana. The investigation led to the indictment of 15 defendants, including Burris, for their various roles in the conspiracy. Burris has been described as an enforcer for the Newman organization.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Huntington Police Department, Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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 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 West Virginia Dhhr Employee Pleads Guilty to FraudRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Shannon Collins, 41, of Logan, West Virginia, plead guilty today in federal court in Charleston to defrauding the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). In 2009, Collins, also known as Shannon Varney, worked as a case worker for the DHHR office in Logan County. Using the social security number of two deceased individuals, Collins set up bogus accounts upon which she made claims for benefits, and had the checks mailed to her. Collins also obtained Mountain State Cards (formerly known as the food stamp program), which she used from April to December of 2009. The total combined loss was in excess of $58,000.
Collins faces a maximum penalty of 30 years confinement and a potential fine of up to $500,000. Sentencing has been scheduled for October 29, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia DHHR, assisted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Offices of Inspector General for the Department Health and Human Services, the Social Security Administration and the Department of Agriculture. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution.
Three Beckley-area Men Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that three Beckley area men were sentenced in federal court in Beckley. Melvin Brooks, age 42, of Beaver, West Virginia, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment. Brooks previously pled guilty in March 2014 to distribution of a quantity of oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Beaver Avenue in Beckley.
Ronnie Tolliver, age 57, of MacArthur, West Virginia, was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment. Tolliver previously pled guilty in March 2014 to distribution of a quantity of hydromorphone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Bethel Road in MacArthur.
Joseph Underwood, age 39, of Stanaford, West Virginia, was also sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment. Underwood previously pled guilty in April 2014 to distribution of a quantity of oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Cunningham Avenue in Stanaford.
All three cases were investigated by the Beckley Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and are being prosecuted under the Beckley Pill Initiative directed by the United States Attorney’s Office.
These cases are part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of pills and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
All three defendants were sentenced by United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger.
Beckley-area Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Beckley-area man pled guilty to a drug charge in federal court in Beckley. Tyrone Amar, age 37, of Crab Orchard, pled guilty to distribution of oxycodone. Amar admitted that in October of 2013, he distributed a quantity of oxycodone to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Cunningham Avenue in Stanaford, Raleigh County, West Virginia. Amar faces a sentence of up to twenty years and a $1,000,000 fine. 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.
United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger set Amar’s sentencing for November 6, 2014.
Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Beckley man pled guilty to a drug charge in federal court in Beckley. Jason Kaylor, age 31, pled guilty to distribution of heroin. Kaylor admitted that in October of 2013, he distributed a quantity of heroin to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Cunningham Avenue in Stanaford, Raleigh County, West Virginia. Kaylor faces a sentence of up to twenty years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. 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.
United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger set the sentencing for October 30, 2014.
Logan County Men Admit Roles in Arch Coal Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
Stephen Herndon and Scott Ellis admit to structuring currency transactions to generate cash for kickbacks
CHARLESTON, West Virginia – Stephen B. Herndon, 37, and Scott Ellis, 44, both of Holden, West Virginia, each face up to five years in prison after pleading guilty on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, to structuring a transaction in order to evade federal reporting requirements, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Herndon and Ellis also admitted to paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks to the general manager of Arch Coal’s Mountain Laurel mining complex, located in Logan County. The men entered their pleas before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
Ellis admitted that he owned Tri-State Mine Service, Inc., which was a vendor at Mountain Laurel that performed rebuilds. Ellis gave Herndon a half interest in Tri-State in approximately March 2011, after Herndon left his position at Mountain Laurel as the warehouse manager. To ensure that Tri-State received rebuild work from Mountain Laurel, Ellis, later joined by Herndon, participated in a bid-rigging scheme where, in exchange for a guaranteed winning bid on certain jobs, vendors had to pay cash kickbacks to a person identified in other court documents as David Runyon.Ellis initially delivered the cash to Herndon, while he worked at Mountain Laurel, or Runyon. Herndon admitted that while he was the warehouse manager at Mountain Laurel, from approximately 2006 through March 2011, he served as a facilitator of kickback payments by vendors at Mountain Laurel to Runyon.
To generate the necessary cash, Ellis, later joined by Herndon, structured cash withdrawals from various personal and business accounts in amounts of $10,000 or less. They conducted the cash withdrawals in that manner to avoid triggering the bank's obligation to file a currency transaction report with the Internal Revenue Service, had they withdrawn cash in sums greater than $10,000.
Between early 2009 and approximately March 2011, Ellis structured approximately $163,521.25 in cash transactions. Ellis estimates that almost all of those funds were used to pay cash kickbacks to Runyon, and that he paid approximately $187,000 in cash kickbacks during that time. Between April 1, 2011, and September 30, 2013, Herndon and Ellis, working together, structured approximately $183,853. They estimate that they used almost all of those funds to pay cash kickbacks to Runyon and that they paid approximately $237,000 in cash kickbacks during that period.
Ellis has agreed to forfeit $215,355.85 and Herndon has agreed to forfeit $132,000 to the United States, representing a portion of the funds involved in and traceable to structuring.
Ellis and Herndon are scheduled to be sentenced on October 27, 2014 in Charleston.
Today’s charges stem from an investigation being conducted by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecutions.