Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Another Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Alvester Thomas, age 34, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to ten years and one month imprisonment as a result of his February 2014 guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute 1000 grams or more of heroin. Agents with the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force found the heroin in a safe inside the home that Thomas shared with Kristen Michelle Graley at 3008 Rear Third Avenue, Huntington, West Virginia. Graley pleaded guilty to related drug charges and was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. Thomas admitted that the heroin was his and that he intended to sell it in the Huntington area. In addition to the heroin, agents seized 545 oxycodone pills, 73 oxymorphone pills, additional amounts of heroin and approximately three pounds of marijuana. Agents also recovered a gun from the kitchen of the home and more than $17,000 in cash.
The Honorable Robert C. Chambers presided over the case.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.
Lincoln County Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Jason Edward Hallam, 33, of West Hamlin, West Virginia, entered a guilty plea today to the distribution of oxycodone.
Hallam admitted that on February 8, 2013, he sold 10 oxycodone 30 mg pills for $400.00 to an individual inside his West Hamlin home. Unbeknownst to Hallam, the individual who purchased the pills was a confidential information working with law enforcement.
Hallam faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment when he is sentenced on August 26, 2014, by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
The case was investigated by the Huntington Drug Task Force and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. 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.
Two Logan Businessmen Sentenced for Roles in Arson SchemeRead the Press Release
Glick and Thompson To Spend Years In Prison For Million-Dollar Insurance Scam
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two men were sentenced in federal court yesterday in connection with a Logan arson scheme, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. James Gregory Glick, 44, of Logan, was sentenced to seven years, three months in prison, while William Jamey Thompson, 45, of Chapmanville, was sentenced to five years in prison, both for a conspiracy to burn a building in downtown Logan and fraudulently collect the insurance proceeds. In January 2012, Glick purchased a commercial building located at 111 Stratton Street in Logan for $50,000, across the street from the restaurant he owned and operated, the 317 Steakhouse (“317”). He then worked with Thompson, owner of the insurance agency Baisden & Associates, to obtain a $1 million insurance policy on the property from General Star Indemnity Company (“General Star”). Thompson, in exchange for placing coverage, received $50,000.During the early hours of February 1, 2012, co-conspirator Guy R. Miller, Jr., 40, of Logan, enlisted the assistance of Shawn C. Simon, 41, of Charleston, and Michael D. Williams, 44, of Logan, to help torch the building. Williams spread approximately fifteen gallons of fuel throughout the first floor of the building. When he lit the match, the fumes ignited, creating an explosion that blew the top of the building’s exterior across the street. The three culprits were caught on 317’s security camera; Glick had Miller and Simon destroy the restaurant’s digital video recorder in order to conceal the crime.
Without sufficient evidence of the arson, General Star paid Glick the $1,010,000 insurance policy proceeds in May 2012, and Glick began sharing the money with his co-conspirators. In June 2013, criminal investigators from the Internal Revenue Service, working with the West Virginia State Police, seized the remaining $450,000 in fraud proceeds from accounts controlled by Glick. Over the course of the next six weeks, the agents developed cooperating witnesses, who obtained audio and video recordings of efforts by Glick to obstruct the federal grand jury investigation by paying Miller $8,000 to provide false testimony if he was called as a witness.
The conspirators were indicted in late August 2013 and ultimately pled guilty to their respective roles in the conspiracy to commit arson and to defraud General Star.
In addition to the $1,010,000 restitution order to repay General Star, the Court also ordered Glick and Thompson to reimburse the City of Logan $3,900 for emergency personnel response costs.
Miller is set to be sentenced on May 28, 2014. Williams and Simon will be sentenced on May 29, 2014.
The West Virginia State Police and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ryan is in charge of the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed today’s sentences.
Parkersburg Insurance Agent Gets 6+ Years for Defrauding ClientsRead the Press Release
Carr drained clients’ retirement savings, now must pay back nearly $600,000
CHARLESTON, W. Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Lloyd B. Carr, 55, an independent insurance agent from Parkersburg, was sentenced today to six years, three months in federal prison for converting client funds to his own personal use. Carr was employed as an outside agent for various life insurance companies from early 2007 until at least July 2010, including Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC (“Allianz”). Beginning sometime in 2008, Carr began taking checks provided by clients intended to purchase annuity contracts and life insurance policies from Allianz and other companies, and depositing those checks into his own accounts and spending the client funds on personal items.On October 6, 2008, Allianz terminated its agency relationship with Mr. Carr following consumer complaints of unaccounted funds. Sometime in 2009, Carr filed a “trade name” application with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office to operate as “Lloyd B. Carr doing business as American Life Insurance & Annuities Group” (“American Life”). American Life is not and never was an actual business entity or licensed insurance company. American Life had no employees or place of business other than sales that Carr conducted out of his home. Rather, American Life was only a “doing business as” or “dba” name that Carr used to conduct a fraudulent business.
On July 27, 2010, Mr. Carr opened a business checking account with an initial deposit of $12.50 in the name of “Lloyd B. Carr dba American Life Insurance & Annuities Group” at Huntington National Bank. Carr then began convincing existing Allianz clients to roll over legitimate retirement accounts into his bogus company. Once Carr deposited the client check, he began siphoning off those funds by making frequent ATM cash withdrawals and cashing a series of $5,000 checks.
In one instance in August 2010, Carr convinced a client, identified in the indictment by the initials “P.C.,” to cancel an Allianz policy and provide him with the settlement check. On August 2, 2010, Allianz mailed P.C. a check in the amount of $55,270.96. On August 9, 2010, P.C. endorsed the Allianz check and gave it to Carr with the understanding that the full amount would be used to pay an annuity premium with American Life, which Mr. Carr led P.C. to believe was an actual and legitimate life insurance company. Carr deposited the check into the American Life account at Huntington National Bank.
Almost immediately, Carr converted a portion of those monies for his own personal use from the American Life account either by cashing checks made payable to “cash” or withdrawing cash from ATMs located in and around Parkersburg. After several inquiries from P.C. requesting a copy of an insurance policy that Carr was supposed to provide, Carr eventually purchased P.C. a life insurance policy in January 2011 from a legitimate company known as Presidential Life Insurance Company (“Presidential Life”). However, the premium paid to Presidential Life by Carr on behalf of P.C. was only $25,000. On January 13, 2011, the Presidential Life policy was delivered to Mr. Carr by mail. Carr later delivered the policy to P.C.
Carr had illegally converted the remaining balance of $30,270.96 from the Allianz policy into cash for his own use. To appease P.C., Mr. Carr created a purported Roth IRA account issued by American Life, showing the balance of the funds the victim had provided him from Allianz was safely invested with American Life. The “American Life” “Roth IRA account” issued for P.C. was fraudulent. As Carr knew, American Life was not capitalized as an insurance or investment company, and it was not authorized to issue any type of insurance policy, security, investment, individual retirement account, or annuity contract. Carr had already converted a portion of P.C.’s funds for his own use prior to issuing the fraudulent American Life Roth IRA contract, but did so in order to convince P.C. that the balance of P.C.’s investment monies was safe and secure.
All told, Carr was convicted of fleecing twelve clients, including P.C., out of $589,000 in retirement savings.
The Court ordered Carr to serve a term of imprisonment of 75 months, noting that Carr “had brought many of his clients, who trusted him, to financial ruin.”
The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia Insurance Commission. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ryan handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston is presiding over the case and imposed today’s sentence.
Detroit Heroin Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A man who admitted coming to Charleston from Detroit, Michigan, to sell heroin was sentenced today to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Kermit Ware, III, 26, of Detroit, Michigan pleaded guilty last January to using a communication device to facilitate a drug trafficking crime, and he was sentenced today to five months’ imprisonment. Ware came to West Virginia in the summer of 2013 to distribute heroin after being recruited by a member of a Detroit-based heroin distribution ring with ties to Kanawha County. In July 2013, Ware used his cellular telephone to facilitate several heroin sales to undercover police in and around Charleston.
This case was investigated by the Kanawha Bureau of Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution.
United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., is presiding over the case and imposed today’s sentence.
Vienna Man with Heroin and Firearms Enters Federal Guilty PleaRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Vienna man who had heroin and two handguns in his residence pleaded guilty today to a federal firearms charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Robert Lamar Bates Porter, 26, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Porter entered his guilty plea before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., in Charleston.
On November 10, 2013, police executed a search warrant at Porter’s 29th Street residence in Vienna and seized approximately 100 grams of heroin and two handguns. Porter told police that the drugs and weapons were his and that he intended to distribute the heroin.
Porter faces at least 5 years and up to life imprisonment when he is sentenced on September 2, 2014.
The Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney Goodwin Announces Record-breaking Health Care Fraud SettlementRead the Press Release
Massachusetts Lab to Pay More than $4.675 Million
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced a $4.675 million settlement with Massachusetts-based Calloway Laboratories, Inc. (Calloway Labs) related to false billings submitted to West Virginia Medicaid and nationwide to Medicare. Calloway Labs, headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, provides clinical laboratory services, including urine drug testing, for Medicare and West Virginia Medicaid. From March of 2009 through April of 2013, Calloway Labs routinely billed Medicare and West Virginia Medicaid using a code designated for pathology services in addition to the code for urine drug testing.
The investigation, conducted by the West Virginia Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (WV MFCU) and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), established that treating health care providers did not deem pathology services necessary and did not knowingly order such services. The investigation further established that Calloway Labs did not provide pathology services as billed. Rather, Calloway Labs performed a type of medical review with every urine drug screen. Medical review is not covered by Medicare or West Virginia Medicaid. Medicare and West Virginia Medicaid paid claims for the medical review because Calloway submitted them under the code for covered pathology services.
The settlement represents the largest-ever recovery in a health care fraud case by a United States Attorney’s Office in West Virginia.
“Drug treatment programs are a vital component of our ongoing battle against prescription drug abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “Treating providers rely largely on urine drug testing to determine whether patients are using illegal substances, and if so what substances, and whether patients are properly taking prescription medications as opposed to selling them on the street. The cost for such testing often falls upon federal health care programs like Medicare and Medicaid. The additional expense of unnecessary review, like that routinely performed by Calloway Labs, increases the burden on an already stressed system.”
“Medicare is the largest payer for clinical laboratory services and, therefore, is vulnerable to fraud, waste, and abuse,” said Gloria Jarmon, Deputy Inspector General for Audit Services. “In addressing that vulnerability, HHS-OIG uses a multidisciplinary approach, including data-mining, audits, and, as appropriate, enforcement actions, to protect the integrity of HHS programs and recover taxpayer dollars.”
“My office, HHS-OIG, and WV MFCU have worked aggressively and collaboratively with Calloway Labs to bring this matter to a successful resolution,” Goodwin said. “This settlement ensures that the federal tax dollars that fund Medicare and Medicaid are restored in full to the programs and the people they were intended to serve.”
Goodwin also reported that this single settlement is nearly enough to fund the work of his office for an entire year. “The settlement amount represents more than 80 percent of my office’s annual budget allocation. In other words, the recovery in this case nearly pays for the operation of my office for a year.”
In 2010, Calloway Labs and two of its top executives were indicted in Massachusetts on charges involving kickbacks and bribes to managers of group homes for recovering drug addicts. In 2012, Calloway Labs agreed to pay a $20 million penalty to resolve the charges against the corporation. Two of the company’s executives later pleaded guilty.
In the fall of 2012, Calloway Labs was acquired by new owners and new management was installed. The practices giving rise to the false claims in this matter were initiated under the former management. Upon learning of this investigation, Calloway Labs voluntarily suspended the problematic billing practices nationwide.
Goodwin remarked, “We have recovered the losses to the affected federal health care programs, covered the expense of investigation and the cost of future program compliance monitoring, and prompted the elimination of systematic problems leading to the depletion of federal health care dollars. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome, and I applaud the joint efforts of the agencies that brought us to this resolution.”
Two Kanawha County Men Plead Guilty to Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that David Burgess, 27, and his brother, Jesse Burgess, 26, both of Hernshaw, West Virginia, pled guilty to federal gun charges. Both men were charged in connection with the theft of firearms from two local businesses.
David Burgess pled guilty to illegally possessing 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 pled guilty to aiding and abetting 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.
Both men face up to 10 years’ imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine when they are sentenced on September 4, 2014. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., is presiding over the cases.
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 is handling 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.
Kanawha Residents Charged with Illegal Firearms Possession, Conspiracy to Conceal EvidenceRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W. Va. – A federal grand jury has charged a six-time felon from Cedar Grove with illegally possessing firearms, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Reginald Bennett, 40, of Cedar Grove, was indicted for possessing firearms as a convicted felon. According to an indictment returned yesterday, Bennett has been convicted of six robbery and firearms felonies in Baltimore, Maryland.
The grand jury also charged Bennett and an associate, Jennifer Allen, 52, of South Charleston, with conspiring to conceal a BMW 328i with firearms inside, with the intent to impair the availability of that evidence for use in an official proceeding.
Note: An indictment is only an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty in Major Federal Drug SweepRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – George Antonio Newman, 37, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. On April 15, 2013, as part of a larger investigation of Huntington-area drug activity, agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted a search of Newman’s residence, located at 1302 18th Street in Huntington. During the search, agents seized approximately an ounce of cocaine from the top of Newman’s refrigerator. Newman intended to distribute the cocaine. Agents also seized a loaded Taurus .410 handgun found on top of the cocaine.
As a result of the DEA investigation, Newman, his brother Kenneth Dewitt Newman (also known as “K-Kutta”), and 13 other individuals were indicted for their various roles in the distribution of cocaine, crack cocaine, prescription pills, heroin, MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy) and marijuana. George Newman faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on August 18, 2014.
Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers conducted today’s plea hearing.
Former White Sulphur Springs Mail Carrier Admits to Distributing Drugs on the JobRead the Press Release
Shady Spring man pleads guilty to separate drug offenses
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Jack Edwin Morris, 30, of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and Douglas Edward Morris, 42, of Shady Spring, West Virginia, entered guilty pleas in federal court in Charleston to separate drug offenses. McCoy pleaded guilty to using a communication facility to facilitate a felony drug offense. He admitted that on February 20, 2014, he used a telephone in or near Lewisburg to have a conversation with a person to set up a drug transaction. Later that day, McCoy carried out the drug transaction at Ronceverte, distributing a suboxone strip to the person, who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. McCoy was working a shift as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service when he engaged in this conduct. He is no longer employed by the Postal Service. McCoy faces up to four years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
Morris pleaded guilty to traveling in interstate commerce to facilitate a crime and also to possession of a controlled substance, admitting that on or about April 9 and April 10, 2013, he traveled from Shady Spring to Camden, New Jersey, where he obtained heroin and returned with it to his residence in Shady Spring. He admitted distributing some of the heroin and hiding some of it, intending to distribute it later. Morris also admitted that on May 15, 2013, he possessed a quantity of heroin in his residence with the intent to use it. Morris faces up to seven years in prison and a fine of between $2,500 and $500,000. The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department Drug Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
United States District Judge Irene Berger has scheduled sentencing hearings for both defendants for August 28, 2014.
Enervest Computer Attack Draws Four-year Federal SentenceRead the Press Release
Former Charleston network engineer intentionally mounted devastating attack on employer’s computer system
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a former network engineer at Charleston-based EnerVest Operating, LLC (“EnerVest”), was sentenced to four years in federal prison for intentionally causing severe damage to his employer’s computer system. Ricky Joe Mitchell, 35, of Charleston, West Virginia, admitted that in June 2012, shortly after he learned he was going to be fired, he remotely accessed EnerVest’s computer system and reset the company’s network servers to factory settings, essentially eliminating access to all of the company’s data and applications for its eastern United States operations. Before his access to EnerVest’s offices could be terminated, Mitchell entered the offices after business hours, disconnected critical pieces of computer-network equipment, and disabled the equipment’s cooling system. As a result of Mitchell’s destructive acts, EnerVest was unable to fully communicate or conduct business operations for approximately 30 days. The company spent hundreds of thousands of dollars attempting to recover historical data from its network servers, and some of its data were lost forever.
“Imagine having your company’s computer network knocked out for a month,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “In this day and age, that kind of attack is devastating. And this defendant didn’t just hurt EnerVest. He hurt his former co-workers, he hurt EnerVest’s customers, and, ultimately, he hurt consumers. The only good news here is that he didn’t get away with it.”
EnerVest manages oil and gas exploration and production operations for its parent company, EnerVest Ltd.—a major national oil and gas holding company—and for various affiliates of EnerVest Ltd.
In addition to his four-year prison sentence, Mitchell was ordered to pay $428,000 in restitution to EnerVest, plus a $100,000 fine. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed today’s sentence.
The United States Secret Service conducted the investigation. United States Attorney Goodwin and Assistant United States Attorney Thomas C. Ryan handled the prosecution.
The case was prosecuted under U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s Business Protection Initiative, which fights fraud and other crimes against West Virginia businesses.
Charleston Man Indicted for Impersonating A Federal Law Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W. Va. – A federal grand jury today charged John E. Swain II, of Charleston, with falsely assuming and pretending to be a federal law enforcement officer. According to the grand jury’s indictment, Swain impersonated a United States Deputy Marshal on April 14, 2014, in Charleston.
If convicted, Swain faces up to three years’ incarceration and a $250,000 fine.
The United States Marshals Service and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department conducted theinvestigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution.
Note: An indictment is only an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Chapmanville Meth Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – Chad Randall Davis, 20, of Chapmanville, Logan County, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Davis previously pleaded guilty in January 2014, admitting that he sold methamphetamine to what proved to be a confidential informant working with the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force. The drug sale occurred at Davis’ Chapmanville residence on November 16, 2012. Davis was arrested on January 21, 2013, and provided a statement to law enforcement admitting he sold approximately $3000 worth of methamphetamine during the three- to four-month period prior to his arrest.
United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed today’s sentence, which includes a three-year term of supervised release following Davis’ prison term.
Wayne Woman Pleads Guilty in Major Federal Drug InvestigationRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – Ariell Varney, 23, of Wayne, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today in federal court to a charge of possession with intent to distribute MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. On November 20, 2013, Varney was pulled over for a traffic violation in the 600 block of 8th Street in Huntington by members of the Huntington Police Department. During the stop, a drug dog gave a positive alert on the trunk of Varney’s car. During a subsequent search of the car, a pill bottle was located that contained an empty capsule and a similar capsule that contained a substance that field tested positive for MDMA. Also in the bottle were eight other tablets with no markings.
At the time of the stop, Varney was being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration for her connection to the drug trafficking activities of Kenneth Dewitt Newman, also known as “K-Kutta.” As a result of the investigation, Newman and 14 other individuals were charged with various offenses related to a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Huntington area. Varney was living in Miami, Florida, during the investigation, and is believed to have been a supplier of MDMA to the Newman organization. In addition to MDMA, Newman’s organization was responsible for selling cocaine, heroin, prescription pills, marijuana, and crack cocaine.
Varney faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when she is sentenced on August 18, 2014. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers is presiding over the case.
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.
Rand Man Pleads Guilty in Major Federal Investigation of Huntington Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – Brandon Appleton, 25, of Rand, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Huntington to possessing cocaine and the drug MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, with the intent to distribute them, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. On January 20, 2014, investigators working with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a search at 1814 Artisan Avenue in Huntington, which was the residence of Kenneth Dewitt Newman, also known as “K-Kutta.” At the time of the search, Appleton was in the residence. Appleton was in possession of a sandwich-style bag that contained smaller bags of both MDMA and cocaine, which Appleton intended to sell.
The investigation into Newman’s drug trafficking revealed that Appleton distributed drugs for Newman from approximately December 2013 until the January search. Additional amounts of cocaine and MDMA, as well as heroin, marijuana, and prescription pills, were seized in the residence. As a result of the investigation, Newman and 14 other individuals were charged with various offenses related to a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Huntington area.
Appleton faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and up to a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on August 18, 2014. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers is presiding over the case.
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.
Ohio Man Who Distributed Heroin Inters Federal Guilty PleaRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man who distributed heroin to an informant in October 2013 pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Keith Irons, 25, of Marion, Ohio, pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin. Irons entered his guilty plea in a hearing before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.
Irons admitted selling heroin to an informant working for the Parkersburg Police Department on two occasions in October 2013.
Irons faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 26, 2014.
The Parkersburg Police Department and the Washington County, Ohio Major Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution.
Mercer County Men Plead Guilty to Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Bluefield, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that three Mercer County men pled guilty in Bluefield to federal drug charges. Steven Eugene Champ, 41, of Matoaka, West Virginia, pled guilty to distribution of hydromorphone, admitting that on September 24, 2012, he distributed two hydromorphone pills to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The transaction took place at or near Princeton. Champ further admitted that he distributed a total of 1,710 hydromorphone pills between July 2011 and February 2013.
Elijah Abdul Jones, 36, of Bluefield, pled guilty to distribution of cocaine base. He admitted that he sold .72 grams of cocaine base to a person cooperating with police on July 23, 2013, in Bluefield. He further admitted that he had also distributed a total of 14 grams of cocaine base and a small quantity of heroin.
Michael Devon Harmon, 37, of Princeton, pled guilty to distribution of hydromorphone, admitting that on July 24, 2013, he distributed two hydromorphone pills to a person cooperating with the police in Princeton. He also admitted that in addition to that transaction, in July 2013, he sold two more hydromorphone pills and small quantitites of cocaine base and cocaine.
Each of the defendants faces up to 20 years in prison and a one million dollar fine. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber has set each defendant for sentencing on September 22, 2014.
The cases were investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecutions.
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. 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.
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge in Major Federal Drug InvestigationRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – William Isiah Petties, 33, of Huntington, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today in federal court to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. On January 20, 2014, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a search of 1130 28th Street in Huntington, pursuant to a search warrant. Petties was outside that residence when law enforcement arrived to execute the warrant. The address was the residence of Petties’ girlfriend and where Petties stayed on a regular basis.
During the search, agents located a loaded Springfield .40 caliber pistol, which was owned by Petties’ girlfriend but which he jointly possessed and over which he had joint control. In a statement taken after the search, Petties admitted that he possessed the firearm. In 2000, Petties was convicted in Cabell County circuit court of the felony offense of aggravated robbery, and, as a result, was prohibited from possessing the firearm.
Petties was named as one of 15 defendants indicted for various offenses connected with the drug trafficking activities of Kenneth Dewitt Newman, also known as “K-Kutta.” The Newman investigation revealed that Newman, along with others, distributed cocaine, heroin, MDMA, marijuana, and prescription pills in the Huntington area.
Petties faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment and up to a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 18, 2014. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers is presiding over the case.
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.
Four Greenbrier County Residents Face Federal Heroin IndictmentsRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that four Greenbrier County residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with heroin trafficking. Those indicted and subsequently arrested are:
Tiffany Rose Arbogast, 24, of Lewisburg, West Virginia, charged with four counts of heroin distribution;
Christopher Miller, 32, of Alderson, West Virginia, charged with two counts of heroin distribution;
Joshua Osborne, 30, also of Alderson, West Virginia, charged with two counts of heroin distribution and one count of possession of heroin with intent to distribute; and
Amanda Nicole Canaday, 26, of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, charged with possession with intent to distribute heroin.Miller and Canaday have been remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending trial. Osborne and Arbogast face hearings this week to determine whether they will remain in Marshals Service custody.
These cases were investigated by the Greenbrier County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney John File is handling the prosecutions.
Goodwin’s office is prosecuting these cases to fight heroin trafficking in Greenbrier County and as part of an ongoing battle against the illegal sale of prescription drugs and heroin throughout the Southern District of West Virginia. The United States Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illicit pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin.
Note: The charges contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presume innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwon and State and Local Officials Announce Federal Indictments Targeting Heroin Trafficking in Greenbrier CountyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, Greenbrier County Sheriff Jan Cahill, and members of the West Virginia State Police will announce recent federal indictments and the subsequent arrests of four Greenbrier County residents in connection with heroin trafficking on Monday, May 19, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Greenbrier County Courthouse located at 200 North Court Street in Lewisburg, West Virginia.
WHO:
United States Attorney Booth Goodwin
Sheriff Jan Cahill, Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department
Members of the West Virginia State PoliceWHAT: U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, Greenbrier County Sheriff Jan Cahill and members of the West Virginia State Police to announce recent federal indictments against four Greenbrier County residents relating to heroin distribution.
WHERE:
Greenbrier County Courthouse (Lobby)
200 North Court Street
Lewisburg, WV
WHEN: Monday, May 19, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.Law Enforcement Officials Announce Results of Sex-offender Sweep in Wood and Wirt CountiesRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, U.S. Marshal John D. Foster and West Virginia State Police First Lieutenant Michael Baylous announced today that during a three-day law enforcement blitz aimed at verifying compliance of more than 252 registered sex offenders currently residing in Wirt and Wood counties, 57 offenders were found to be out of compliance.
The initiative, known as Operation Black Diamond, is a multi-agency law enforcement effort targeting registered sex offenders to determine individual compliance with the Sex Offender Registration Notification Act, also known as SORNA. Led by the U.S. Marshal’s Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division (CUFFED), Operation Black Diamond targeted 252 registered sex offenders and found 195 to be in compliance. A total of 57 individuals were determined to be out of compliance within the Southern District of West Virginia during checks conducted on May 13-15. The operation revealed that eight sex offenders had absconded. Deputy U.S. Marshals, along with West Virginia State Troopers, will continue their investigation until those violators are found.
“We will continue to conduct these compliance sweeps, because the prosecution of sex offenders who violate federal registration requirements is one of my office’s top priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “And we will continue to bring to justice those offenders who are not in compliance.”
Operation Black Diamond was initiated by members of the West Virginia State Police, in cooperation with the U.S. Marshals Service CUFFED Division. The three-day law enforcement sweep covered Wirt and Wood counties.
“The U.S. Marshals Service remains committed to tracking down sex offenders who attempt to evade the law,” U.S. Marshal John Foster said.
In December 2013, Operation Lump of Coal found 54 sex offenders out of compliance when a compliance check was conducted in Mercer, McDowell, Monroe, Summers and Wyoming counties. In August 2013, a similar law enforcement sweep, dubbed Operation Coal Dust, was conducted of 209 registered offenders residing in Boone, Lincoln and Logan counties, which found 10 individuals out of compliance. Operation River Cities, in December 2012, netted 18 arrests of sex offenders found to be out of compliance in Cabell, Mingo and Wayne counties after nearly 300 checks were conducted.
As a result of the four regional operations, a combined total of more than 1,250 offender compliance checks have been conducted.
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. SORNA provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States.
Williamson's Former Mayor Pleads Guilty to Lying to Federal InvestigatorsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Darrin McCormick, 50, of Williamson, West Virginia, pled guilty to lying to federal agents from the FBI and IRS. McCormick, the former Williamson branch manager of the Bank of Mingo, admitted that he lied during an interview in February of 2013 about suspicious banking activities undertaken by the principals of Aracoma Contracting, LLC, a contract labor company providing employees to local coal companies. Aracoma, owned by Jerome Edward Russell, 50, of Williamson, and Frelin R. Workman, 58, of Belfrey, Kentucky, routinely sent employees to the Bank of Mingo’s Williamson branch to simultaneously withdraw cash in increments of $10,000, commonly referred to as “structuring,” so as not to trigger mandatory reporting to the IRS. Russell and Workman were using the cash to pay a cash payroll as part of a scheme to avoid payroll taxes and also to pay bribes to Arville W. Sargent, 52, of Chapmanville, a premium auditor employed by BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Company (“BrickStreet”). In exchange for cash, Sargent intentionally underreported Aracoma’s payroll, which resulted in reducing Aracoma’s insurance premium to BrickStreet.
In February of 2013, federal agents interviewed McCormick at his home in Williamson. He denied knowledge of Aracoma’s suspicious banking practice when specifically asked. At today’s hearing, McCormick admitted that he lied to the agents knowing it was important to a federal investigation.
“Lying to federal investigators is always a serious crime, but it’s particularly disappointing when the lie comes from someone who’s both an elected officeholder and a bank official,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “Cash structuring provides the fuel for any number of financial crimes—including bribery, as we saw with the auditor from BrickStreet—which is why it’s so important that banks report structuring when it happens. The defendant understood that perfectly well. It’s a shame he chose to deceive federal agents rather than help them get to the truth.”
In October of 2013, Sargent was sentenced to 72 months in prison and ordered to pay over $7 million in restitution to BrickStreet and the IRS for his role in the fraudulent scheme. Russell and Workman were sentenced to thirty months for their respective roles. The corporation, Ararcoma, was ordered to pay $405,000 in forfeiture to the United States as part of its sentence.
McCormick faces up to five years in prison and $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for August 28, 2014 at 2 p.m.
This investigation was conducted by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Insurance Commission. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ryan is handling the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, U.S. Marshal John Foster and Members of the West Virginia State Police to Discuss Results of Major Sweep Aimed at Sex Offender Registration Compliance on FridayRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, joined by U.S. Marshal John Foster and members of the West Virginia State Police, will discuss the results of a sex offender registration compliance sweep conducted in Wood and Wirt counties. A press conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2014 at West Virginia State Police headquarters located at 725 Jefferson Road in South Charleston, West Virginia.
OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS RESULTS OF SEX OFFENDER COMPLIANCE SWEEPWHO:
United States Attorney Booth Goodwin
United States Marshal John Foster
Members of the West Virginia State PoliceWHAT: Press conference to discuss results of sex offender registration compliance sweep conducted in Wood and Wirt counties.
WHERE:
West Virginia State Police
725 Jefferson Road
South Charleston, WV
WHEN: Friday, May 16, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.Two Sentenced in Federal Court for Obtaining Oxycodone by FraudRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that two Beckley area residents were sentenced today in federal court for obtaining oxycodone by fraud. Sherry Lively, age 46, of Crab Orchard, West Virginia and Justin Woodie, age 22, of Beckley, West Virginia received prison sentences for six months and three months, respectively. The defendants, who plead guilty in January of 2014, forged prescriptions for oxycodone on stolen prescription pads and presented them to Beckley area pharmacies to be filled.
These cases were investigated by the DEA.
These cases were prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The 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 Bluefield Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Prescription Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that two Bluefield men were sentenced in federal court for distribution of prescription drugs. Leonard Graves III, 31, of Bluefield, Virginia, was sentenced to eighteen months in federal prison for distribution of oxycodone. Graves pled guilty in January of 2014, admitting that in September of 2013, he distributed 20 oxycodone pills in the Bluefield area to a person cooperating with police. As part of his plea, Graves admitted that he sold a total of 269 oxycodone pills.
Jermaine Holland, 31, of Bluefield, West Virginia, was sentenced to fifteen months in federal prison for distribution of hydromorphone. Holland pled guilty in December of 2013, admitting that in July of 2013, he distributed two hydromorphone pills from his Bluefield home to a person cooperating with police. Holland also admitted that he sold several additional hydromorphone pills, and that he possessed two firearms and kept them near the drugs and money he earned from selling drugs.
These cases were investigated by the Southern West Virginia Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the prosecution was handled 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 U. S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Logan County Man Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Credit CardsRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Joseph Hurley, 28, of Man, West Virginia pleaded guilty today to fraudulently obtaining credit cards, which are considered “access devices” under federal criminal laws. In January of 2013, Hurley used the names and social security numbers of two relatives with whom he was living to apply for credit cards. Hurley successfully obtained Citibank credit cards and immediately charged more than $5,000 before Citibank’s fraud department suspended the accounts.
Hurley faces up to ten years of incarceration, a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release. Hurley will also be required to make full restitution for the fraudulent charges. Sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2014 before the Honorable John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
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.
Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – A Detroit man who was part of a heroin conspiracy in the Huntington area, pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Daniel M. Flowers, 43, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington to distributing heroin.
Between August of 2008 and April of 2013, Flowers and his co-conspirators, some of whom transported the heroin from Detroit to Huntington, utilized multiple residences in the Huntington area to store, prepare and distribute heroin. On April 10, 2013, a confidential informant contacted Flowers and arranged to buy some heroin. The informant subsequently met with Flowers at an apartment in the 1000 block of 12th Avenue in Huntington, where Flowers sold the heroin to the informant $150.
Flowers faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 11, 2014.
The FBI Huntington Violent Crimes Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Another Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of HeroinRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – A Detroit man who conspired with others to distribute heroin, cocaine base and oxycodone in Huntington, West Virginia pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Cecil Rice, 34, pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington to possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Between August of 2008 and September of 2013, Rice participated with others in the transportation of heroin, cocaine base and oxycodone from Detroit to Huntington for distribution. Rice and his co-conspirators established multiple residences in the Huntington to store, prepare and distribute drugs.
On September 19, 2013, Rice was arrested after leaving a motel located on 16th Street Road in Huntington. At the time of his arrest, officers found two packs of heroin concealed in Rice’s mouth. A search of Rice’s motel room uncovered additional heroin and cocaine base.
Rice faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 11, 2014.
The FBI Huntington Violent Crimes Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department. 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.
Husband and Wife Sentenced for Selling Methamphetamine in ChapmanvilleRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Rodney Wiley, 30, and his wife Opal Wiley, 42, of Chapmanville, Logan County, West Virginia, were sentenced today to 30 months and 18 months imprisonment, respectively, for selling methamphetamine, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Both defendants, who pleaded guilty in February of this year, previously admitted to selling methamphetamine to what proved to be a confidential informant working with the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force. The meth sale occurred in January 2013, outside the Dollar General Store in Chapmanville. At the time of their arrest, the defendants further acknowledged that they had jointly sold methamphetamine for several months.
United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., handed down today’s sentence.
Crab Orchard Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Addictive Prescription Pain PillsRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Gene James, also known as “Butch,” 44, of Crab Orchard, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court in Beckley to distributing a quantity of oxycodone, a powerful and addictive prescription pain medication. James admitted that on November 13, 2013, he sold pills to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place on Hot Coal Road in Sophia, Raleigh County, West Virginia.
James faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger scheduled the sentencing for August 21, 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. 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.
Charleston Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- Mark Johnson, Jr., 23, pleaded guilty today in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm in Charleston, WV, where he resides. In November 2013, Johnson was involved in an altercation outside the Town Center Mall and he brandished a firearm during that altercation. Johnson has two prior felony convictions – both involving firearms. Johnson faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment when he is sentenced on August 20, 2014.
This case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston conducted today’s guilty plea hearing.
Beckley Area Men Sentenced for Oxycodone CrimesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Robert Sears and Curtis Sears, both age 21, and both of Crab Orchard; and Stephen Hatcher, age 35, of Beckley, were sentenced today in Beckley, West Virginia, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Robert Sears was sentenced to 4 months home confinement with 100 hours community service; Curtis Sears was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment; and Stephen Hatcher was sentenced to 8 months imprisonment. All three defendants previously pleaded guilty in January 2014 to obtaining oxycodone by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception and subterfuge. Each defendant obtained stolen blank prescription scripts, which they forged or which were forged by others, and obtained oxycodone at local Beckley pharmacies.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. United States District Judge Irene C. Berger handed down today’s sentences.
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. 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.
Jackson County Man Sentenced for Theft of Government BenefitsRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – Michael W. Smith, 36, of Sandyville, Jackson County, West Virginia, was sentenced to five years’ probation following his guilty plea to theft of government benefits, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Smith was also ordered to repay $10,110 to the federal government.
In October 2008, Smith began receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits on behalf of his uncle, James Conrad, as Conrad’s representative payee. A representative payee is a person who agrees to receive SSI benefits on behalf of the intended recipient. When Conrad died on April 29, 2009, Smith’s right to receive benefits on behalf of his uncle terminated. Smith continued, however, to receive and cash SSI payments intended for his deceased uncle from May 2009 to July 2010. These payments totaled $10,110. In March 2011, Smith admitted his theft to agents of the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG).
The SSA OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
Two Huntington Men Plead Guilty to Federal Heroin ChargesRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two men pleaded guilty today in federal court to distributing heroin in Huntington, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Demetrius D. Taylor, 33, and Loveil L. Wade, 31, pleaded guilty to heroin distribution before Judge Robert C. Chambers, United States Chief Judge for the Southern District of West Virginia. Both men were investigated by the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force for drug distribution. In January, 2014, task force agents recorded the men selling heroin to a cooperating individual. Both men have previously been convicted of federal drug trafficking crimes. Thomas was on federal supervised release for his prior drug trafficking offense. Thomas and Wade each face up to 20 years in prison when they are sentenced on August 4, 2014.
The Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. Special Assistant United States Attorney Sharon Frazier handled the prosecution.
Ohio Man Admits Possessing Pills and Heroin to Distribute in Rand AreaRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Joseph Lee Church, 36, of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to possessing various controlled substances with the intent of selling them in the Rand, West Virginia area. Church admitted that a backpack seized from him by Kanawha County Deputy Sheriff Jason Mace on December 10, 2011, in Rand, contained prescription medication and heroin which he intended to sell in the area. The backpack was found to contain heroin, which is a Schedule I controlled substance, as well as various prescription pills, including hydromorphone, amphetamine, oxycodone and hydrocodone, which are Schedule II and III controlled substances.
Church faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine when he is sentenced August 12, 2014. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston conducted today’s plea hearing.
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.
Huntington Woman Sentenced to 5 Years for Aiding Pill DealerRead the Press Release
Pills, heroin, marijuana, cash, and firearm seized from defendant’s home
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Kristin Michelle Graley was sentenced to five years in federal prison for aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute prescription pills and marijuana. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers handed down the sentence. Graley, 31, of Huntington, allowed her co-defendant, Alvester Thomas, 34, of Detroit, Michigan to store drugs at her home located at 3008 Rear 3rd Avenue in Huntington. During a search of Graley’s home in July of last year, agents with the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force located a kilogram of heroin inside a safe in a bedroom. Agents also seized 545 oxycodone pills, 73 oxymorphone pills, additional amounts of heroin in the living room, and approximately three pounds of marijuana. Agents also recovered a gun from the kitchen of the home and approximately $17,230 in United States currency. Thomas admitted that the drugs belonged to him and that he intended to sell them.
Thomas faces 10 years to life imprisonment and a $10,000,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27, 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. 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.
Detroit Man Sentenced to 5+ Years in Heroin ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man involved in a heroin distribution scheme was sentenced today to 63 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Bobby Nelson Gulley, 38, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin. Gulley admitted that he conspired with others, including Helen Louise Adkins and Alanna Lynn Mattison, to distribute heroin in the Huntington area from at least January 2013 to August 15, 2013.
During the conspiracy, Gulley frequently transported heroin and oxycodone from Detroit to Huntington. Gulley recruited Adkins and Mattison to maintain separate apartments at 522 14th Street West in Huntington where heroin and oxycodone were stored. Gulley also used Adkins and Mattison to make distributions of heroin on his behalf. Beginning in January 2013, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration used a confidential informant to make several controlled purchases of heroin from Gulley, Adkins and Mattison at various locations in West Huntington. On August 15, 2013, agents executed search warrants at the 14th Street West apartments rented by Adkins and Mattison. During the search, agents seized over 140 grams of heroin, 974 oxycodone tablets and $12,000 in United States currency.
Adkins and Mattison previously pleaded guilty in January 2014 and are both set to be sentenced on June 9, 2014, in Huntington.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. Today’s sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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.
Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
Defendant Caught with Hydrocodone, Cash and Stolen Firearms
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kennele Groom, 36, pleaded guilty today in federal court to distributing heroin in Charleston, West Virginia, where he resides. In February 2014, Groom was indicted by a grand jury on three counts of distributing heroin and one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone and oxymorphone. In connection with his guilty plea, Groom agreed to forfeit to the United States all proceeds from his drug trafficking, including over $40,000 cash seized from his residence on January 14, 2014. Groom faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment when he is sentenced on August 11, 2014.
This case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston conducted today’s guilty plea hearing.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill and heroin trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
Two Beckley Area Men Sentenced for Forging Prescriptions to Obtain OxycodoneRead the Press Release
Defendant Caught with Hydrocodone, Cash and Stolen Firearms
BECKLEY, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Raymond Duncan, age 31, of Bud, West Virginia, and Jeremy Blankenship, age 38, of Crab Orchard, West Virginia, were sentenced today in federal court in Beckley, West Virginia. In January of 2014, Duncan plead guilty to obtaining oxycodone by fraud, and Blankenship plead guilty to attempting to obtain oxycodone by fraud. Both men forged prescriptions for oxycodone on stolen prescription pads and presented them to Beckley area pharmacies to be filled. Duncan was successful in illegally obtaining oxycodone, but Blankenship was arrested during his attempt to get the forged prescription filled. In today’s court hearing, United States District Judge Irene C. Berger sentenced Duncan to ten months’ imprisonment and Blankenship to three years of probation.
The 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.
St. Albans Woman Charged with Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Charleston, W. Va. - A federal grand jury in Charleston, West Virginia, has returned a single count indictment against Regina Ancion, age 64, of St. Albans, West Virginia for theft of government money. The indictment alleges that Ancion forged social security checks made out to a deceased relative between November of 2006 and November of 2013, with a total loss to the government of more than $80,000. If convicted, Ancion faces a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and an order to pay restitution.
The Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution.
Note: The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Heroin on Charleston's East EndRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A man who sold heroin on Charleston’s East End pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Darrell Shawton Collins, 36, originally from Detroit, Michigan, faces up to 20 years in prison for heroin distribution. In December of 2013, detectives with the Charleston Police Department Special Enforcement Unit used a confidential informant to buy heroin from Collins. The drug deal took place at the corner of Washington Street East and Thompson Street. At the time of the drug deal, Collins was on federal supervised release for a prior drug trafficking offense. His supervised release was revoked today following his guilty plea. Sentencing is scheduled for August 14, 2014.
The Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada 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.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts North Carolina Man for Discharging A Handgun Near J.e. Robbins Elementary SchoolRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – A 20-year-old Charlotte, North Carolina man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Charleston. According to the three-count indictment, on March 25, 2014, Aric Adams, Jr. is alleged to have possessed and discharged a handgun within 1000 feet of J.E. Robins Elementary School, on Charleston’s West Side. The indictment further alleges that Adams was prohibited from possessing the handgun because he is an unlawful user of a controlled substance. Adams allegedly discharged eight rounds from the handgun within 1000 feet of J.E. Robins school shortly after students were released at the end of the school day. Adams was arrested on April 4, 2014 on a federal criminal complaint and is detained without bond pending trial.
If convicted, Adams faces up to 20 years imprisonment and up to $750,000.00 in fines.
The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department.
Note: The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Two Convicted Felons Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine and FirearmsRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney’s Office and DEA announce more than 3 tons collected, breaking previous record by more than half a ton
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two men who possessed methamphetamine and firearms were sentenced today to federal prison after pleading guilty in January to federal drug trafficking charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Richard Milton Hudson Riggal, 44, of Zephyrhills, Florida was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and sentenced to fifteen years and 8 months on the conspiracy charge and an additional two years for violating his federal supervision. Howard Leon Lykins, II, 49, of Charleston, West Virginia was convicted of maintaining a residence for drug purposes and sentenced to nine years.
In July of 2013, detectives from the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) executed a search warrant at Lykins’ Stone Acres Drive residence in Charleston. Riggall was at the house when officers arrived. Police searched Riggall’s luggage and discovered methamphetamine, digital scales, two pistols (one of which was stolen), and $41,490 in cash. Police seized additional methamphetamine, firearms, and money from elsewhere in Lykins’ residence.
Police executed a second search warrant at another Kanawha County residence where they seized more than 900 grams of high-purity “Ice” methamphetamine which Riggall transported from Florida to West Virginia for distribution. Both Riggall and Lykins admitted distributing approximately seven pounds of methamphetamine in the months leading up to July 2013.
Riggall had been previously convicted of several felonies including burglary, grand theft, operation of a chop shop, and distribution of marijuana. In July of 2013, when he was arrested on the drug conspiracy charge, Riggall was still on federal supervision for a 2006 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Lykins had been previously convicted in 2007 in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
MDENT and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
Mercer County Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A 54-year old Mercer County man faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty today to possession of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. David A. Punturi, of Bluefield, West Virginia entered a guilty plea before Senior United States District Court Judge David A. Faber.
Punturi admitted that on August 14, 2013, he possessed pictures of prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts. The images were located on his personal computers. The court scheduled sentencing for September 2, 2014 in Bluefield.
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 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.
Goodwin Announces Another Record Prescription Drug Take-back TotalRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney’s Office and DEA announce more than 3 tons collected, breaking previous record by more than half a ton
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Resident Agent in Charge Suzan Williamson jointly announced today that last Saturday's Prescription Drug Take-Back event collected a total of 6,211 pounds of unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs from citizens and households across West Virginia. The April 26th collection results far surpassed the previous Take-Back record of 4,976 pounds of prescription drugs collected in October 2013.
U.S. Attorney Goodwin said, “The last three Take-Back events have each resulted in record totals of prescription medications collected. Last Saturday, we broke our old record by more than half a ton. My thanks go to the DEA and all of the law enforcement agencies that participated. Most of all, I want to thank the citizens of West Virginia, who've stepped up in tremendous fashion to keep their unwanted prescription medicines out of the wrong hands.” Click here to hear an audio clip from U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.
Resident Agent in Charge Williamson commended all of the federal, state and local law enforcement partners in West Virginia for their assistance. “There were 127 collection sites designated throughout the state for the April 26th event, providing convenient and accessible locations for the citizens of West Virginia to drop off expired, unused and unwanted medications. It is the assistance of all of our law enforcement partners that continues to make Prescription Drug Take-Back events in West Virginia so successful.”
In the seven previous Take-Back events, the DEA and its law enforcement partners have collected more than 3.4 million pounds (1,733 tons) of prescription medications nationwide. By removing unwanted prescription medications from American homes, each Take-Back event helps prevent potentially addictive substances from falling into the hands of children and teenagers. The Take-Back program also reduces the risk of burglaries and home invasions staged by criminals seeking household prescription drugs.
U.S. Attorney Goodwin encouraged West Virginia citizens to make proper disposal of their prescription medications a regular habit. “While the twice-a-year Take-Back events are tremendously successful, many of our law enforcement agencies now maintain permanent drop-off boxes to allow more frequent disposal of prescription drugs. Sheriffs’ Departments in Kanawha, Putnam, Raleigh, Greenbrier and Wood counties are among those agencies that collect prescriptions drugs throughout the year. Since proper disposal is vital in keeping these drugs off the streets, I encourage our citizens to continue to take advantage of permanent drop-off boxes available in their communities.”
Click here to listen to an audio clip from U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.Ambassadors for Justice: Celebrating Good Kids - A Column by U.S. Attorney Booth GoodwinRead the Press Release
Ambassadors for Justice: Celebrating Good Kids
By
Booth Goodwin
United States Attorney, Southern District of West VirginiaTeenagers today face a mountain of challenges and temptations, as those of us with kids and grandkids are painfully aware. We live in a world that is much more complicated than it was just a generation ago. Back then, parents and teachers worried mainly about drinking and cutting class. Today, we face an epidemic of prescription drugs—powerful narcotics that many students mistakenly believe are safe because they come from a pharmacy. In reality, these drugs are just as deadly as street drugs, like heroin, if not taken as prescribed. Other problems, like bullying, are also growing worse: far too often these days, we see incidents of bullying and harassment boil over into tragedies in our schools. Simply put, being a good kid is getting harder and harder.
We make it a point to celebrate athletic achievement and academic achievement—and we should. But too often, we fail to celebrate students who are just plain good kids. That’s why, three years ago, my office started a program called Ambassadors for Justice. I got in touch with all the high school principals in my district and asked them to designate juniors from their schools as Ambassadors for Justice. The title Ambassador for Justice recognizes a student’s devotion to justice, citizenship and serving others—to being a good kid and a good influence on those around them.
There is no requirement that the student chosen be the class president or the most popular (although they certainly can be). Rather, I asked principals to identify students with outstanding character and strong ethical compasses; students who are respected by their peers; students who will speak up if a classmate makes a self-destructive choice or bullies someone else. Being recognized as an Ambassador for Justice is not just an award or certificate. The program’s goal is to encourage students to stay the course and keep contributing to their schools and communities by doing the right thing every day—even when no one else is watching.
Every year, a new group of Ambassadors for Justice is recognized in a ceremony held in Charleston. After the ceremony, the Ambassadors are brought together to talk about the hurdles facing teenagers in today’s world, and to share ideas about how to overcome them. The first group of Ambassadors comprised 40 students from all around southern West Virginia, and the second group grew to 57. This year, I was honored to collaborate with my friend, Bill Ihlenfeld, the United States Attorney in the Northern District of West Virginia. Together, Bill and I honored 88 Ambassadors for Justice chosen from the entire State of West Virginia. To see this year’s class of Ambassadors, along with individual pictures of those who were able to attend the March 12, 2014 ceremony in Charleston, you can visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/wvs/AforJ.html.
Every time I meet with these remarkable young people, I come away inspired. It’s easy to be cynical about teenagers, but these students bring the Golden Rule to life. They look out for classmates who are having trouble, whatever it may be, and they stand up for those who can’t defend themselves. They are bright, thoughtful, and committed to improving their schools, their state, and their country. I’m honored to be able to support them, and I hope this program will remind others of the importance of building character in our kids. It doesn’t take much to get involved: Just keep an eye out for young people like these Ambassadors for Justice, who do the right thing even when it’s hard, and let them know you’ve noticed their good deeds. Remind your kids and grandkids that we should always do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Together, we can do much more than you think to keep old-fashioned values alive and well in our schools and our communities.
Lincoln County Father and Son Plead Guilty to Oxycodone DistributionRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Ronnie Dale Norman Sr., 67 and his son, Ronnie Dale Norman Jr., 23, both of Branchland, West Virginia, entered guilty pleas today to distribution of oxycodone. They each face up to 20 years when they are sentenced on August 13, 2014 by United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver Jr.
In January of 2012, detectives with the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force used a confidential informant to buy oxycodone from Ronnie Norman, Sr., at Branchland home in Lincoln County. In September of 2012, detectives made another controlled buy from the Norman residence. This time, however, when the informant asked to buy oxycodone pills, Ronnie Norman, Sr. retrieved the pills, handed them to his son, Ronnie Norman, Jr., who then gave the pills to the informant in exchange for cash. Ronnie Norman, Jr. then handed the drug money to his father.The Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Huntington Man Sentenced to 33 Months Imprisonment for Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A convicted felon who illegally possessed firearms was sentenced to two years and nine months imprisonment today, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Jonathan Kyle Masters, 30, of Huntington, West Virginia, previously pleaded guilty to illegal possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
In December of 2012, police officers found a handgun in Masters’ car after he was caught shoplifting ammunition from Cabela’s in Charleston, West Virginia. Shortly thereafter, federal agents executed a search warrant at Masters’ Huntington, West Virginia home where they seized two more pistols, a shotgun, and numerous rounds of ammunition.
In 2007, Masters was convicted in Wayne County, West Virginia of wanton endangerment and possession of a deadly weapon on premises of educational facilities, both felonies. As a result of these convictions, Masters was not permitted to possess any firearm.
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 United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Huntington Police Department. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Special Assistant United States Attorney Sharon M. Frazier handled the prosecution.
Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Prescription Drug Trafficking in NitroRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Gregory Lindsey Jr, 22, of Detroit, Michigan, entered a guilty plea today to possession with intent to distribute oxymorphone pills, commonly known as “Opana.” Lindsey faces up to 20 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on August 4, 2014, by Chief United States District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers.
In January of 2014, detectives with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) searched the residence at 21A Bailes Drive in Nitro, West Virginia. When officers entered the apartment, they found Lindsey holding a gun. Officers chased Lindsey as he ran to the back bedroom of the apartment to dispose of the gun. After a brief struggle with the officers, Lindsey was restrained and searched. Officers found two baggies containing Opana pills in the pocket of his pants and $2,000.00 in cash. The gun, a semiautomatic pistol, was found under Lindsey.
MDENT conducted the investigation. 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 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.