Southern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Beckley Woman Sentenced for Selling Oxycodone in BeckleyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Rachel Saunders, 32, was sentenced today in Beckley, West Virginia, by United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger to three years of probation, and 100 hours of community service. Saunders previously plead guilty in November of 2013 to distributing oxycodone, a powerful and addictive prescription pain killer. Saunders admitted that on March 26, 2013, she sold several oxycodone pills to a confidential informant (CI) who was working with the Beckley Police Department Drug Unit and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department. The drug deal took place at a local video lottery establishment on North Eisenhower Drive, Beckley.
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.
Huntington Man Convicted of Possessing and Attempting to Distribute Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Defendant was previously convicted of sexually assaulting a ten year old
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –A 66-year-old Cabell County resident was convicted of possessing and attempting to distribute child pornography after a three-day bench trial in Huntington, West Virginia, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers found that John D. Hayes, of Huntington, West Virginia, knowingly possessed child pornography on computer equipment located in his residence and attempted to distribute child pornography via a file-sharing program.
The investigation began when it was discovered that child pornography was being shared via Frostwire between March 17 and April 28, 2012. The associated IP address was traced back to the Huntington residence of Hayes. Computer evidence subsequently seized from the Hayes’ home pursuant to a search warrant executed on May 24, 2012, including a portable USB drive, was forensically analyzed and determined to contain images and videos of child pornography. The forensic examination further revealed that one of the computers possessed by Hayes was loaded with the Frostwire program and had a unique user identification number (known as a GUID) that matched the GUID found to be sharing child pornography in March and April of 2012.
Hayes was previously convicted in the circuit court of Putnam County, West Virginia, in 1979 for two counts of second degree sexual assault, one of which involved a 10-year-old female.
Hayes faces a minimum mandatory 15 years and up to 60 years imprisonment, as well as a lifetime of supervised release. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2014, in Huntington, West Virginia.
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 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.
Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Defendant had previously pled guilty to distribution of heroin
Charleston, W.Va. – Chandra Ross, 30, of Charleston, West Virginia, pled guilty today in federal court to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and to possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. In August of 2013, a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston, returned a three-count indictment against Ross charging her with possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Ross entered into a plea agreement, in which she agreed to plead guilty to the heroin charge and cooperate with law enforcement officers. In return, the United States agreed to dismiss the two gun charges. Ross, however, failed to provide the required cooperation and thereby breached the plea agreement. As a result, the district court ruled that the United States was no longer bound by the plea agreement and was not obligated to dismiss the remaining counts in the indictment. Ross pled guilty to those two remaining counts today.
Based on her plea today, Ross faces a mandatory minimum five years imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, on the charge of possessing the firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Her conviction on that charge mandates that the sentence be consecutive to (added on to) the sentence on the other drug and gun charges. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 26, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the Kanawha Bureau of Investigations.
Chapmanville Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Prescription PainkillersRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Chapmanville, W.Va. man who sold the powerful prescription painkiller oxymorphone, commonly sold under the brand name Opana, pleaded guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Carl Tomblin, 50, pleaded guilty to distribution of oxymorphone before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. in Charleston.
On five separate occasions in December of 2013, Tomblin sold oxymorphone to a confidential informant in exchange for cash. Tomblin admitted to law enforcement that he had been purchasing and distributing oxymorphone from approximately May of 2013 through January of 2014.
Tomblin tested positive for the drug Benzodiazepine, commonly known as Valium or Xanax. As a result, the court ordered Tomblin released on home confinement with electronic monitoring. Tomblin faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 25, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. 119 Task Force and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is handling the prosecution.
The prosecution is part of an ongoing effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and heroin. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Man Accused of Threatening Senator Manchin Arrested on Criminal ComplaintRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Steven Anthony Major, 49, of Barboursville, W.Va. was arrested on Friday, March 21, 2014 on a federal criminal complaint alleging that he made violent threats against United States Senator Joe Manchin and his family members.
According to the complaint, which was unsealed today, Major made multiple calls to the Charleston, W.Va. and Washington, D.C. offices of Senator Manchin. During the calls, Major identified himself and made violent threats targeting Senator Manchin and his family members.
Major’s initial appearance on the arrest is scheduled for 2 p.m. in front of Magistrate Judge Dwane L. Tinsley, Fifth Floor, Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse, Charleston, W.Va. Major faces up to 10 years in prison, if convicted.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is in charge of the prosecution.
Click here for a link to the complaint.
Note: The charge contained in the complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Huntington Woman Going to Prison for Allowing Heroin Trafficking from Her HomeRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Lindsey Alyn Thacker, 29, of Huntington, West Virginia, was sentenced today in United States District Court by Chief Judge Robert C. Chambers to three years imprisonment for maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing heroin. Beginning in the summer of 2012 and continuing into the summer of 2013, Thacker allowed drug dealers from Detroit, Michigan to store and sell heroin at her residence on 11th Avenue in Huntington. She also permitted addicts to use heroin in her home. In return for facilitating this illegal drug activity, Thacker received heroin for personal use.
During a search of the residence, agents located approximately .3 grams of heroin and over $1000.00 from drug sales. Thacker also admitted that she had made six to seven trips to Detroit to obtain heroin and/or crack cocaine from an individual she knew as Zack or Zane, later identified as Zachary Merritt. Merritt, along with others, were charged and have pled guilty for their roles in trafficking heroin in Huntington.
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 Admits He Received Dangerous Drugs Through the MailRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that Quincy Ray Johnson, 34, of Huntington, West Virginia was sentenced today by Chief Judge Robert C. Chambers to six years and six months imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, a dangerous and addictive pain killer. On April 17, 2013, an Express Mail Parcel was intercepted by United States Postal Inspectors after a specially trained police dog indicated the presence of drugs. A search warrant was obtained for the package and when it was opened, agents found 1260 oxycodone pills, and approximately 1 ounce of Molly (MDMA), a street drug akin to “Ecstasy.” After the inspection, the drugs were returned to the original packaging and delivered to 1737 10th Avenue, Huntington, West Virginia. A black male, later identified as Johnson, answered the door and accepted the delivery. A search warrant was subsequently executed and the package was recovered. When questioned by authorities, Johnson admitted that he expected and received the package containing the illegal drugs. Johnson also admitted receiving four other packages through the mail, each containing approximately 300 oxycodone 30-mg pills. Johnson plead guilty in September of 2013
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.
Four Drug Defendants Sentenced in Federal Court in BluefieldRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that four defendants convicted of drug offenses were sentenced by Senior United States District Judge David A.Faber in federal court in Bluefield today. Richard Travis Robinette, Jr., 40, of Garland, West Virginia, was sentenced to six years in prison for distributing oxycodone pills. Robinette pled guilty in November of 2013, admitting that on September 16, 2010, he distributed ten oxycodone pills to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The transaction took place at or near Avondale, West Virginia. Mr. Robinette admitted that he was involved in the distribution of a total of 400 oxycodone pills. In a related case, Tobi LaDawn Jones, 25, of Avondale, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment for using a telephone to commit a felony drug offense. Jones pled guilty in November, admitting that she had used a telephone to set up the distribution of 13 oxycodone pills by an individual to a person cooperating with authorities. The drug transaction also took place near Avondale. Ms. Jones also admitted to being involved in additional drug transactions. The cases were investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
Faith Akers, 45, of Princeton, was sentenced to one year and one month for distributing hydromorphone pills. Akers pled guilty in November of 2013, when she admitted that on May 15, 2013, she distributed two hydromorphone pills to a person cooperating with authorities near Princeton. She further admitted that she was involved in distributing two hydromorphone pills on May 14 and one hydromorphone pill on May 15, 2013.
Terry Testerman, 61, of Bluewell, was sentenced to nine months of time served for distributing oxycodone pills. Testerman pled guilty in September of 2013, admitting that on February 3, 2012, he distributed two oxycodone pills to a person assisting law enforcement authorities in Bluewell. In addition, Mr. Testerman admitted that he distributed approximately five more oxycodone pills at various times.
The Akers and Testerman cases were investigated by the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and were prosecuted under the Bluefield Pill Initiative. All of the 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 U. S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers and heroin in communities across the Southern District.
Charleston Attorney Sentenced for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Lawyer swindled more than $1 Million dollars from clients and investors
Charleston, W.Va. – Lawyer Harold “Hal” Albertson, 65, was sentenced today in Charleston, West Virginia, by United States District Court Judge Thomas E. Johnston to two years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than a million dollars in restitution to former clients, investors, and the Internal Revenue Service. Albertson previously pleaded guilty to evading over $100,000 in federal taxes. As part of his plea agreement, Albertson also admitted that he lured clients into investing money with him by promising a high rate of return. Albertson never paid the clients the high rate of return. Instead of investing their money, he used it to pay his own debts. Albertson admitted he cashed clients’ checks and used the proceeds to repay someone else.
This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and the Internal Revenue Service.
Heroin Dealer from Ohio Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – An Ohio man has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute heroin, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Christopher Swann, 23, admitted at today’s plea hearing that he and others traveled back and forth from Charleston, West Virginia, to Ohio to purchase heroin for resale in Charleston. Swann was previously indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin in October of 2013. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18, 2014. He faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine and at least three years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by Charleston Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs and 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 Ohio Men for Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal grand jury in Charleston, West Virginia, returned two indictments yesterday related to the illegal distribution of heroin.
The grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Marion Alonvo Felder of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, with the distribution of heroin on September 2, September 14 and October 1, 2013, in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The grand jury also charged Keith Irons, 25, of Marion County, Ohio, with heroin distribution. According to the two-count indictment of Irons, he distributed heroin on October 3 and October 6, 2013, in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Marion and Irons each face up to 20 years in prison on each count if convicted.
The investigation was conducted by the Parkersburg Police Department and the Parkersburg Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force. 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.
Note: The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Beckley Woman Sentenced for Obtaining Oxycodone by FraudRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Crystal Gail Graham, 38, was sentenced today in Beckley, West Virginia, by United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger to three years of probation and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. Graham previously pleaded guilty in November of 2013 to obtaining oxycodone by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception and subterfuge. Graham was employed as a licensed practical nurse at Beckley’s Jackie Withrow Hospital. She used her position at the hospital to illegally obtain oxycodone that she later sold to a confidential informant working with the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department. Graham’s employment at the hospital was terminated as a result of the incident.
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.
Beaver Woman Sentenced for Selling Oxycodone and AlprazolamRead the Press Release
BEAVER, W.Va. – Leah Kirk, age 21, was sentenced today in Beckley, West Virginia, by United States District Court Judge Irene C. Berger to three years of probation and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. Kirk previously pleaded guilty in November 2013 to distributing oxycodone, a powerful prescription pain killer. Kirk admitted that between May 15, 2013 and June 12, 2013, she sold several oxycodone pills and alprazolam pills to a confidential informant who was working with the Beckley Police Department and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department. The drug sale occurred on Eisenhower Drive in Beckley.
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.
Parkersburg Man Convicted of Accessing Child Pornography on Library ComputerRead the Press Release
Matthew John Wiggins was previously convicted of possessing child pornography in 2000
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –A 41-year-old Wood County resident was convicted of accessing child pornography with intent to view it and attempting to persuade a person to destroy evidence after a two-day bench trial in Huntington, West Virginia, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers found that Matthew John Wiggins, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, knowingly accessed 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.
The investigation 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 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, over 50 images of child pornography.
Wiggins was previously convicted in federal court in the Southern District of West Virginia in 2000 for 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.
Wiggins faces a minimum mandatory 10 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, as well as a lifetime of supervised release. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2014, in Huntington, West Virginia.
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 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.
U.S. Attorneys Booth Goodwin and Bill Ihlenfeld Recognize High School Juniors as Ambassadors for JusticeRead the Press Release
Third annual ceremony lauds students for exceptional character, commitment to social justice
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorneys Booth Goodwin, Southern District of West Virginia, and Bill Ihlenfeld, Northern District of West Virginia, today recognized 88 high school juniors from throughout West Virginia as U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice. The afternoon ceremony to honor the recipients took place at the Culture Center in Charleston. The U.S. Attorney’s Ambassador for Justice program is an initiative co-sponsored by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia. It honors high school juniors who have shown outstanding leadership skills and a commitment to social justice.Today’s ceremony marked the third time that U.S. Attorney Goodwin has recognized leaders from high schools in the Southern District of West Virginia. This year, U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld joined to recognize students from the Northern District of West Virginia as well.
“I am very pleased to honor these remarkable high school juniors from throughout the state of West Virginia as Ambassadors for Justice,” U.S. Attorney Goodwin said. “These 88 students have each demonstrated a powerful ethical compass and have shown tremendous leadership.” Goodwin continued, “ Their ideas and perspectives are invaluable in helping to identify and resolve common and important issues. These are students who are willing to step forward and do something if one of their peers makes a self-destructive decision or bullies someone else.”
Goodwin said that he and U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld share concerns about problems facing young people in West Virginia. “This isn’t just an award or a title. This is an ongoing mission for us, for our offices, our communities and for each of these Ambassadors for Justice. Together, we can exert positive influence in our schools and communities,” said Goodwin.
The U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice program was created by U.S. Attorney Goodwin two years ago in response to rising school bullying and social media threats involving young people. The program was also spurred by a February 2012 school shooting at Chardon High School in Chardon, Ohio, in which a student opened fire on his classmates, killing three and wounding two others. Other episodes involving planned violent attacks by young people that were prevented due to the swift actions of students and school Prevention Resource Officers here in the Southern District of West Virginia have also encouraged U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s initiative.
Nominations to be U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice are made by school principals and administrative leaders. Goodwin said that outstanding character, devotion to citizenship, and a commitment to serving others are fundamentals for nomination. This year, 87 high schools in 46 counties in West Virginia nominated 88 outstanding students to be Ambassadors for Justice.
The 2013 U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice are as follows (by county/student name/high school):
Please note: Individual photos of each student are available at: www.justice.gov/usao/wvs/AforJ.htmlBarbour County
Karlie Smallwood, Philip Barbour High School ComplexBerkeley County
Jacob Orlando, Martinsburg High School
Tyler Brewster, Musselman High SchoolBoone County
Cortney Belcher, Van Jr./Sr. High School
Lindsay Collins, Sherman High School
Michael Miller, Scott High SchoolBraxton County
Logan Frame, Braxton County High SchoolBrooke County
Paraag Gupta, Brooke High SchoolCabell County
Chantz Gould, Cabell Midland High School
Robert Senior, Huntington High SchoolCalhoun County
Erica Jones, Calhoun Middle/High SchoolClay County
Cayla Black, Clay County High SchoolDoddridge County
Wyatt Ford, Doddridge County High SchoolFayette County
Tyler Brandstetter, Meadow Bridge High School
Kaitlyn Akers, Valley High School
Aaliyah Sears, Oak Hill High School
Cody Zackoski, Midland Trail High SchoolGrant County
Brandon Streets, Union Educational ComplexGreenbrier County
Jordan Tincher, Greenbrier West High School
Allegra Browne, Greenbrier East High SchoolHampshire County
John Seldon, Hampshire High SchoolHancock County
Brennan Smith, Oak Glen High SchoolHardy County
Bekah Mongold, East Hardy High SchoolHarrison County
Bryan Van Norman, Liberty High School
Joseph Ellis, Notre Dame High School
Megan Talbott, South Harrison High SchoolJackson County
James Curry, Ravenswood High School
Matthew Groves, Ripley High SchoolKanawha County
Maura James, St. Albans High School
Ian Perry, Riverside High School
Hanna Fuller, Nitro High School
Aric Taylor, Sissonville High School
Logan Shomo, South Charleston High School
Joshua McClung, Herbert Hoover High School
James Lares, George Washington High School
Sarah Clifford, Capital High SchoolLincoln County
Mark Neace, Jr., Lincoln County High SchoolLogan County
Jonathan Collins, Man High School
James Frye, Logan Senior High SchoolMarion County
Colton Moor, East Fairmont High School
Morgan Pethtel, North Marion High SchoolMarshall County
Matthew Vucelik, Bishop Donahue High School
Jacqueline Gellner, John Marshall High SchoolMason County
Mary Workman, Point Pleasant Jr./Sr. High School
Ja’nae Cundiff, Wahama High School
Charles Mayes, Hannan Jr./Sr. High SchoolMcDowell County
Cody Adair, River View High SchoolMercer County
Hayley Parnell, Montcalm High School
Cody Goins, Bluefield High School
Lindsey Masters, PikeView High School
Caleb Robinette, Princeton Senior High SchoolMineral County
Micah Beachy, Frankfort High SchoolMingo County
Chase Justice, Mingo Central High School
Hayden Sturgell, Tug Valley High SchoolMonongalia County
Dominic Muttillo, Morgantown High School
John Kolar, University High SchoolMonroe County
Dillon Bradley, James Monroe High SchoolNicholas County
Rebecca Passarella, Nicholas County High School
Shanley Amick, Richwood High SchoolOhio County
Colin Kelly, Linsly School
Maria Miller, Wheeling Central Catholic High School
Megan Chacalos, Wheeling Park High SchoolPendleton County
Autumn Smith, Pendleton County Middle/High SchoolPutnam County
Brandon Stone, Winfield High School
John Hathaway, Winfield High School
Daria Seccurro, Hurricane High School
Christian Buckley, Poca High SchoolRaleigh County
Emily Fedders, Woodrow Wilson High School
Julie Castle, Liberty High School
Josef Heller, Shady Spring High School
Sean Worix, Independence High SchoolRandolph County
Linsey McCollam, Elkins High School
Luciano Casillas, Pickens Elementary/High School
Hannah Currence, Tygarts Valley Middle/High SchoolRitchie County
Nicholas Tate, Ritchie County High SchoolRoane County
Aaron Roberts, Roane County High SchoolTaylor County
Athena McMillen, Grafton High SchoolTucker County
Morgan Moss, Tucker County High SchoolUpshur County
Mikinna Poling, Buckhannon Upshur High SchoolWayne County
John Newman, Tolsia High School
Taylor Ward, Spring Valley High SchoolWetzel County
Soren Shade, Magnolia High School
Craig Allen, Paden City High School
Victoria Smallwood, Valley High SchoolWirt County
Elizabeth Adams, Wirt County High SchoolWood County
Jessie Pratt, Parkersburg South High School
Jordan Lallemont, Parkersburg High SchoolWyoming County
Aerial Deskins, Westside High SchoolU.S. Attorneys Booth Goodwin and Bill Ihlenfeld to Honor High School Students Selected as Ambassadors for Justice TomorrowRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorneys Booth Goodwin, Southern District of West Virginia, and Bill Ihlenfeld, Northern District of West Virginia, will host a special recognition event honoring more than 60 high school students from across the state who have been selected as United States Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at The Culture Center, State Capitol, in Charleston. The U.S. Attorney’s Ambassador for Justice program is an initiative which honors West Virginia high school juniors who have shown outstanding character, devotion to citizenship, and a commitment to serving others.
U.S. Attorney’s Ambassador for Justice Ceremony
WHO: R. Booth Goodwin II, United States Attorney, Southern District of West Virginia
Bill Ihlenfeld, United States Attorney, Northern District of West Virginia
High School Student NomineesWHERE: The Culture Center
State Capitol, Charleston, WVWHEN: Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 1:00 pm
Parkersburg Woman Enters Federal Guilty Plea to Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg woman has pleaded guilty today to a federal heroin charge, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. During her plea hearing before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston, Daquarri Coats, 21, admitted that on September 30, 2013, she sold $1,950.00 worth of heroin to an informant working with the Parkersburg Police Department. The drug deal took place near the intersection of 30th Street and Dudley Avenue in Parkersburg.
Coats faces up to 20 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on June 5, 2014.
The Parkersburg Police Department along with the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force 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.
Illinois Felon Sentenced to Six Years and Six Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – A Illinois felon who illegally possessed four firearms in February of 2013 was sentenced today to six years and six months in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Thomas Ray III, 44, of Will County, Illinois, previously pleaded guilty in December 2013 to possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense.
On February 5, 2013, the United States Marshal Service C.U.F.F.E.D. Task Force in Huntington was contacted by the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in Illinois to assist in locating Ray. Ray was wanted by the State of Illinois for a parole violation. Deputy Marshals found Ray at a residence in the 2100 block of 9th Avenue in Huntington. As Ray was approached, he fled and was apprehended a short time later. Deputy Marshals found Ray with a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol concealed in the back of his waistband.
Deputy Marshals also conducted a search of the 9th Avenue residence and discovered three additional firearms: a loaded Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun, an AR-15 5.56mm assault rifle along with a 30 round magazine, and a GSG-5 .22 caliber rifle, also with a 30 round magazine. Ray admitted to possessing all the firearms seized.
Ray was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on prior felony convictions for Forcible Armed Detention and Giving a False Bomb/Gas Alarm.
The United States Marshal Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
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.
Former Mingo Chief Magistrate Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Dallas Toler is second former official to draw prison time in Mingo corruption probe
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former chief magistrate is the latest defendant sentenced to federal prison time in a probe of corruption in Mingo County, West Virginia, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Dallas Toler, 45, of Delbarton, West Virginia, was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment. Last December, Toler admitted in federal court that he falsified a voter registration application during the 2012 primary election campaign. Toler faked the application so that a convicted felon, still on probation and thus barred from voting, could vote for Toler’s Team Mingo faction.
“Voters deserve clean elections and honest public officials,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “Politicians have to follow the law like everybody else. When they forget that, they need to pay the price. Today’s sentence is an important reminder that no one is above the law.”
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston, who imposed today’s sentence, emphasized the need to send a strong deterrent message in light of Mingo County’s history of public corruption.
Toler pleaded guilty in December 2013 and was released on bond while awaiting today’s sentencing. Last month, however, Goodwin’s office successfully asked to have Toler’s bond revoked, citing evidence that Toler was part of a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. According to prosecutors, shortly after resigning from office as a requirement of his plea agreement, Toler began bankrolling a local cocaine dealer. The dealer became a confidential informant for investigators after local police caught him using Toler’s car to attempt to transport cocaine. In January of this year, the informant recorded Toler accepting profits from the sale of cocaine and making plans for future cocaine distribution.
At a February 13 hearing on the bond revocation motion, Toler declined to contest prosecutors’ allegations of his drug activity, and Judge Johnston revoked Toler’s bond. Toler has been in federal custody since then.
Toler joins former Mingo County Commissioner David Baisden as the second official sentenced to prison in a wide-ranging corruption probe led by Goodwin’s office. Baisden received a 20-month prison sentence in January. He admitted that he tried to extort a discounted set of tires from an Appalachian Tire store in Williamson, West Virginia. When Appalachian officials refused Baisden’s demand, he punished them by cutting off tens of thousands of dollars of county business that otherwise would have gone to Appalachian.
Two more former Mingo officials are set to be sentenced next month. Former circuit judge Michael Thornsbury will be sentenced April 21, and former county prosecutor C. Michael Sparks will be sentenced April 24. Both officials pleaded guilty last year in a scheme to force George White, a local drug defendant, to change lawyers after they learned that White and his lawyer were informing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of alleged crimes committed by then-sheriff Eugene Crum. A criminal defendant has a constitutionally protected right to counsel of his choosing.
All four officials charged to date in the federal investigation have been required to resign from office.
The investigation of Toler’s election fraud was conducted by the FBI and the West Virginia State Police (WVSP), with assistance from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office. Toler’s drug-distribution activity was investigated by the FBI, the WVSP, the Mingo County Sheriff’s Department and the Williamson Police Department. Counsel to the United States Attorney Steven R. Ruby and Assistant United States Attorney C. Haley Bunn are in charge of the prosecution.
Drug Defendants, Inmate Appear in Federal Court in BluefieldRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that four defendants convicted of distributing hydromorphone pills to persons cooperating with law enforcement authorities were sentenced in federal court in Bluefield. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber sentenced Kevin Eugene Petty, 36, of Bluefield, to eight years in prison. Petty received an additional sentence of two years for violating the conditions of his previously imposed supervised release. He pled guilty in September of 2013, admitting that on September 20, 2012, he distributed ten hydromorphone pills at or near Bluefield, West Virginia.
Jason Robert Davis, 28, of Bluefield, Virginia, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison. He pled guilty in September of 2013, admitting that on January 31, 2012, he distributed five hydromorphone pills. That drug deal took place near Princeton. Davis also admitted that between 2010 and 2012 he sold a total of 125 hydromorphone pills, 125 oxycodone pills and 25 oxymorphone pills.
Bobby Michael Short, Jr., 47, of Princeton, was sentenced to one year three months in federal prison. He pled guilty in November of 2013, admitting that on May 17, 2013, he distributed one hydromorphone pill in Princeton. He also admitted distributing a total of 75 hydromorphone pills.
Darryl I. Shrader, 54, of Spanishburg, was sentenced to three years of probation. He pled guilty in November of 2013, admitting that on January 28, 2013, he distributed four hydromorphone pills in Bluefield, West Virginia. He also admitted distributing eight more hydromorphone pills during January, 2013.
These cases were investigated by the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Southern West Virginia Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and were prosecuted under the Bluefield Pill Initiative, part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District.
A federal inmate also appeared before Judge Faber. Billy Williams, 24, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell, near Welch, pled guilty to possessing a weapon in a federal correctional facility. Williams admitted that on October 29, 2013, he possessed a homemade knife, commonly known as a “shank,” while he was serving time at the prison. Williams faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on July 7, 2014. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
West Logan Restaurant Owner Pleads Guilty to Laundering Cash from Illegal Gambling OperationRead the Press Release
Defendant Traveled To Tennessee to Purchase Sports Car With Ill-Gotten Gains
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a West Logan restaurant owner pled guilty Thursday to laundering cash from an illegal gambling operation. Since May of 2008, Gregory A. Dotson, 51, of Chapmanville, who was the proprietor of Giovanni’s of Logan in West Logan, operated an illegal poker machine gambling parlor in the back of a tobacco store in South Williamson, Kentucky. Although payouts from poker machines, often referred to as gray machines, are illegal under Kentucky law, Dotson routinely paid out gambling winnings to patrons. Dotson retrieved the proceeds from the illegal gambling operation weekly and brought the cash across state lines to his office at Giovanni’s. Dotson then commingled the cash he brought in from his legitimate business with that from his illegal enterprise.
On August 16, 2010, Dotson traveled from West Virginia to Bristol, Tennessee, with nearly $12,000 of cash proceeds from the illegal gambling operation and used those funds to help purchase a sports car.
In October of 2013, agents from the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigative Division raided the gambling parlor, seizing forty machines in operation and another forty machines in storage.
As part of the plea agreement, Dotson agreed to forfeit nearly $150,000 in cash, a $96,000 Mercedes sport-utility vehicle, a $50,000 Rolex watch, and several expensive firearms, in addition to the eighty gray machines seized from the South Williamson operation.
In addition to the forfeiture, Dotson faces up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on June 11, 2014.
The investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigative Division with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ryan is in charge of the prosecution.
Pennsylvania Man Sentenced for Selling Oxycodone in BeckleyRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison for selling oxycodone in Beckley, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. David Hudson, 39, previously admitted that in July 2013 he sold several oxycodone pills to a confidential informant working with the Beckley Police Department Drug Unit. The drug deal took place in the parking lot of a motel on Harper Road.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed today’s sentence.
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.
Michigan Man Sentenced for Bringing Heroin to Huntington on A Greyhound BusRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – A Michigan man was sentenced to nine years and three months’ imprisonment for possession of heroin with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Darius Lajuan Kincannon, 30, of Redford, Michigan, arrived in Huntington from Michigan in February 2013 on a Greyhound bus. Kincannon brought a backpack with him that contained, among other items, approximately 510.6 grams of heroin and a 16 ounce bottle of Superior Inisotal, a common cutting agent for heroin. The backpack was seized at the Greyhound station by the Huntington Police Department. Kincannon previously plead guilty on November 19, 2013, to possession with intent to deliver 100 grams or more of heroin.
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 Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – A Huntington man was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. In June 2012, Ricky Eugene Lewis, 35, pawned a Harrington & Richardson .20 gauge shotgun at the Kenova Pawn Shop in Kenova, West Virginia. The transaction was captured on the store’s surveillance video. Lewis had been previously convicted of the felony offense of trafficking in opium. Because of the felony conviction, Lewis was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Lewis was also involved in an incident December 2011 in Wayne County, West Virginia, in which he stole, among other items, two .38 caliber revolvers and a .22 caliber pistol, which, according to Lewis, he traded for drugs.
Today’s sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Charleston Man with Illegally Distributing HeroinRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Darrell Shawton Collins, 36, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston on March 4, 2014, on illegal drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. According to a three-count indictment, Collins distributed heroin on December 4, 5, and 6, 2013, in Charleston.
Collins faces up to 20 years in prison for each count, if convicted.
The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada is handling the prosecution.
Note: The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Logan Man Sentenced to More Than Two Years for Obstructing $1 Million Arson InvestigationRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Phillip Wayne Workman, 36, of Logan, West Virginia, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison for obstructing a joint state and federal arson investigation into a February 1, 2012 fire that destroyed a commercial building at 111 Stratton Street in downtown Logan. Although four individuals—James Gregory Glick, Guy R. Miller, Shawn C. Simon and William Jamey Thompson—pled guilty to their respective roles in the conspiracy to burn the Stratton Street property for the $1 million insurance policy, Workman obstructed that investigation by providing false information to law enforcement, accusing other innocent individuals of conspiring to burn down the building. Workman went so far as to stage a fake secret meeting with an individual in an attempt to corroborate his claims. At his plea hearing on October 31, 2013, Workman admitted that he completely fabricated the meeting, thereby obstructing and jeopardizing the arson and insurance fraud investigation.
Glick, 44, of Logan, will be sentenced on March 13, 2014. Miller, 39, of Logan, and Simon, 41, Charleston, will be sentenced on March 20, 2014. Thompson, 44, of Chapmanville, will be sentenced on March 24, 2014.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed today’s sentence. The West Virginia State Police and the IRS conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ryan is in charge of the prosecution.
Local Men Face Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that two men facing drug charges appeared in federal court in Beckley today before United States District Judge Irene Berger. Michael Harshaw Jr., 37, of Hinton, West Virginia, pled guilty to using a telephone to facilitate a felony drug offense and to possessing alprazolam (Xanax) without a prescription. Harshaw admitted that on October 3, 2012, he had a telephone conversation with an individual cooperating with law enforcement authorities in which they set up a meeting to do a drug deal. Later that day the two met in Hinton, and Harshaw sold the individual five oxycodone pills. Harshaw also admitted that on October 10, 2012, authorities searched his home in Hinton and found that he had 17 Xanax pills containing alprazolam, a highly addictive controlled substance. Harshaw did not have a prescription for the pills. He faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of $500,000 when he is scheduled on June 26, 2014. The case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
William Smith, 40, of Crab Orchard, was sentenced to one year and two months in prison for distributing oxycodone. Smith pled guilty in November of 2013, admitting that on January 3, 2013, he sold two oxycodone pills to a person cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place at Smith’s residence in Crab Orchard. The case was investigated by the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office Drug and Narcotic Investigative Unit and the Beckley Police Department Narcotics Unit.
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. 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 Sentenced for Failing to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced yesterday to a total of 29 months’ imprisonment for violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Sam Bailey, Jr., pleaded guilty to violating SORNA’s requirement that a sex offender update his registration when moving to another state or changing employment. Bailey moved from Kanawha County to Columbus, Ohio, in 2012 but failed to register as a sex offender at his new residence.
Bailey’s sex-offender status stems from a first-degree rape conviction in Monroe County, New York, in 1979.
At the time of Bailey’s SORNA violation, he was on federal supervised release for an unrelated drug conviction. His SORNA violation also constituted a violation of his supervised release conditions. The sentence imposed yesterday thus comprised 21 months’ imprisonment for the SORNA violation itself and eight months’ imprisonment for the supervised release violation. Bailey’s sentence also includes five years of supervised release after incarceration and a lifetime sex-offender registration requirement.
SORNA, also known as the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act, was enacted in 2006 to protect children from sexual exploitation and violent crime.
The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston. The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice that implements a unified and comprehensive strategy to reduce the sexual exploitation of children. Project Safe Childhood combines law enforcement efforts, community action, and public awareness toward this goal.
Chapmanville Man Charged with Illegally Distributing Prescription PainkillersRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today charged Carl Tomblin, 50, of Chapmanville, W.Va., with illegal drug distribution. According to an information filed in federal court today, Tomblin distributed oxymorphone, a powerful painkiller often sold under the brand name Opana.
The investigation that led to today’s charge is being conducted by the U.S. 119 Task Force and the West Virginia State Police. The prosecution is part of an ongoing effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. 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. Assistant United States Attorney Haley Bunn is handling the prosecution.
Click here to view a copy of the information.
Note: An information is only an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney to Convene Roundtable Discussion on State's Emerging Heroin EpidemicRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin is bringing together state legislators and medical, treatment, prevention and law enforcement professionals to discuss the influx of heroin into West Virginia, as well as strategies and next steps in turning back the tide of heroin addiction.
WHAT: Heroin Roundtable Discussion
WHEN: Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 5:30pm
WHERE: Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse, 300 Virginia Street East, Fifth Floor
WHO: U.S. AttorneyBooth Goodwin and panelists including:
WV Delegate Don PerdueWV Senator Ron Stollings
P. Bradley Hall, MD, Executive Medical Director, WV Medical Professionals Health Program and President, WV Society of Addiction Medicine
Carl “Rolly” Sullivan, MD, Professor and Vice-Chairman, Director of Addictions Programs, WVU School of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry
Allen Mock, MD, WV Chief Medical Examiner
Chief W. H. “Skip” Holbrook, Huntington Police Department
Captain Tim Bledsoe, West Virginia State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigations
Matt Boggs, Project Director, The Healing Place of Huntington
Mike Goff, Administrator, Controlled Substances Monitoring Program, WV Board of Pharmacy
Gordon Merry, Director, Cabell County Emergency Medical Services
Kathy Paxton, Director, Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Bureau for Behavioral Health and Health Facilities, WV Department of Health and Human Resources
Stefan Maxwell, MD, Director, NICU, CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital
Denzil Hawkinberry II, MD, Community Care of WV
Huntington Heroin Dealer Sentenced to Four Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man was sentenced yesterday to four years in federal prison for his role in a heroin distribution conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin. Forty-nine-year-old Rickey Ray Rockwell previously pleaded guilty in November 2013 to conspiracy to distribute heroin before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington federal court.
Between November 2010 and July 2011, Rockwell participated with convicted felons Kevin Luthor Robinson and Jermaine D. Dickerson to distribute heroin in and around the Huntington area.
Rockwell told police that during the illegal drug scheme, he controlled the door to a Huntington residence that was primarily used as a place to distribute illegal drugs. Rockwell also completed illegal heroin transactions on behalf of Robinson and Dickerson. Afterward, Rockwell gave the drug proceeds to his co-conspirators at the completion of the drug transactions.Robinson, 44, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison in March 2013 for his role in the illegal drug conspiracy. Dickerson, 36, was also sentenced in March 2013 to 15 years and nine months in federal prison. Robinson and Dickerson, both of Columbus, previously pleaded guilty in December 2012 to conspiracy to distribute heroin and 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.
During the scheme, Robinson and Dickerson arranged frequent trips to Columbus to purchase heroin and cocaine. The illegal drugs were then brought to Huntington and sold. The defendants also utilized several Huntington residences to store, prepare and package illegal drugs during the fall of 2010 through July 2011.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Huntington Police Department, and the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.
This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. 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 Federal Prison for Stealing from Homeless-aid ProgramRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington woman was sentenced today to a year and a day in federal prison for stealing more than $20,000 from a program that assists the homeless, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Patricia Howard, 54, embezzled the money from the Huntington Housing Authority’s Shelter Care Plus program in 2011 and 2012, while she was an employee of the Authority.
The Shelter Care Plus program receives federal funds to provide housing assistance for homeless people suffering from mental illness, chronic addiction and AIDS. As an employee of the Huntington Housing Authority, Howard helped handle the Shelter Care Plus program’s finances. Her position enabled her to secretly make transfers of program funds to her personal bank account by disguising them as payments to obtain housing for the homeless. Howard’s scheme netted a total of $23,731, which she was ordered to repay as part of her sentence. Howard admitted her crime to federal law enforcement authorities after being caught.
In an unrelated case, Howard was recently convicted in state court for fraudulently using an access device. She is serving a one- to three-year state sentence for that conviction. Howard will begin serving the federal sentence imposed today after she finishes her time in state custody.
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation, assisted by the Huntington Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution. Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the case and imposed today’s sentence.
Federal Sentences Handed Down for Drugs Inside Prison, Illegal Prescription PainkillersRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced federal sentences for an inmate caught with drugs in federal prison and a Bluefield woman who illegally possessed a powerful prescription painkiller. Boris Bynum, 34, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell, was sentenced to six months in prison for possession of marijuana by an inmate. Bynum pleaded guilty in September, admitting that on June 15, 2013, he possessed several balloons which contained marijuana while he was serving a sentence at the prison, which is located near Welch. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
In an unrelated case, Lakeisha Danell Howze, 28, of Bluefield, was sentenced to three years’ probation for possession of hydromorphone, a prescription painkiller commonly prescribed under the brand-name Dilaudid. Howze pleaded guilty in September, admitting that on January 28, 2013, she possessed hydromorphone without a valid prescription. The offense took place at or near Princeton. The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force under the Bluefield Pill Initiative. The prosecution is part of an ongoing effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs. 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.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed today’s sentences.
Fayette Co. Man Currently Serving 10 Years for Child Pornography Gets More Prison TimeRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A Fayette County man currently serving a statutory maximum ten-year federal prison sentence on a federal child pornography offense received an additional year in prison for failing to appear for a sentencing hearing originally scheduled in May 2012, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Brett David Bowyer, 34, of Scarbro, Fayette County, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in September 2013 to failing to appear for sentencing as required. Bowyer’s sentence was handed down today by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber in Bluefield federal court.
Bowyer failed to appear for a sentencing hearing that was originally scheduled for May 30, 2012, in federal court in Bluefield.
On June 12, 2013, Bowyer was arrested in Florida by a Brevard County sheriff’s deputy after being stopped for failing to change lanes.
The Court ordered Bowyer’s sentence to run consecutive to his current prison term.
The United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution.
This case was being prosecuted as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.
Charleston Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man with a prior felony conviction pleaded guilty today to illegally possessing firearms, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Kerry A. Drake, 45, fled Saint Albans police last September after officers attempted a routine traffic stop. A chase ensued, and Drake was apprehended in South Charleston when his engine malfunctioned. Officers found a Bushmaster .223 rifle and an Ithaca shotgun in Drake’s car. Both guns were previously reported stolen by their rightful owners.
Lucas Lynch, who was a passenger in Drake’s car at the time of the chase, bailed out of Drake’s moving vehicle as Drake fled. Lynch is currently under indictment by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm. (An indictment is an accusation only, and Lynch is presumed innocent until proven guilty.)
Drake faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on June 2, 2014.
The Saint Albans Police Department conducted the investigation, assisted by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Jennifer Rada are handling the prosecution. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston, who presided over today’s plea hearing.
Goodwin Announces Guilty Plea from Defendant Who Scammed Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An individual who participated in a scheme that netted more than $60,000 in one week from senior citizens in West Virginia and elsewhere has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. According to the plea agreement, Sheray J. McKay, 21, of Suitland, Md., pleaded guilty to an offense under 18 U.S.C. 1349.
"Scams to steal from older West Virginians are downright shameful,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said. “Protecting our state’s senior citizens is one of my top priorities, and in 2014, we’re going to work harder than ever to catch criminals who cheat seniors.”
According to the plea agreement, beginning in or about November 7, 2012, and continuing through November 13, 2012, McKay and others participated in a scheme to solicit money from about 16 elderly individuals who resided in West Virginia and other states. As part of the scheme, numerous elderly individuals were called at their homes and asked for money under false pretenses. It was a part of the scheme that the callers, posing as family members or clergymen of the elderly citizens, or lawyers for the so-called family members or clergymen, often falsely stated that they had been in car accidents or had been arrested for driving while intoxicated and needed money to get out of jail and pay attorney’s fees. Based on these misrepresentations, the elderly victims wired money to McKay in Maryland. McKay then picked up the monies from the wire transfers, kept a portion of the monies for herself, and handed over the rest of the monies to other individuals. Under the plea agreement, McKay agrees that she owes restitution in the amount of at least $33,400.oo and up to $61,788.00.
The defendants charged in the indictment picked up the funds from the wire transfers in Maryland and New York. The victims targeted in the alleged scheme ranged in age from 70 to 95 years old.
McKay was arrested in Maryland in December 2013 on an indictment which charged her and two co-defendants, Kacey K. Moise of New York, and Charnita E. Ryland, also of Maryland, with 12 counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. McKay was specifically charged with four counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud. Based upon her guilty plea, McKay faces up to 20 years in prison at sentencing. McKay’s sentencing is set for June 5, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
McKay’s plea hearing was conducted by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.Today’s plea is part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s work to protect West Virginia’s senior citizens. Over the past few years, Goodwin has visited senior center locations in nearly twenty West Virginia counties to offer tips to protect seniors in their homes and help them avoid financial scams like this one. Additional information regarding this initiative can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/wvs/safe-seniors.html.
The investigation was conducted by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Eumi Choi and Meredith Thomas are handling the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney Goodwin, Corrections Commissioner Rubenstein Celebrate Donations for Foster ChildrenRead the Press Release
Correctional Industries Crafts Hundreds of Bags Uniquely Designed for West Virginia Foster Children
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin and West Virginia Division of Corrections Commissioner Jim Rubenstein today visited St. Mary’s Correctional Center, in St. Mary’s, West Virginia, to again celebrate the donation of hundreds of blankets, scarves and bags crafted by St. Mary’s and Lakin inmates to give to foster children. The bags, specifically designed to meet the needs of kids transitioning into the foster care system, allow for versatility and storage of a large volume of belongings. The donated items were presented to representatives from Mission West Virginia, a community service organization, in conjunction with the Carry On Campaign, which collects luggage, essential personal care items, and items of comfort for children who are in transition to the state’s foster care system. West Virginia currently has more than 4,000 children in the foster care system.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, "No child should have to use a trash bag to transport their belongings. I am proud to partner with Mission West Virginia and the Division of Corrections to help give kids who are moving into foster care the essentials they need for that difficult transition.”
The Carry On Campaign began in October 2010 as a collaborative, multi-agency partnership that includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Mission West Virginia, Inc., the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorney’s Institute and the West Virginia Drug Endangered Children Task Force. Donated luggage bags and other essential items are provided to child protective service workers, law enforcement and advocates across the state to be given to children in transition to foster care. These children often have few or no personal belongings or comfort items, and no luggage. The program addresses the immediate needs of abused and neglected children and helps to minimize trauma during this difficult experience.
St. Mary’s Correctional Center, located on North Pleasants Highway in St. Mary’s, is a medium security correctional facility designed to house minimum to medium security level offenders and inmates deemed as geriatric or chronically ill. SMCC has a current capacity of 610 inmates.
Mission West Virginia sponsors programs that find families for children waiting in the foster care system. In addition to the Carry On Campaign, the agency also sponsors Sunday’s Child, a regular column featured weekly or monthly in newspapers throughout the state. This column spotlights children who are legally eligible to be adopted and are waiting for a loving, permanent family. The column provides a brief description of the child along with a photograph.
Click here to see photographs from the campaign.
Fayette County Man Sentenced to Two Years and Nine Months in Federal Prison for Selling CocaineRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that John Wayne Taylor, Jr., 37, of Scarbro, West Virginia, was sentenced in federal court in Charleston today to two years and nine months in federal prison for distributing cocaine. Taylor previously pled guilty in November of 2013, admitting that on May 30, 2013, he sold approximately .41 grams of cocaine to an individual cooperating with the police. The drug deal took place near Scarbro. In imposing the sentence, the Court also considered Taylor’s admission that he had distributed 300 oxycodone pills and approximately 4 grams of cocaine over a period of time.
Taylor was sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston. The case was investigated by the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force and the prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney John File.
Huntington Men Sent to Federal Prison for Trafficking Detroit HeroinRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – Zachary Merritt and Keith Wood were sentenced to 11 years and six months and four years and two months imprisonment, respectively, for their roles in a heroin distribution ring, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Merritt and Wood had previously pleaded guilty to distribution of heroin in November of 2013.
Merritt admitted that between September of 2012 and June of 2013 he sent heroin from Detroit, Michigan to Huntington, West Virginia to be sold by others. Drug dealers deposited money from the heroin sales in Merritt’s account at Chase Bank in Huntington. Merritt withdrew the money from a Chase Bank branch in Detroit. A total of $38,250 in deposits were identified as drug money. Merritt also received at least $7,000 in drug money delivered by courier from Huntington to Detroit.
On November 18, 2012, Merritt also provided heroin to Lindsey Thacker, who, along with Wood and others, trafficked heroin from Detroit to Huntington. Thacker and Wood provided housing to a drug dealer also engaged in the heroin trafficking. In return, Thacker and Wood received heroin for personal use.
In June of 2013, two homes in Detroit owned by Merritt were searched. Agents located 2 packages of what was later determined to be a cutting agent for heroin, along with other items consistent with drug trafficking, and a loaded Glock handgun.
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.
U.S. Attorney Goodwin, Corrections Commissioner Rubenstein Celebrate Donations for Foster ChildrenRead the Press Release
Correctional Industries Provides Hundreds of Blankets, Scarves and Bags for Foster Children
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin and West Virginia Division of Corrections Commissioner Jim Rubenstein today visited Lakin Correction Center, near Point Pleasant, West Virginia, to celebrate the donation of hundreds of blankets, scarves and bags crafted by Lakin inmates to give to foster children. The donated items were presented to representatives from Mission West Virginia, a community service organization, in conjunction with the Carry On Campaign, which collects luggage, essential personal care items, and items of comfort for children who are in transition to the state’s foster care system. West Virginia currently has more than 4,000 children in the foster care system.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, "No child should have to use a trash bag to transport their belongings. This significant gift by the West Virginia Division of Corrections will help give kids who are moving into foster care the essentials they need for that difficult transition.”
The Carry On Campaign began in October 2010 as a collaborative, multi-agency partnership that includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Mission West Virginia, Inc., the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorney’s Institute and the West Virginia Drug Endangered Children Task Force. Donated luggage bags and other essential items are provided to child protective service workers, law enforcement and advocates across the state to be given to children in transition to foster care. These children often have few or no personal belongings or comfort items, and no luggage. The program addresses the immediate needs of abused and neglected children and helps to minimize trauma during this difficult experience.
Lakin Correctional Center, located six miles north of Point Pleasant on WV Route 62, is a multi-security correctional facility and is the only all-female prison in the state. LCC has a current capacity of 462 inmates.
Goodwin also toured the correctional industries building where the blankets were produced, and he met with the inmates who worked many hours to produce the blankets and scarves. Additionally, Goodwin visited the culinary program unit, the cosmetology unit, and the Paws for People unit which trains service dogs for children and adults with disabilities and veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Princeton Woman Pleads Guilty to Selling Addictive Prescription Pain PillsRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Kristi Ball, 39, of Princeton, West Virginia, pled guilty in federal court in Bluefield to distributing hydromorphone, a powerful and addictive prescription pain medication. Ball admitted that on January 16, 2013, she sold three hydromorphone pills to a person who was cooperating with law enforcement authorities. The drug deal took place in Princeton.
Ball faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber scheduled the sentencing for May 27, 2014.
The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney John File 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.
Logan County Husband and Wife Plead Guilty to Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan County couple has pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. In a plea hearing held in Charleston before United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., Rodney and Opal Wiley admitted that in January of last year, they sold methamphetamine, a dangerous and addictive controlled substance, to a confidential informant working with the US 119 Drug Task Force in exchange for $40.00. The drug deal took place on the parking lot of the Dollar General Store in Chapmanville, West Virginia. Following the sale, the Wileys were arrested and pre-recorded buy money was recovered from Rodney Wiley. Both Wileys provided post-arrest statements in which they admitted to having been involved in the distribution of methamphetamine for several months leading up to their arrest. The Wileys are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Copenhaver on May 8, 2014 and face possible penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $1,000,000.00.
Former Mingo County Chief Magistrate Arrested for Violating Bond ConditionsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin confirmed today that former Mingo County Chief Magistrate Dallas Toler was arrested last night for violating the conditions of his release on bond. Toler had been free on bond since he pleaded guilty on December 2, 2013, to procuring a false voter registration application. The arrest came in response to a motion filed by Goodwin’s office detailing Toler’s involvement in illegal drug activity. The full motion is available here, and the Court is expected to schedule a hearing on the motion soon.
Wood County Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A 22-year-old Wood County man who solicited and received sexually explicit images of a child pleaded guilty today. Jon Seth Davisson pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington before Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers to receiving child pornography. Davisson faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on May 12, 2014.
In August 2013, Davisson exchanged text messages with a 13-year-old Cabell County child and persuaded the child to take and send sexually explicit photographs to Davisson. At the time Davisson received these photographs, he was a U.S. Army private stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. Davisson had been acquainted with the child for several years and was aware of the age of the child at the time he requested that the images be taken and sent.
The Cabell County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada 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.
Two Sentenced for Selling Oxycodone in Nitro, West VirginiaRead the Press Release
Couple busted with hundreds of illegal prescription pills
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Michelle Craig, age 34, and James Bennett, age 44, were both sentenced today in Huntington by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers to terms of imprisonment of two years nine months and two years, respectively. Craig and Bennett previously plead guilty in August 2013 to aiding and abetting each other in the illegal distribution of oxycodone, a powerful prescription painkiller. Craig and Bennett admitted that on April 22, 2010, they sold 100 oxycodone tablets for $2,300 to a confidential informant (CI) working with the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT). The drug deal took place in the parking lot of a Pilot gas station in Nitro, West Virginia. In addition to the pills sold to the CI, agents also seized another 66 pills from the defendants’ car and 188 pills from the home the defendants shared in Putnam County, West Virginia.
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 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.
Michigan Drug Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Involvement in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A 35-year-old Michigan man who was involved in a drug distribution scheme was sentenced today to three years and ten months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Leonard Joseph Stewart, of Romulus, Michigan previously pleaded guilty in Huntington to conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine and possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to deliver. Stewart admitted that a part of the conspiracy, he transported heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana, and the prescription drugs hydrocodone and alprazolam, also known as “Xanax,” from Michigan to Huntington to sell. After arriving in Huntington, Stewart and his associates rented rooms at Huntington-area motels and used the rooms to prepare and distribute the illegal drugs.
On December 30, 2012, agents with the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on Stewart’s room at the Best Western in Huntington. During the search, Stewart dove through a second-story window at the motel to elude police. Stewart was arrested a short time later. Stewart had crack cocaine and heroin on him when the police found him. Police also seized more than 46 grams of heroin, Xanax pills, digital scales and more than $4,000 in cash during the search of his hotel room.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams 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 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.
Mexican National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Marijuana TraffickingRead the Press Release
More than 100 lbs of marijuana, cash, gun and bulletproof vest seized by authorities.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jesus Alvarado-Aboyte, 31, of Mexico was sentenced today to four years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced. Alvarado-Aboyte previously pleaded guilty in August of 2013 to possession with intent to distribute marijuana. On March 5, 2013, police executed a search warrant at a residence on Avery Street in Parkersburg where Alvarado-Aboyte was living. Police located and seized approximately 104 pounds of marijuana, $26,323, a .40 caliber pistol, a bullet-proof vest, and digital scales along with packaging materials used for distributing marijuana from the residence. Alvarado-Aboyte waived his Miranda rights and admitted that he had been distributing marijuana in and around Parkersburg for several months leading up to March of 2013. Police also seized and forfeited a 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle, a 2004 Ford F150 pickup truck, and a 2002 Mercedes Benz C240 which Alvarado-Aboyte acknowledged were purchased with drug money or used to facilitate drug offenses.
The Parkersburg Police Department, Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force, and Dept. of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution.
Jackson County Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Charleston, W.Va. – A Jackson County man entered a guilty plea to theft of government money, U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today. Michael W. Smith, 36, of Sandyville, West Virginia, faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and mandatory restitution in the amount of $10,110 dollars. Sentencing is scheduled for May 7, 2014.
In October of 2008, Smith began receiving Social Security benefits on behalf of his uncle, James Conrad, as Mr. Conrad’s representative payee. A representative payee is a person who agrees to receive benefits on behalf of the intended recipient. When Mr. Conrad died on April 29, 2009, Smith’s right to receive benefits on behalf of his uncle ended. Smith continued to take the benefit payments on behalf of his deceased uncle from May of 2009 to July of 2010 by cashing benefit checks totaling $10,100.
The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution. The plea was taken by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.
Huntington Woman Sentenced to 18 Months Imprisonment for Selling Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Huntington, W.Va. – Cory Lynn McCourt was sentenced today in federal court in Huntington by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers to 18 months imprisonment for possession with intent to deliver cocaine base, more commonly known as crack cocaine. McCourt had previously pleaded guilty on October 7, 2013.
In May of 2010, Huntington Police responded to a domestic violence call at McCourt’s home at 1332 Huntington Avenue, Huntington, West Virginia, which she shared with Brandon Golson. While talking to McCourt at the door, police officers observed a tan chunky substance lying on her couch which appeared to be crack cocaine. McCourt admitted the crack cocaine belonged to her and that she had been selling crack since January of 2010.
Golson was sentenced on January 27, 2014, to seven years and three months in federal prison for his role in the distribution of heroin, crack and oxycodone pills in the Huntington area.
Cross Lanes Pedophile Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that Shawn Lee McMullen, 37, of Cross Lanes, W.Va., was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment followed by 25 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.
McMullen admitted that he took sexually explicit photographs of two children under the age of 13 at his residence in Cross Lanes in early May 2013. McMullen left the images on the cell phone he used to photograph the children.
“This defendant’s crimes are sickening,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “Monsters like this to be punished severely, and that’s exactly what the judge did. Today’s sentence is a victory for justice and for the safety of our children.”
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada 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.