Western District of Virginia

Lynchburg, VIRGINIA – Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced the sentencing of a Vinton man who previously pled guilty to stealing funds from the Social Security Administration.

 

Robert Wozniak, 48, of Vinton, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of theft of government property and one count social security fraud. Today in District Court, Wozniak was sentenced to time served and two years of supervised released. In addition, Wozniak was ordered to pay $16,500 in restitution and a $200 special assessment.

 

According to evidence presented in court by Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day, Wozniak admitted previously that from July 2015 through April 2016 he stole Social Security Administration funds, namely retirement benefit payments, intended for Wozniak’s deceased grandmother, for which he was not entitled. The indictment specifically claims that Wozniak intentionally concealed his grandmother’s death in order to continue to receive and spend the retirement benefit payments made by the Social Security Admiration to his grandmother.

 

The defendant admitted that he concealed the body of his dead grandmother, Betty Wozniak in a freezer and later a barrel for months after she died in order to continue receiving her Social Security payments. Investigators discovered the body after Wozniak’s landlord became suspicious about the barrel and a hole she noticed in the property Robert Wozniak was renting from her.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Social Security Administration, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day will prosecute the case for the United States.

Lynchburg, VIRGINIA – A Staunton physician practicing in Lexington at Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital Emergency Department was sentenced today on a federal drug distribution charge, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

Stanley Elmer Heatwole, 73, of Staunton, Virginia, previously waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty to an Information charging him with one count of distribution of controlled substances. Today in District Court, Heatwole was sentenced to three years of probation, six months of which must be spent on home confinement. In addition, the defendant was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine and a special assessment of $100.

 

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Jennie L. M. Waering, from 2009 to 2014, Stanley Elmer Heatwole wrote controlled substance prescriptions, specifically hydrocodone, to a female patient with whom he had an intimate relationship. These prescriptions were not for a legitimate medical purpose and were outside the usual course of professional practice. In 2014, his license to practice medicine was suspended.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Tactical Diversion Squad of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jennie L. M. Waering is prosecuting the case for the United States.

Danville, VIRGINIA – A Martinsville man, who produced images and videos of himself raping a four-year-old girl, was sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Danville, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

Mario Ahlazshuna Dillard, 31, of Martinsville, Va., previously pled guilty to three counts of production of child pornography and one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography. Yesterday in District Court, Dillard was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release.

 

According to evidence presented at today’s hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Laura D. Rottenborn, and at previous hearings, Dillard was a high-volume viewer of child pornography and a member of multiple websites that allowed him to access, download and distribute child pornography. However, Dillard’s obsession with child pornography did not stop with simply viewing images. On many separate occasions he filmed himself sexually assaulting a 4-year-old girl he cared for on a regular basis.

 

Law enforcement recovered at least four separate videos depicting these sexual assaults. One such video, which showed the victim performing oral sex on Dillard while cartoons played in the background, was distributed by the defendant on June 9, 2015, via the media sharing application, WhatsApp Messenger.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura D. Rottenborn and Daniel Bubar prosecuted the case for the United States.

Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – A Greene County man, who along with others committed a series of armed and violent robberies across Albemarle and Greene counties, pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville to federal firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

Terence Tyree, 19, of Greene County, Va., pled guilty to two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Tyree faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced April 12, 2017.

 

Tyree and five others were indicted late last year following a series of violent, armed robberies and kidnappings at local pizza chain restaurants, convenience stores, and a private residence in Albemarle and Greene County. Tyree is the second defendant directly involved in multiple robberies to plead guilty in federal court.

 

According to evidence presented at today’s hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh, Tyree admitted that he participated in a robbery of the Papa John’s Pizza on Seminole Trail in Greene County in the early morning hours of June 9, 2016. Surveillance footage and victim testimony would have shown that Tyree and the other two men dressed all in black, carried firearms and covered their faces in masks. They entered the store, displayed their weapons for the employees and demanded cash. The defendants stole cash and one employee’s cell phone.

 

Less than 10 days later, on June 17, 2016, Tyree and a co-defendant returned to the same Papa John’s Pizza and robbed it at gunpoint, again.

 

In addition, Tyree admitted today that he and others robbed Domino’s Pizza on Towncenter Lane in Albemarle County on June 27, 2016. In this instance, Tyree and a co-defendant entered the store, dressed in all black with their faces covered with masks. Inside the store, Tyree pointed his firearm at a store employee while his co-defendant, Kentavia Jones grabbed cash and cell phones.

 

Tyree also admitted that on July 7, 2016 he participated in the robbery of the Domino’s Pizza on Ford Avenue in Greene County. Once at the location, Tyree and another man put masks on their faces, got out of their vehicle, and ran into the store. As in the previous robbery, Tyree pointed his gun at store employees as his co-defendant, Kentavia Jones. As the defendants were running back to the car, a witness said something to the defendants, at which time one of the co-defendants fired a single shot into the air.

 

On July 18, 2016, Tyree and two co-defendants went to an Albemarle County home to commit an armed robbery, Tyree admitted in court today. The victim was inside, alone, when he heard a loud explosion. When he went to the living room, the victim saw that a propane tank had been thrown through his glass door and three masked individuals, dressed in all black, were in his living room, one of whom was armed with a pistol. Inside the house, the defendants ordered the victim to face the wall as they proceeded to ransack the house. As they were getting ready to leave, the defendants struck the victim in the head, causing him to fall to the floor. Once on the floor, Tyree and the others struck the victim again.

 

Tyree and the two co-defendants then commanded the victim, at gunpoint, to get into the back seat of his Lexus vehicle, which was then parked in the victim’s garage. All three defendants got into the car, with Tyree in the driver’s seat, and drove to a nearby ATM machine at the Wells Fargo bank located at the intersection of Route 29 and Airport Road in Albemarle County. Upon arrival at the bank, the defendants told the victim to get as much money as he could and return to the car. At that time, however, a second victim was observed in the bank parking lot, having just come from the nearby airport with his luggage still in hand. Tyree’s co-defendant got out of the car, pointed his gun at the traveling passerby, and ordered him to also get into the car. The second victim complied. The victim attempted to get money from the ATM machine but could not, so the victim was ordered to get back into the car.

 

Tyree then drove his co-defendants and the victims to a nearby 7-11 store. He parked the car, and then went inside and robbed the clerk at gunpoint. Jones drove everyone away from the scene. Soon thereafter, in a nearby neighborhood, the defendants stopped the car and told both victims to get out of the car and both victims complied. The defendants drove away. The defendants later abandoned the vehicle, which was ultimately recovered by law enforcement.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Albemarle County Police Department and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Kavanaugh and Ronald M. Huber are prosecuting the case for the United States.

Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A St. Paul, Virginia man, who lied about his employment status in order to continue to collect disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

Ronald W. David, 58, of St. Paul, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of making materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statements. Today in District Court, David was sentenced to two years of probation to include six months of home confinement. David paid restitution to the Railroad Retirement Board in the amount of $70,206.

 

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Carnell, on July 25, 2015, David knowingly made a willfully false statement and representation to the Railroad Retirement Board by failing to report his self-employment with Copperhead Road Properties LLC. As part of the defendant’s eligibility for disability benefits, he was required to report all information regarding employment to the Railroad Retirement Board.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by Special Agent Patrick Fletcher of the Office of Inspector General U.S. Railroad Retirement Board. Special Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Carnell prosecuted the case for the United States.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced today the sentencing of a Roanoke man on a federal drug charge.

 

Terrance Donald Jackson, 29, of Roanoke, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. Today in District Court, Jackson was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Roanoke City Police Department and the agencies of the Roanoke HIDTA. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.

Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A Pound, Virginia man, who brought a minor to a cockfight, distributed hydrocodone and conspired with others to facilitate cockfighting, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

Russell D. Peaks, 40, of Wise County, Virginia, previously pled guilty for his role in cockfighting at the Big Blue Sportsmen’s Club “Big Blue” in McDowell, Kentucky, including allowing a minor to be present at a cockfight, distribution of hydrocodone, and conspiring to facilitate cockfighting. Today in District Court, Peaks was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison.

 

According to evidence presented at previous hearings, Peaks raised fighting roosters at his home in the Pound, Virginia, area. He then took those birds to fight at Big Blue in McDowell, Kentucky. Peaks also fought birds in the Pound area. On one such occasion, Peaks allowed a minor to attend the fight. In 2014, Congress made it a felony to allow a minor to attend an animal fighting venture, which includes cockfighting. Peaks also sold hydrocodone to an undercover officer.

 

Five individuals previously convicted for their role at Big Blue were sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from 6 to 18 months. Another defendant, Jimmy Crate Willis, has signed a plea agreement and intends to plead guilty in the near future. The two remaining defendants are scheduled for trial at the Federal Courthouse in Big Stone Gap on December 12, 2016.

 

Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer and Special Assistant United States Attorney/Virginia Assistant Attorney General Michelle Welch are prosecuting these cases on behalf of the United States. The case is being investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Bureau of Law Enforcement, and the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, the following agencies assisted in the arrests or related proceedings: Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force; Virginia State Police Tactical Team; Southwest Virginia Regional Task Force; Botetourt County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office; Wise County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office and Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office; Virginia State Veterinarian’s Office; United States Homeland Security Investigations; Kentucky State Police; the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke man, who used a drug rehabilitation program in the Roanoke City jail to obtain sex partners in exchange for drugs, was sentenced today on federal drug distribution, witness tampering, and health care fraud charges, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

Gordon Reaves Parker, 72, of Roanoke, Virginia, previously waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of tampering with a witness and one count of health care fraud. Today in District Court, Parker was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release thereafter. In addition, Parker was ordered to pay a fine of $20,000, restitution to Medicare in the amount of $1,262 and $275,000 immediate payment in lieu of forfeiture.

 

“Putting a stop to predators like Parker, who exploit vulnerable victims and who corruptly use programs designed to help those victims, is one of our office’s priorities. As a result of this case, Parker can no longer abuse vulnerable, drug-addicted young women through his corrupt manipulation of the Alpha drug program,” Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle said today. “I commend the Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Squad, and AUSAs Waering and Day for their diligence and hard work in bringing Parker to justice.”

 

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Jennie L. M. Waering, Parker used the Alpha drug rehabilitation program in the Roanoke County Jail as a mechanism for obtaining sex partners in exchange for drugs. Parker initially met victim HW, then 28, when she was residing at the Roanoke Rescue Mission. Parker offered HW drugs in exchange for sex. HW was subsequently arrested and placed in the Roanoke City Jail in the Alpha drug intervention program. Parker kept in touch with HW by phone and put significant amounts of money in HW’s jail account.

 

Parker has admitted to asking HW to introduce him to other young Alpha drug program inmates who might be released from jail before HW. HW introduced Parker to JM, age 20 at the time. JM, in turn, introduced Parker to BH, age 25 at the time. JM and BH talked to Parker extensively on the telephone from jail. Parker put large amounts of money on the jail accounts of JM and BH. JM and BH subsequently introduced Parker to several other Alpha drug program inmates.

 

Evidence presented previously showed that Parker eventually made contact with at least 11 women, between the ages of 18-27, many of whom he met while they were in jail in the Alpha drug program. Parker talked extensively to many of the women on the phone in conversations recorded by the jail and put money on their jail accounts. Parker promised these young women a variety of monetary gifts and promised to pay fines, child support and other expenses. Parker discussed sexual activities with them on the phone, describing what they would do together when they were released. When the women were released from jail, these women visited him at his Wipledale Avenue home and at his Rockbridge Court home, where he offered the women drugs (hydromorphone, oxycodone, morphine, oxymorphone, hydrocodone and heroin) and large monetary gifts in exchange for sex. This activity was repeated with more than ten drug addicted or recovering women and the drugs given to the women were obtained from prescriptions written for his disabled wife by a pain management physician.

 

In addition, Parker previously admitted that he asked a medical technician that cared for his wife and was in charge of distributing her pain medication, to lie to the federal grand jury to account for his use of the stockpiled controlled substances that were prescribed to his wife.

 

The investigation of the case was initiated by the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and jointly conducted with the Drug Enforcement Administration Tactical Diversion Squad. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennie L. M. Waering and Charlene R. Day prosecuted the case for the United States.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke man, who was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on his previous criminal convictions, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke on a federal firearms charge, Acting Untied States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

Allah Truth Kelley, 39, of Roanoke, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of being a previously convicted felon illegally in possession of a firearm. Today in District Court, Kelley was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison.

 

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley B. Neese, Kelley was arrested and charged after a woman called 911 and told police Kelley refused to leave her residence. The caller also told police that Kelley had two firearms on his person. Police officers were able to locate Kelley’s rental car, at which time they initiated a traffic stop. During the traffic stop, officers smelled marijuana, conducted a search of the vehicle and found marijuana, as well as two, loaded semi-automatic handguns inside the glove compartment.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and The Roanoke City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley B. Neese and Jennie L. M. Waering prosecuted the case for the United States.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A New Jersey man, who was dealing heroin in the City of Roanoke, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke on a federal drug charges, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

Duane A. Andrews, 37, of Jersey City, New Jersey, previously pled guilty to one count of distribution of heroin. Today in District Court, Andrews was sentenced to 136 months in federal prison.

 

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford, Andrews was arrested and charged after selling heroin to a confidential law enforcement source.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Roanoke City Police Department, the Virginia State Police and the Roanoke HIDTA. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.

Harrisonburg, VIRGINIA – A Winchester, Virginia man, who filmed himself sexually exploiting two minor children, pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg to two federal child pornography production charges, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

LaMarcus Thomas, 32, of Winchester, Va., was indicted on January 13, 2016 on six counts of producing child pornography. Today in District Court, the defendant pled guilty to two counts of production of child pornography.

 

According to evidence presented at today’s guilty plea hearing, in the fall of 2014 the Winchester Police Department began an investigation into a complaint that two children had been molested by Thomas. After being arrested on state sex crime allegations for acts against the two children, the Winchester Police Department recovered a cellphone that belonged to Thomas.

 

Examination of the cell phone revealed numerous images and movies of child pornography depicting two different minor boys. It appeared the two victims were likely sleeping during the production of the images and movies, which showed various images of the penis and hands of the defendant. Thomas admitted producing the child pornography and identified himself and the two minors depicted in the images in the videos. The investigation determined that Thomas spent significant time with the two minors depicted in the videos, including spending overnight visits with the victims.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Virginia State Police and the Winchester Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nancy S. Healey and Criminal Division Trial Attorney Leslie Williams Fisher of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) prosecuted the case for the United States.

 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, 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 to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Rocky Mount man, who contacted at least two local teenagers via social media and exchanged explicit sexual messages with them and attempted to coerce them into meeting with him to engage in sex acts, pled guilty yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

David Lee Fox, 62, of Rocky Mount, Va., pled guilty yesterday in District Court to two counts of coercion and enticement of a juvenile. Fox will be sentenced on April 11, 2017 and faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

 

According to evidence presented at yesterday’s guilty plea hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald M. Huber, in August 2015 Fox initiated contact with a 14-year-old female, Victim A, via Facebook. Victim A initially ignored the defendant, who over numerous days continued to attempt to engage her in conversation.

 

On September 30, Victim A responded to Fox’s attempts at conversation and Fox told Victim A she was pretty. The conversation quickly turned sexual, with Fox asking if Victim A had a picture of herself in a bar or bikini and if she could take one and send it to him. Fox told Victim A to promise not to tell anybody about their conversation. Victim A told her parents about the exchanges with Fox. On that same day, Victim A’s parents contacted the ICAC/Franklin County Sheriff Office about the exchanges and gave law enforcement permission to assume control of Victim A’s Facebook account. All messages from Victim A’s Facebook account after that date were controlled by law enforcement.

 

Between October 2 and October 22, Fox initiated contact with Victim A’s Facebook account multiple times. On October 21, Fox asked Victim A is she knew Victim B.

 

On October 22 Fox expressed concern about Victim A’s family discovering their conversation, but Victim A reassured him. Fox then went on to discuss his penis size and asked Victim A about her breasts as well as her sexual experiences. Fox asked if Victim A would meet him and continued to describe sexual acts he would like to do to Victim A. Victim A agreed to meet Fox at the Franklin County Baptist Church around 4 p.m. on the afternoon of October 22.

 

On the afternoon of October 22, an investigator with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police and the Rocky Mount Police waited at the church for Fox to arrive. When law enforcement observed a man fitting Fox’s description arrive in the church’s parking lot to meet who he thought was Victim A, he was arrested and charged with solicitation of a minor to perform sex acts.

 

Prior to his arrest, Fox was also simultaneously being investigated for his online interactions with another minor female. On October 2, 2015, a Roanoke County Police detective contacted the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office regarding Victim B, another juvenile female, who had received a suspicious message from Fox’s Facebook account. The parents of Victim B gave law enforcement permission to assume control of their daughter’s Facebook account.

 

As with Victim A, Fox again engaged in sexual conversations with Victim B, asking her to send him pictures of herself in her bra and bikini and stressed to not let anyone know what the two of them were talking about. Unlike with Victim A, with Victim B, Fox initially lied about his age, at first saying he was a teenager himself before later admitting he was much older.

 

Throughout multiple conversations, Fox repeatedly described sex acts he wanted to perform on Victim B, sent her images of himself and images sexual in nature and, on multiple occasions attempted to make plans to meet her in person. The night Fox and Victim B planned to meet in person, Fox cancelled, telling Victim B he had to go out of town, however, he was in fact going to meet Victim A, where he was ultimately arrested.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Franklin County Commonwealth’s Attorney, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Virginia State Police and the Rocky Mount Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Ronald M. Huber prosecuted the case for the United States.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A member of a tax fraud conspiracy, responsible for the preparation and filing of dozens of false returns, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced today.

 

Agwel Fayette, 32, of Roanoke, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft of government money and related offenses against the United States and one count of theft of government money, both as a principal and aider and abettor. Today in District Court, Fayette was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 33 months, with a term of supervised release. The Court also ordered Fayette to pay $117,682 in restitution to the Department of the Treasury.

 

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney C. Patrick Hogeboom III and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro, Fayette conspired with her husband, Darold Daniel, and a tax preparer in Florida, Audrey Obin, to file false tax returns claiming refunds in names of various victims. Fayette obtained personal identifiers for these victims in many instances by posing as a representative from an employment agency looking for workers. Obin has already been convicted and sentenced for his decision to prepare many of these fraudulent returns through his Miami-based business, Vision Tax Services, using the identifiers he received from Fayette and Daniel.

 

In all, Fayette and her co-conspirators filed more than 58 fraudulent returns with the Department of the Treasury, seeking refunds in excess of $316,000. The Internal Revenue Service successfully interceded to stop a majority of these refunds from being processed.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney C. Patrick Hogeboom III and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro prosecuted the case against Fayette on behalf of the United States.

Lynchburg, VIRGINIA – Two defendants in a broader methamphetamine and cocaine conspiracy pled guilty to conspiracy and firearms charges in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Lynchburg, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

Ivan Rodriguez Chavez, 35, of Forest, Va., pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute specified quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of these drug trafficking crimes.

 

Brent Michael Hutchins, 27, of Goode, Va., also pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. In addition to this charge, Hutchins entered a plea of guilty to one count of possessing a firearm while being an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

 

According to evidence presented at today’s guilty plea hearing by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro, between April 2015 and April 2016, Chavez acted as the main source of supply for his co-defendants and others, including Hutchins, in a methamphetamine ring operating throughout Bedford and Campbell Counties. The Government’s evidence indicates that Chavez was traveling to North Carolina on a frequent basis to obtaining large quantities of both methamphetamine and cocaine. These drugs would then be sold to others in the conspiracy for his co-defendants’ personal use as well as redistribution to a number of end users. In all, six illegally possessed firearms, 100 grams of cocaine, and more than 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine can be traced to the members of the conspiracy.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office and the Roanoke City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Donald R. Wolthuis and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro prosecuted the case for the United States.

Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – A Harrisonburg man, who attempted to bring an alien into the United States whom he allegedly knew was prohibited from entering the country, pled guilty and was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

Ahmed Thamer Al-Ani, 51, an Iraqi-born national living in Harrisonburg, pled guilty today to one count of encouraging or inducing an illegal alien to come to the United States. In a subsequent hearing today in U.S. District Court, Al-Ani was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. The defendant will be deported as part of his sentence.

 

According to evidence presented today by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh in U.S. District Court, in early 2016, the defendant engaged in a scheme in which he sought to bring an alien named Firas Saeed from Iraq to the United States. Specifically, the defendant gave Saeed a false business invitation letter that he could give to the United States Embassy in Baghdad. The letter was a ruse to create the false impression that Saeed was a businessman – who had business with the defendant – so that his visa application would be approved and he would be admitted to the United States.

 

Ultimately, the scheme failed. On January 21, 2016, Saeed presented the defendant’s fictitious letter to the United States Embassy in Baghdad, but the consulate officer denied Saeed’s application for a visa to travel to the United States.

 

In May 2016, a Federal Bureau of Investigation undercover employee began communicating with Al-Ani by telephone. The undercover told the defendant that he had an individual in Baghdad, Iraq, who was in “some kind of trouble. They are looking for him and I want to get him out of Iraq and get him here.” The defendant asked whether “there [wa]s an arrest warrant issued against him currently, okay, and his name has been flagged, right?” The undercover confirmed that as accurate. In reality, no such alien existed and the undercover was participating in a planned sting operation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

In a series of conversations with the undercover, the defendant offered to create false documents – to include identification, a passport and other documents – for the price of $10,000, as well as a false business invitation letter for the price of $5,000. The undercover declined the offer for false documents but accepted the chance to have a business invitation letter provided for $5,000 and provided Al-Ani with an email address for the letter to be sent.

 

On the morning of June 3, 2016, Al-Ani emailed the defendant’s letter – similar to the one he had provided Saeed – to the email address provided. It was addressed to the United States Embassy in Baghdad and it named the fictitious person in Iraq (who did not exist) as a “potential partner” in Al-Ani’s business. That afternoon, Al-Ani met with the undercover FBI employee at the Courtyard Marriot hotel in Charlottesville, Virginia. During the meeting, Al-Ani took payment in the amount of $5,000 cash for providing the false business invitation letter. He was then arrested at the scene by agents with the FBI.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh prosecuted the case for the United States.

Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – An Earlysville man, who along with others committed a series of armed and violent robberies across Albemarle and Greene counties, pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville to federal firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

Kentavia Jones, 19, of Earlysville, Va., pled guilty today to two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Jones faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced April 12, 2017.

 

Jones, along with five others, was indicted late last year following a series of violent, armed robberies and kidnappings at local pizza chain restaurants, convenience stores, and a private residence in Albemarle and Greene County. Jones is the first defendant directly involved in multiple robberies to plead guilty in federal court.

 

According to evidence presented at today’s hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Kavanaugh, Jones admitted that he participated in a robbery of the Papa John’s Pizza on Seminole Trail in Greene County in the early morning hours of June 9, 2016. Surveillance footage and victim testimony would have shown that Jones and the other two men dressed all in black, carried firearms and covered their faces in masks. They entered the store, displayed their weapons for the employees and demanded cash. The defendants stole cash and one employee’s cell phone.

 

In addition, Jones admitted today that he participated in the robbery of Domino’s Pizza on Towncenter Lane in Albemarle County on June 27, 2016. In this instance, Jones and a co-defendant entered the store, dressed in all black with their faces covered with masks. Inside the store, a co-defendant pointed his firearm at a store employee while Jones grabbed cash and cell phones.

 

Jones also admitted that on July 7, 2016 he participated in the robbery of the Domino’s Pizza on Ford Avenue in Greene County. Once at the location, Jones and another man put masks on their faces, got out of their vehicle, and ran into the store. As in the previous robbery, the co-defendant pointed his gun at store employees while Jones grabbed cash. As the defendants were running back to the car, a witness said something to the defendants, at which time one of the co-defendants fired a single shot into the air.

 

On July 18, 2016, Jones and two co-defendants went to an Albemarle County home to commit an armed robbery, Jones admitted in court today. The victim was inside, alone, when he heard a loud explosion. When he went to the living room, the victim saw that a propane tank had been thrown through his glass door and three masked individuals, dressed in all black, were in his living room, one of whom was armed with a pistol. Inside the house, the defendants ordered the victim to face the wall as they proceeded to ransack the house. As they were getting ready to leave, the defendants struck the victim in the head, causing him to fall to the floor. Once on the floor, Jones, and the others struck the victim again.

 

Jones and the two co-defendants then commanded the victim, at gunpoint, to get into the back seat of his Lexus vehicle, which was then parked in the victim’s garage. All three defendants got into the car and drove to a nearby ATM machine at the Wells Fargo bank located at the intersection of Route 29 and Airport Road in Albemarle County. Upon arrival at the bank, the defendants told the victim to get as much money as he could and return to the car. At that time, however, a second victim was observed in the bank parking lot, having just come from the nearby airport with his luggage still in hand. Jones got out of the car, pointed his gun at the traveling passerby, and ordered him to also get into the car. The second victim complied. The victim attempted to get money from the ATM machine but could not, so the victim was ordered to get back into the car.

 

Jones admitted the defendants then drove the victim’s car to a nearby 7-11 store, parked outside and robbed the clerk at gunpoint. Jones drove everyone away from the scene. Soon thereafter, in a nearby neighborhood, the defendants stopped the car and told both victims to get out of the car and both victims complied. The defendants drove away. The defendants later abandoned the vehicle, which was ultimately recovered by law enforcement.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Albemarle County Police Department and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Kavanaugh and Ronald M. Huber are prosecuting the case for the United States.

 

Charlottesville, VIRGINIA – A previously convicted felon, who ran from Charlottesville police while illegally possessing a firearm, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Charlottesville on a federal gun charge, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

Tory Alexander Thomas, 33, of Charlottesville, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of being a convicted felon illegally in possession of a firearm. Today in United States District Court, Thomas was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release thereafter.

 

According to evidence presented at a previous hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Ronald M. Huber, on or about May 12, 2016, officers with the Charlottesville Police Department observed the defendant sitting in the passenger seat of a parked vehicle in the parking lot of Blue Ridge Commons. The officers observed the smell of marijuana and approached Thomas in the vehicle. After initially responding to the officers’ commands, Thomas eventually ran from the officers, who observed him throw something from his waistband as he ran away. After locating and arresting Thomas, a detective with the Charlottesville City Police Department located a Diamondback DB380 .380 handgun underneath a bush nearby. The gun was loaded with a round in the chamber. Thomas later admitted in federal court to possessing the gun and throwing it under the bush as he ran from police.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by Charlottesville City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Charlottesville City Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ronald M. Huber prosecuted the case for the United States.

Lynchburg, VIRGINIA – A North Carolina man, who conspired with others to make money by cashing checks that had been stolen or altered, was sentenced last week in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Lynchburg, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

LaShawn Clinton, 39, of Mount Holly, North Carolina, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and related offenses against the United States and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Last week in District Court, Clinton was sentenced to 85 months in federal prison.

 

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Day Rottenborn and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro, Clinton, and others he conspired with, agreed to help each other make money by cashing checks that were stolen and altered. Typically, members of the conspiracy, including Clinton, stole checks from the mail in and around business locations, including corporate office parks and other business districts.

 

Clinton, and other members of the conspiracy, altered the stolen checks, or caused them to be altered, to reflect a new payee name, and in some instances, an increased dollar amount. Members of the conspiracy used razor blades, erasers, typewriters and other tools to alter the checks. Clinton purchased and disposed of typewriters frequently in order to dispose of key evidence of his crimes.

 

In addition, Clinton and other members of the conspiracy, recruited individuals to cash the fraudulent checks at issuing banks. Typically the conspiracy used women for this role, however men were used as check cashers on occasion. The conspiracy primarily took place in the Western District of Virginia and Western District of North Carolina, however, members of the conspiracy did make check cashing trips to locations as far away as Pennsylvania, Missouri and Tennessee.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office and the Mount Holly, North Carolina Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Laura Day Rottenborn and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro prosecuted the case for the United States.

Lynchburg, VIRGINIA – A local man, who pled guilty in September 2016 to illegally possessing images of child pornography, was sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Lynchburg, Acting United States Attorney Rick A. Mountcastle announced.

 

Phillip Dale Mahlkuch, 60, of Dillwyn, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of knowingly possessing material that contained one or more images of child pornography. Yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Lynchburg, Mahlkuch was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release thereafter. In addition, he was ordered to pay a special assessment of $100 and a fine of $7,500.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Buckingham County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Charlene R. Day prosecuted the case for the United States.

Abingdon, VIRGINIA – Four more defendants who were part of a conspiracy that trafficked methamphetamine into and around Virginia and Kentucky were sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced. To date, 14 of the 15 defendants charged with being part of the conspiracy have been convicted and sentenced to federal prison terms for the role in the criminal activity.

 

Julio Cesar Ortiz, 28, of Norcross, Ga., previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams of methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Ortiz was sentenced to 148 months in federal prison.

 

Lloyd Steven Knuckles, 42, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Knuckles was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison.

 

Ralph Marlow, 59, of Lafollette, Tenn., previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Today in District Court, Marlow was sentenced to 123 months in federal prison.

 

Robert Christopher Rainey, 62, of Sycamore, Ga., previously pled guilty to one of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Rainey was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison.

 

“This prosecution dismantled a major methamphetamine operation and made our community safer,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “I am thankful for the hard work our partners in law enforcement put in to making this righteous case.”

 

To date, 14 of the 15 individuals charged with being part of the conspiracy have been convicted and sentenced to federal prison time.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bell County, Kentucky Sheriff’s Office, the Middlesboro, Kentucky Police Department, the Lee County Virginia Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Bristol and Atlanta Field Divisions. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee prosecuted the case for the United States.

 

Abingdon, VIRGINIA – Another pair of defendants who were part of a conspiracy that trafficked methamphetamine in and around Virginia and Kentuck, were sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

 

Silas Fee, 34, of Rose Hill, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Today in District Court, Fee was sentenced to 195 months in federal prison.

 

Charlinda Harber, 37, of Jonesville, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Harber was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison.

 

“These defendants made our community less safe by trafficking in addictive substances and in many cases possessing firearms while they did it,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “We will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to stop the flow of this dangerous drug into our communities.”

 

Along with the two individuals sentenced today, a total of 15 defendants have been charged with being part of the conspiracy, eight of which have already been sentenced to federal prison terms.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bell County, Kentucky Sheriff’s Office, the Middlesboro, Kentucky Police Department, the Lee County Virginia Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Bristol and Atlanta Field Divisions. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee prosecuted the case for the United States.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke man, who conspired with his son, and others, to distribute methamphetamine in and around the Roanoke region, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

 

William Arthur Morgan Sr., 58, of Roanoke, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Morgan Sr. was sentenced to 65 months in federal prison.

 

“Methamphetamine is a dangerously addictive drug that destroys lives,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “We will continue to do all we can to stop the flow of it into Southwest Virginia.”

 

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford, Morgan Sr. conspired with his son, William Morgan Jr., to have packages of methamphetamine mailed from California to Morgan Sr.’s address in Roanoke. Morgan Jr. would then sell the methamphetamine and split the profits of the sales with his father. Morgan Jr. was previously sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Roanoke City Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Roanoke HIDTA and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke man who was selling heroin out of his home and other location in Southeast Roanoke was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

 

Jerome Tyler Lottier, 50, of Roanoke, Va., previously pleaded guilty to one count of possessing with the intent to distribute and distributing heroin and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Today in District Court, Lottier was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison.

 

“The heroin problem has grown from a simple law enforcement issue into a true public health crisis across Virginia and the country as a whole,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “We must continue to be vigilant in seeking justice against all individuals who prey on the addictions of others for their own profit.”

 

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro, law enforcement became aware that Lottier was selling heroin out of his Stewart Avenue home in Southeast Roanoke in or about February 2016. After observing several individuals enter the home, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and seized approximately 150 bags of heroin, digital scales and packaging material, as well as a 9 mm pistol. Lottier later admitted that he had been distributing heroin in the Roanoke area for a period of several months.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Roanoke City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Donald R. Wolthuis and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro prosecuted the case for the United States.

Abingdon, VIRGINIA – A pair of men, who conspired with others to traffic ICE methamphetamine into Southwest Virginia for further distribution, were sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

 

Roger Coley, 60, of Rossville, Ga., previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent distribute ICE methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Coley was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison.

 

Also in District Court today, Randall Nelson Doss, 52, of Chattanooga, Tenn., who previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute ICE methamphetamine, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison.

 

“This conspiracy brought large quantities of a very potent form of methamphetamine into Southwest Virginia and preyed upon the addictions of others,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “Law enforcement in this case worked cooperatively to dismantle this conspiracy and bring these defendants to justice.”

 

According to evidence presented at previous hearings, Coley and Doss assisted in a conspiracy to traffic ICE methamphetamine from Tennessee into Virginia. Specifically, Coley and Doss supplied ICE methamphetamine to co-conspirators Mike Warren, Summer Delp, Kevin Roark, Tim Montgomery, and others, who would typically travel from Virginia to Tennessee to purchase the methamphetamine. Once the methamphetamine arrived in Virginia, the group would further distribute the drug.

 

The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; United States Drug Enforcement Administration; United States Marshals Service; and Virginia State Police. Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne prosecuted the case for the United States.

Harrisonburg, VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury, sitting in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Harrisonburg, has charged a Winchester man with a federal drug conspiracy charge, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.

Joshua Dillon Burkhart, 26, of Winchester, Va., was charged today in an indictment returned in the United States District Court in Harrisonburg with one count of conspiring with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 1,000 grams or more of heroin and to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.

The investigation of the case was conducted by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, which is comprised of the Virginia State Police, the Winchester Police Department, the Front Royal Police Department, the Strasburg Police Department, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, the Page County Sheriff’s Office, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office and the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Erin M. Kulpa will prosecute the case for the United States.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced the sentencing of a local man on a federal drug charge.

Herbert Lee Childs, of Roanoke, Va., previously pled guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine. Today in District Court, Childs was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison.   

“Keeping our communities free of illegal drugs in the first step to allowing residents to lead safer, more productive lives,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today.

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford, Childs previously sold cocaine to a police informant out of his Roanoke apartment.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Roanoke City Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – Five more defendants who were part of a conspiracy that trafficked methamphetamine in and around Virginia and Kentucky, were sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

Robert Holman, 35, of Winder, Georgia, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Holman was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison.  

Billy Ray Marlow, 43, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Marlow was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison.

Jeremy Reden, 38, of Tazewell, Va, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Today in District Court. Reden was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison.

Rebeca Metcalf, 32, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Metcalf was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison.  

Kaelea Meagan Thomas V, 27, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, previously pled guilty to one count of possessing and using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Today in District Court, Thomas was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison.  

“These defendants, and the others they conspired with to bring methamphetamine into Southwest Virginia and Kentucky, will be held accountable for their actions,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “We will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to stop the flow of this dangerous drug into our communities.”

Along with the five individuals sentenced today, a total of 15 defendants have been charged with being part of the conspiracy, three of which have already been sentenced to federal prison terms. Tracie Cartwright was previously sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for her role in the conspiracy, Amanda Szemac was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for her role in the conspiracy and Curtis Howerton was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.

Several other defendants previously convicted as part of the conspiracy will be sentenced later this week in federal court in Abingdon.                                                                                                         

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bell County, Kentucky Sheriff’s Office, the Middlesboro, Kentucky Police Department, the Lee County Virginia Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Bristol and Atlanta Field Divisions. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee prosecuted the case for the United States.

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – A Blacksburg man pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke to a pair of federal charges, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.

Matthew Jeremey Holland, 23, of Blacksburg, Va., pled guilty today to one count of distribution of cocaine and one count of possessing a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

“Drugs and guns are a deadly combination,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “We will continue to work to make our communities safer by ridding them of illegal drugs and taking guns out of the hands of prohibited users like Mr. Holland.”

According to evidence presented at today’s hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford, Holland was charged after attempting to sell cocaine and a firearm to an informant with the New River Regional Drug Task Force.

The investigation of the case was conducted by New River Regional Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.

 

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA –John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today that he recently informed President Barrack Obama that he will be resigning as United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia effective at midnight on January 6, 2017.

"The opportunity to serve as United States Attorney has been the greatest honor of my career and it has been a privilege to serve the people of Western Virginia," Fishwick said.

"Since 2015, U.S. Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. has served the people of the Western District of Virginia, and the people of this nation, with integrity and distinction," said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. "During John’s tenure as U.S. Attorney, his office made significant progress on many of the difficult challenges facing law enforcement today. Under his leadership, the Western District successfully prosecuted the gang responsible for the murder of a police captain, collaborated with local and state law enforcement officials to fight the scourge of gun violence, and tirelessly combated the heroin epidemic. And John personally promoted strong relationships between law enforcement and the community. Among other initiatives, John educated youth about gun violence and drug addiction, and introduced a mentoring program that links law enforcement mentors -- such as John -- with the young people of Roanoke. I want to thank John for his service, and I wish him the very best in the next phase of his career."

Mr. Fishwick will return to private practice upon completion of his service as U.S. Attorney.

While U.S. Attorney, Mr. Fishwick focused not only on prosecution of federal crimes but also on educating the community in an effort to prevent crime.

A. Prosecution of Violent Offenders

During Mr. Fishwick’s tenure as U.S. Attorney, the US Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted the gang responsible for the kidnapping and murder of Waynesboro Reserve Police Capt. Kevin Quick.

In addition, as part of the effort to combat violent offenders, Mr. Fishwick personally prosecuted several cases involving guns and violence and has regularly met with federal, local, state and regional law enforcement officials to discuss solutions to combat rising gun violence.

B. The Student Gun Pledge

Mr. Fishwick worked tirelessly in his efforts to combine crime prevention and education during his time as the U.S. Attorney. During a six-day period in October, more than 15,000 youth throughout the Western District of Virginia signed the Students Against Gun Violence Pledge. Mr. Fishwick made presentations to these students, who in turn, made a commitment to never bring a gun to school and never use a gun to settle a score. Additionally, Mr. Fishwick made this presentation to various community action organizations, furthering his efforts to reach young people.

C. Heroin Epidemic

Mr. Fishwick worked with federal, state and local law enforcement to ensure that the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted significant cases in which victims were killed or seriously injured as a result of a heroin overdose.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office hosted a public heroin summit at the Grandin Theatre in Roanoke. More than 300 members of the community viewed the powerful film, "Chasing the Dragon." Afterward, Mr. Fishwick led a panel discussion of law enforcement officials, medical experts and a brave parent. This summit has led to more heroin education and prevention work at area schools and this effort is ongoing.

D. Promoting Strong Relationships with Law Enforcement and the Community

Mr. Fishwick regularly met with law enforcement and the community to promote strong relationships between the two groups.

As a member of the Baltimore/Washington High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), Mr. Fishwick was instrumental in bringing the Badges for Baseball Program to Roanoke. The Badges for Baseball program, a signature program of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation,

works to bring law enforcement mentors to young people participating in the Boys and Girls Club. This past summer, Mr. Fishwick and his sons served as mentors in the program. In addition to the Roanoke program, a Badges for Baseball program has been started in the Harrisonburg Boys and Girls Clubs.

As of January 7, 2017, First Assistant United States Attorney Rick Mountcastle will assume leadership of the office as Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today the sentencing of a Roanoke man on federal drug and gun charges.

Chauncey Lenard Davis, 39, of Roanoke, who previously pled guilty to one count of possessing with the intent to distribute heroin and one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke to 100 months in federal prison.  

“Heroin is the major drug epidemic of our time and we must continue to be vigilant in fighting those who seek to distribute it,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today.                                                                                      

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Roanoke City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Roanoke man, who previously pled guilty to federal drug and gun charges, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.

Felix Ayo Campbell, 40, of Roanoke, previously pled guilty to one count of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute and one count of being a previously convicted felon illegally in possession of a firearm. Today in District Court, Campbell was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison.

“The deadly combination of illegal drugs and guns in our communities must continue to be addressed if we are ever to make our streets safer for future generations,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today.

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford, in March 2016 Campbell was arrested by law enforcement officers following a traffic stop and found to be in possession of cocaine and a firearm.

The investigation of the case was conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Roanoke City Police and the Roanoke Valley HIDTA.   Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today that the Western District of Virginia collected $9,663,834 in criminal and civil actions in fiscal year 2016. Of this amount, $9,266,499 was collected in criminal actions and $397,334 was collected in civil actions.

Additionally, the Western District of Virginia worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $7,775,772 in cases pursed jointly with these offices. Of this amount, $1,541,247, was collected in criminal actions and $6,234,475, was collected in civil actions.

Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch announced yesterday that the Justice Department collected nearly $15.4 billion in civil and criminal actions in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. The $15,380,130,434 in collections for FY 2016 represents more than five times the appropriated $2.93 billion budget for the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ offices and the main litigating divisions of the Justice Department combined in that same period.

“Every day, the men and women of the Department of Justice work tirelessly to enforce our laws, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used properly and that the American people are protected from exploitation and abuse,” said Attorney General Lynch.  “Today’s announcement is a testament to that work, and it makes clear that our actions deliver a significant return on public investment.  I want to thank the prosecutors and trial attorneys who made this year's collections possible, and I want to emphasize that the department remains committed to the well-being of our people and our nation.”

“I am proud of our office’s work in collecting money from criminals,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today.  “The lawyers and staff here work diligently to deprive criminals of their ill-gotten gains and to recover funds for crime victims.”

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims.  The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss.  While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims’ Fund, which distributes the funds to state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights or environmental laws.  In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration and Department of Education.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Western District of Virginia, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $8,531,233 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2016. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Funds are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

Lynchburg, VIRGINIA – A Woodbridge woman, who conspired with others to traffic methamphetamine in and around the Lynchburg, Virginia region, pled guilty yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Lynchburg, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

Christiana Hudgins, 33, of Woodbridge, Virginia, pled guilty yesterday to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine. At sentencing, Hudgins faces a maximum possible penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison.

“Methamphetamine abuse and addiction is one of the most pressing matters we in the law enforcement community are dealing with today,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “We will continue to devote the resources needed to combat this problem across the Western District.”

According to evidence presented to the court, Hudgins admitted to facilitating drug sales for other members of a larger methamphetamine conspiracy. She also admitted to, at times, conducting sales of methamphetamine herself, as well as traveling out-of-state to bring methamphetamine back to Virginia for distribution.

The investigation of the case was conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office and the Roanoke City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Donald R. Wolthuis and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro prosecuted the case for the United States.

Abingdon, VIRGINIA – Two Texas sources of ICE methamphetamine—who supplied a local conspiracy with large quantities of the drug for multiple years—have been sentenced in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today.

Today in District Court, Angel Soliz Jr., 37, Angel Soliz Sr., 57, both of Houston, Texas, both who previously pled guilty to a lesser-included count of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, were sentenced in District Court.

Soliz Jr. was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison. Also today in District Court, Soliz Sr. was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison. As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Soliz Jr. agreed to forfeit more than $800,000 which was seized from his home in Texas.

According to evidence presented by prosecutors, the defendants admitted to being the source of much of the ICE methamphetamine that was sold in a multi-defendant conspiracy and which has resulted in more than a dozen federal convictions in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.  Soliz Sr. and Soliz Jr. coordinated the supply of methamphetamine from Texas, while other co-defendants worked under them to help distribute the drugs.  During the course of the conspiracy, various persons from Eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia would traveled to Texas to purchase methamphetamine and subsequently transport it back via interstate highways, avoiding law enforcement detection along the way.  Once the ICE methamphetamine had arrived in Kentucky and Virginia, it would be distributed to others.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; United States Drug Enforcement Administration; Virginia State Police; Kentucky State Police; Harris County, Texas Sherriff’s Office; and Russell County, Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne and Special Assistant United States Attorney and Russell County Commonwealth Attorney Brian Patton prosecuted the case for the United States.

LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA – A Lynchburg man faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty yesterday to a federal bankruptcy fraud charge, according to United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr.

Randall K. Falwell, 56, of Lynchburg, Va., waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty yesterday to a one count Information charging him with bankruptcy fraud. At sentencing, Falwell faces a maximum possible sentence of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

“The bankruptcy laws of the United States are designed to help those in need get out of debt and emerge from dire circumstances,” United States Attorney Fishwick said. “Bankruptcy fraud is a real crime with real circumstances and those who commit these offenses should be warned, if you lie in your bankruptcy proceedings, we will prosecute you.”

According to evidence presented at yesterday’s hearing by Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro, Falwell, knowingly and fraudulently made a false statement under oath and in relation to a Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceeding.  Specifically, Falwell falsely claimed that he owned partial interests in real property without disclosing to the bankruptcy trustee that he had sold the properties some months earlier. 

The investigation of the case was conducted by United States Trustee’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jennie L. M. Waering and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kari Munro prosecuted the case for the United States.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A Fries woman, who conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in and around the Hillsville and Galax regions of Virginia, pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

Bianca Victoria Aroche, 23, of Fries, Va., pled guilty today to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. At sentencing, Aroche faces a maximum possible penalty of up to 40 years in federal prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison.

“We will continue to work to stop the flow of methamphetamine into our communities,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “Methamphetamine addiction ruins lives and those who traffic in this drug must be stopped.”

According to evidence presented to the court by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley B. Neese, Aroche, and others, distributed methamphetamine in and around Hillsville and Galax beginning around the spring of 2014 and continuing until at least August 2014.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Virginia State Police, the Galax Police Department, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley B. Neese prosecuted the case for the United States.

Roanoke, VIRGINIA – A pair of gang members, who were convicted earlier this year of federal racketeering [RICO] charges in relation to a string of violent robberies and the abduction and murder of an off-duty, reserve police captain, were sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

Anthony Darnell Stokes, 34, of Manassas, was sentenced today to 160 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500 and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $12,369. Halisi Uhuru was sentenced today to 144 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $500 and ordered to pay $12,369 in restitution. Both defendants were previously convicted of federal RICO and obstruction of justice charges.

“These individuals, along with other members of the 99 Goon Syndikate, terrorized parts of Central Virginia for the better part of a year. They committed armed robberies, assault and ultimately took the life of Officer Kevin Quick,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “While I know today’s sentences do not bring back Office Quick to his family, I hope his loved ones know all of the men and women who worked on this case devoted many hours of hard work to bring his killers to justice.”

Others convicted and sentenced as part of the conspiracy include: Daniel Lamont Mathis, 20, of Charlottesville, Va., Shantai Monique Shelton, 26, of Charlottesville, Va., Mersadies Lachelle Shelton, 22, of Charlottesville, Va., and Kweli Uhuru, 25, of Winchester, Va., were each found guilty of multiple federal racketeering counts following a month-long jury trial in February. In September, all four defendants were sentenced to multiple life-terms in federal prison.

At trial, the evidence established that Halisi Uhuru, Anthony Stokes and Kweli Uhuru formed the 99 Goon Syndikate, a set of the Bloods criminal street gang, while in prison.  All three were released from prison in 2013.  Kweli Uhuru recruited his brothers and the Shelton/Mathis siblings to join the gang in the summer of 2013 by persuading them of the easy money and respect earned as a gang member.  By October 2013, this violent criminal street gang began committing criminal acts throughout Central Virginia.

Over the ensuing months, the gang members robbed convenience stores, burglarized or robbed homeowners, sold narcotics and ultimately abducted and murdered Captain Kevin Quick of the Waynesboro Police Department Reserves.  Tragically, Captain Quick was in the wrong place at the wrong time on the evening hours of January 31, 2014.  Quick was on his way to visit his sick child at the same time the gang wanted to commit a carjacking.  When he arrived in the parking lot and exited his vehicle, the gang members abducted the unarmed Captain Quick at gunpoint and drove him to Fluvanna, where they forced him to disclose his ATM PIN code at gunpoint.  After obtaining his code, the gang members took him into the woods and shot and killed him.

Two days later, gang members Daniel Mathis and Mersadies Shelton attempted to rob a Louisa homeowner who fought back after Mathis threatened a toddler and pistol whipped a female at the residence.  During the melee, Mathis lost the magazine to his .40 caliber pistol and shot one of the residents while he escaped.   The gang members then reached out to their leadership in Northern Virginia in an effort to escape to Montana.  Halisi Uhuru sent Anthony Stokes from Manassas to Louisa in the middle of the night to bring the fellow gang members away from the scene of their crimes.

While in Northern Virginia, the leadership provided the gang members with food, shelter and helped them destroy evidence associated with the murder of Captain Quick, including the murder weapon.  Law enforcement caught up with them the night they planned to escape to Montana on February 4, 2014.  Two days later, Captain Quick’s body was found off a remote logging road in Goochland County, Virginia.   

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Virginia State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, the Albemarle County Police Department, the Charlottesville City Police Department, the Waynesboro Police Department, the Henrico County Police Department, the Gordonsville Police Department, the Goochland County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Fluvanna County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and the Prince William County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Ronald M. Huber, Christopher Kavanaugh and Louisa County Commonwealth’s Attorney and Special Assistant United States Attorney Rusty E. McGuire prosecuted the case for the United States. Victim and Witness specialists with the United States Attorney’s Office, assisted by Victim and Witness specialists from the FBI, Albemarle County and Louisa County, provided substantial assistance in support of the prosecution.

 

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today against Culpeper County, Virginia, alleging that the county violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA) when it denied a sewage permit application to the Islamic Center of Culpeper (ICC), effectively preventing the ICC from building a small mosque on land that it had purchased in the county.  The land is located in a zoning district where religious land use is permitted by right. 

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, alleges that the county imposed a substantial burden on the Muslim congregation’s exercise of religion and discriminated against the ICC based on religion when it refused to grant a “pump and haul” permit to allow the ICC to transport sewage from the ICC’s property to a point of disposal.  The county had told the ICC that such a permit was necessary because its soil, like much soil in the area, could not support a septic system.  The complaint alleges that since 1992, the county has considered 26 applications and never denied a pump and haul permit to a commercial or religious use prior to the ICC.

“The Constitution and federal law specifically protect the freedom of religious communities to establish houses of worship,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division.  “The Justice Department will continue to work tirelessly to protect every person’s right to assemble for religious exercise.”    
   
“Religious liberty is a fundamental right in our country and this case seeks to uphold that right,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. of the Western District of Virginia said today.  “We will continue to work with the experienced lawyers with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice to protect the residents of the Western District of Virginia from unlawful discrimination.”

RLUIPA, enacted in 2000, contains multiple provisions prohibiting religious discrimination and protecting against unjustified burdens on religion exercise.  Persons who believe that they been subjected to religious discrimination in land use or zoning may contact the Housing and Civil Enforcement Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division at 1-800-896-7743.  

More information about RLUIPA, including a 2016 report on the Department of Justice’s enforcement of this important law, may be found at http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/hce/rluipaexplain.php.

 

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit today against Culpeper County, Virginia, alleging that the county violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA) when it denied a sewage permit application to the Islamic Center of Culpeper (ICC), effectively preventing the ICC from building a small mosque on land that it had purchased in the county.  The land is located in a zoning district where religious land use is permitted by right. 

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, alleges that the county imposed a substantial burden on the Muslim congregation’s exercise of religion and discriminated against the ICC based on religion when it refused to grant a “pump and haul” permit to allow the ICC to transport sewage from the ICC’s property to a point of disposal.  The county had told the ICC that such a permit was necessary because its soil, like much soil in the area, could not support a septic system.  The complaint alleges that since 1992, the county has considered 26 applications and never denied a pump and haul permit to a commercial or religious use prior to the ICC.

“The Constitution and federal law specifically protect the freedom of religious communities to establish houses of worship,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division.  “The Justice Department will continue to work tirelessly to protect every person’s right to assemble for religious exercise.”    
   
“Religious liberty is a fundamental right in our country and this case seeks to uphold that right,” United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. of the Western District of Virginia said today.  “We will continue to work with the experienced lawyers with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice to protect the residents of the Western District of Virginia from unlawful discrimination.”

RLUIPA, enacted in 2000, contains multiple provisions prohibiting religious discrimination and protecting against unjustified burdens on religion exercise.  Persons who believe that they been subjected to religious discrimination in land use or zoning may contact the Housing and Civil Enforcement Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division at 1-800-896-7743.  

More information about RLUIPA, including a 2016 report on the Department of Justice’s enforcement of this important law, may be found at http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/hce/rluipaexplain.php.

Culpeper Complaint

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – A federal inmate at United States Penitentiary at Lee County, Virginia, pled guilty today to illegal possessing of a prohibited item, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

Antonio Stitt, 37, waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty to a one count Information charging him with knowingly possessing a prohibited object, methamphetamine.

“Methamphetamine is a dangerous and addictive substance that ruins the lives of users,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “This sort of drug has absolutely no place inside the walls of a prison and anyone who brings meth, or other illegal substances inside prison walls, will be held accountable.”

At sentencing, Gillom faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Bureau of Prisons and the Bristol office of the Federal Bureau of Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States.

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – A former officer in a local labor union pled guilty today to federal embezzlement charges, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

William Dixon, 41, of Castlewood, Virginia, waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty today to a one count Information charging him with embezzling funds from a labor organization.

“Labor unions have been in place for centuries to ensure fair working conditions for employees, not to line the pockets of union officers,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today.

Dixon admitted today that from October 2015 through April 2016, while serving as the secretary/treasurer for a labor union in Lebanon, Virginia, of which he was a member of, he embezzled $4,338.

At sentencing, Dixon faces a maximum sentence of imprisonment for a term of five years and a fine of $250,000.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards.  Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States.

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – An inmate at United States Penitentiary at Lee County, Virginia, pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon to illegally possessing a prohibited object, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

Stanley Curtis Gillom, 32, waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty today in District Court to a one count Information charging him with one count of knowingly possessing a prohibited object, marijuana.

“Those who break the law while inside a federal prison will be held accountable for their actions,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “Maintaining order and keeping prohibited items, including substances such as marijuana, out of the penitentiary, is imperative to keeping all inmates safe.”

At sentencing Gillom faces up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the United States Bureau of Prisons and the Bristol office of the Federal Bureau of Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States.

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – Two more individuals associated with a larger conspiracy charged with distributing methamphetamine and oxycodone in Southwest Virginia, Las Vegas, Eastern Kentucky and elsewhere, pled guilty today to Federal drug charges in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

Today in District Court, Amy Lorene Arcaro-Moser, 52 and Steven Michael Salyer, 27, each pled guilty to a one count Information charging each with one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and/or oxycodone. In addition, Skipper pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit money laundering.

The charges were brought as part of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and others. Thirty-two individuals were indicted and arrested last month as part of that investigation.

“These individuals were part of a larger drug conspiracy that brought methamphetamine, and other dangerous drugs into Virginia,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “These substances ruin lives and communities. We will continue to be vigilant in taking down large scale conspiracies.”

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, in 2014 law enforcement targeted a drug trafficking organization responsible for the transportation and distribution of crystal methamphetamine between Law Vegas and Abingdon, Virginia. The Investigation revealed that members of the organization were sending crystal methamphetamine and oxycodone via FedEx and the United States Parcel Service from Las Vegas to many people in Abingdon and Eastern Kentucky. Investigators were able to determine the identity not only of the local distributors of the crystal methamphetamine, but also the suppliers located in Las Vegas.

The investigation has found that at least $1,000,000 in drug proceeds were generated by this drug trafficking conspiracy. These proceeds were routinely transferred from Abingdon to Las Vegas utilizing bank accounts in the names of drug suppliers located in Law Vegas. Funds were also transferred between Abingdon and Las Vegas using Western Union and Moneygram services.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, United States Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Abingdon Police Department, Marion Police Department, and Smyth County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee will prosecute the case for the United States.

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – The former store manager of the Carroll County Cooperative pled guilty today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon to conspiring to defraud the Food and Drug Administration [FDA], United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

Marlin Webb, 58, of Woodlawn, Va., waived his right to be indicted and pled guilty today to a one count Information charging him with conspiracy to defraud the Food and Drug Administration.

“Law Enforcement will continue to be vigilant in ensuring all substances sold are done legally and in-line with FDA standards,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “We are proud to team with the FDA to bring charges in this important case.”

“To protect the public, the administration of prescription veterinary drugs to food-producing animals must be carefully monitored and requires the involvement of a veterinarian, among other requirements. When individuals attempt to circumvent these protections, they risk harming the public health,” said Mark A. McCormack, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations’ Metro Washington Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who ignore the law.” 

According to evidence presented at today’s guilty plea hearing by Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer, Marlin was the store manager at the Carroll County Cooperative, through which he illegally obtained, stored, sold and caused to be shipped veterinary prescription drugs.  Federal regulation of prescription veterinary drugs are not primarily to protect animals from the potential harms of prescription drugs, but are to protect the human food supply from unsafe drug residues in the edible tissues of animals sold for slaughter.  Accordingly, veterinary prescription drugs must stay within the controlled chain of distribution to ensure the drugs’ safety and efficacy.  Marlin obtained and distributed prescription veterinary drugs outside of the controlled chain.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 30 at 11:00 a.m. in Abingdon.  Webb faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.  As part of the plea agreement, Webb paid $125,000 in forfeiture and other payments.   

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations and the Virginia Department of Health Professions.  Assistant United States Attorney Randy Ramseyer prosecuted the case for the United States.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – A second defendant in a local drug conspiracy which was responsible for dealing significant quantities of extremely pure methamphetamine, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District Court in Charlottesville, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

Ramon Gabriel Jr. of North Carolina previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Gabriel was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gabriel was also ordered to pay a fine of $500.

A co-defendant in the case, David Valencia, 27, of Madison Heights, Va., was convicted of one count of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in June 2016. In September 2016, Valencia was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release and also ordered to pay a fine of $500.

“Methamphetamine trafficking continues to be a growing threat throughout the Western District of Virginia,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “We will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to slow the influx of this deadly and addictive substance into Virginia.”

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Ronald M. Huber prosecuted the case for the United States.

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced today that a local man has pled guilty to a federal drug conspiracy charge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke.

Marvis Maurice Johnson, 31, of Salem, Va., pled guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 280 grams of cocaine and one count of illegally possessing a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

“The first step in making our communities safer is getting illegally drugs and guns off the streets,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “We will continue to be vigilant in enforcing our drug laws while also providing support and treatment for those who need it.”

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Roanoke County Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – A Boones Mills man, who conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

William Morgan Jr., 34, of Boones Mills, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiring to distribute a measurable quality of methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Morgan was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison.  

“Methamphetamine is a dangerously addictive substance that ruins lives and communities,” United States Attorney Fishwick said. “We must continue to stop those who traffic in this dangerous substance.”

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford, Morgan Jr. admitted to having packages mailed from California to his father’s address in Roanoke that contained methamphetamine. Morgan Jr. would then sell the methamphetamine and split the profits of the sales with his father, William Morgan Sr., who has also been convicted, along with others, as part of this conspiracy.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Roanoke City Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Roanoke HIDTA and the Virginia State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA – A Saltville, Virginia man, who previously pled guilty to a federal drug conspiracy charge, was sentenced today in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Roanoke, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick announced.

Charles William Sturgill, 41, of Saltville, previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Today in District Court, Sturgill was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison.

“We will continue to devote as many resources as available to fight the scourge of methamphetamine abuse in the Western District of Virginia,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Virginia State Police, the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office, the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service.  Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Bassford prosecuted the case for the United States.

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA – Five individuals associated with a larger conspiracy charged with distributing methamphetamine and oxycodone in Southwest Virginia, Las Vegas, Eastern Kentucky and elsewhere, pled guilty today to Federal drug charges in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon, United States Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. announced.

Today in District Court, Justin Michael Lowe, 24, Brandon Cody Trivett, 23, Lamar Allen Skipper, 27, Tanner Morris Curd, 23 and Gary Brandon Childress, 25, each pled guilty to a one count Information charging each with one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and/or oxycodone. In addition, Skipper pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit money laundering.

The charges were brought as part of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and others. Thirty-two individuals were indicted and arrested last month as part of that investigation.

“These five individuals were part of a larger drug conspiracy that brought methamphetamine, and other dangerous drugs into Virginia,” United States Attorney Fishwick said today. “These drugs ruin lives and communities and we will continue to be vigilant in taking down large scale conspiracies like this one.”

According to evidence presented at previous hearings by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, in 2014 law enforcement targeted a drug trafficking organization responsible for the transportation and distribution of crystal methamphetamine between Law Vegas and Abingdon, Virginia. The Investigation revealed that members of the organization were sending crystal methamphetamine and oxycodone via FedEx and the United States Parcel Service from Las Vegas to many people in Abingdon and Eastern Kentucky. Investigators were able to determine the identity not only of the local distributors of the crystal methamphetamine, but also the suppliers located in Las Vegas.

The investigation has found that at least $1,000,000 in drug proceeds were generated by this drug trafficking conspiracy. These proceeds were routinely transferred from Abingdon to Las Vegas utilizing bank accounts in the names of drug suppliers located in Law Vegas. Funds were also transferred between Abingdon and Las Vegas using Western Union and Moneygram services.

The investigation of the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, United States Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Abingdon Police Department, Marion Police Department, and Smyth County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee will prosecute the case for the United States.

 

A Cumberland, Virginia resident was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for his involvement in a scheme to evade paying his federal income taxes, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo, head of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and U.S. Attorney John P. Fishwick Jr. of the Western District of Virginia. 

According to court documents, Richard Alex, 52, a self-employed low-voltage electrician, had not filed a timely or valid tax return in more than a decade.  For tax years 1998 and 2000 through 2003, Alex filed false individual income tax returns reporting no income.  Alex also failed to file individual income tax returns for 2004 through 2013, despite receiving numerous warnings and notices from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  In response to IRS collection efforts, Alex attempted to conceal his assets and income.  For example, beginning in 2004, he used nominee bank accounts to receive income he earned from dispatch companies.  Alex also provided false information to a tax return preparer for the purpose of preparing federal tax returns for Alex’s nominee entity, Cole Data Services.

Alex pleaded guilty in July to one count of corruptly endeavoring to impede and obstruct the administration of the internal revenue laws.  In addition to the prison term imposed, Alex was ordered to serve one year of supervised release and to pay restitution in the amount of $809,707 to the IRS.  

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Fishwick commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorney Sean Beaty of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Patrick Hogeboom, who are prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.