Northern District of West Virginia

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Baltimore-based drug trafficking organizations that supplied large amounts of fentanyl to West Virginia and caused at least two deaths have been dismantled by separate federal indictments that were unsealed today.

Thirty-four people from Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia were indicted on charges related to the sale of fentanyl, heroin and other drugs in Hampshire County and Mineral County. The drugs distributed led to a spike in overdoses in the region, both fatal and non-fatal. Much of the fentanyl had high levels of purity and had a purple tint to distinguish it from drugs sold by competitors.

In the first indictment, Kentrel Anthony Rollins, also known as “T-Rock,” age 30, of Baltimore, Maryland is alleged to be the leader of a fentanyl distribution operation in Hampshire County and elsewhere from January 2020 to October 2021. Court documents show that in addition to the sale of drugs, there was firearms trafficking and the trading of guns for drugs. Many of the firearms were acquired by a straw purchaser on behalf of the organization. Twelve people are charged in this matter, which also includes the alleged trafficking of heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine.

In the second indictment, Sean Jarred Davis, age 31, also of Baltimore, is alleged to be the leader of a conspiracy to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, as well as heroin, in Hampshire County and elsewhere from February 2021 to January 2023. A total of twenty-two individuals are charged in the case.

“Fentanyl continues to be the number one threat to public safety in the region and much of it flows here from Baltimore,” said United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld. “The investigators are to be commended for their outstanding work in identifying the sources of supply and halting their operations.”

The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigations. The Task Force consists of members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the West Virginia State Police, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department. The Hampshire County Prosecutor’s Office assisted.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

List of defendants

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA — Civil rights enforcement will be the focus of the newest prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office.

U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced today that Carly Nogay has been hired to lead civil rights investigations, to include hate crimes, disability and housing rights violations, and infractions of laws that prohibit discrimination based upon race, color, national origin, sex, and religion.

“I’m excited to have Carly Nogay on our team,” said Ihlenfeld. “She is an experienced litigator with outstanding academic credentials and a strong desire to serve the public. Her leadership on civil rights matters will help to make our communities safer and stronger.”

Nogay comes from the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office in Pittsburgh where she handled a busy docket of violent crime and firearms cases. Prior to her work in Pittsburgh, she served as law clerk for Judge Valarie Costanzo of Washington County.

Nogay graduated with honors from both Duquesne University and the West Virginia University College of Law.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Doddridge County, West Virginia, man was indicted on federal firearm charges after engaging in a shootout with law enforcement last spring.

Richard Edward America, III, age 45, of Salem, was charged yesterday by a Clarksburg grand jury with illegally possessing a small arsenal of weapons despite having a prior conviction for domestic violence. He was also indicted for possessing silencers that were unregistered and lacked serial numbers as required by law.

According to court documents, America fired shots at officers who were attempting to execute a search warrant at his house on May 5, 2022. Officers were there because they suspected that America had firearms on his property despite his prior conviction. America fled the scene but was later apprehended. Officers reported finding eleven firearms, two silencers, and assorted ammunition. Among the firearms recovered, officers seized an assault-style rifle in the area near where America fired shots at law enforcement.

“Oftentimes the most dangerous individuals encountered by law enforcement are those with histories of domestic violence,” said United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld. “We will continue to work with our state and local partners to bring federal charges whenever possible against gun-carrying domestic abusers.”

America is being held in the North Central Regional Jail and will appear in federal court on the charges in the near future.

The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; the Doddridge County Sheriff’s Office; and the Salem Police Department.

The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wagner for the government.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Hagerstown, Maryland man has admitted to his role in an expansive drug trafficking conspiracy that spanned several states.

According to court documents, Daniel Inoa-Rodriguez, also known as “Danny,” 23, was heard on wiretap phone calls, talking with other known defendants about drug deliveries. One of the conversations revolved around $30,000 in drug proceeds and what to do with the cash just before Inoa-Rodriguez planned to travel to the Dominican Republic to deliver the money. Because of the intercepted communications, agents were able to seize the cash before he successfully boarded the plane at JFK Airport in March 2021. Court documents also reveal that Inoa-Rodriguez was in the back area of Top 3 Sources, a business in Hagerstown and a target in this investigation, during multiple drug transactions. The crimes occurred from August 2020 to June 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

Inoa-Rodriguez pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Inoa-Rodriguez faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The FBI; U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; The Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia Air National Guard, the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative (agencies included are the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department, Ranson Police Department, Charles Town Police Department, and Martinsburg City Police Department); West Virginia State Police; Customs and Border Protection; the Hagerstown Police Department; the National Resources Police Department; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; the New York Police Department; the New Jersey State Police; the Washington County (Maryland) Drug Task Force; the Maryland State Police; the  U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland;  and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania investigated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/34-indicted-expansive-drug-trafficking-operation

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Bo D. Beckner, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Beckner, 42, pleaded guilty in June 2022 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Beckner, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior convictions, admitted to having a 12-guage shotgun in April 2021 in Upshur County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and West Virginia State Police investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Tara Lynn Crawford, of Wardensville, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Crawford, 40, pleaded guilty today o one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Crawford, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, admitted to having a .22 caliber rifle in October 2020 in Hardy County.

Crawford faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eliseo Jerome Rozas, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Rozas, 44, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Device.” Rozas admitted to using a phone to help distribute cocaine base in November 2020 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Paul Thompson, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months of incarceration for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Thompson, 38, pleaded guilty in June 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location.” Thompson admitted to selling methamphetamine near a public housing facility in June 2019 in Marion County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Three Rivers Drug Task Force and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/west-virginia-and-detroit-residents-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - A Hancock County man has been charged with acquiring more than 50,000 pills from Europe for redistribution in the United States.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced today that Thomas O. McGowan, age 50, has been indicted on federal drug charges after an investigation revealed that he had received shipments from Bulgaria containing large amounts of Schedule II and Schedule IV controlled substances. The shipments to McGowan were concealed in large spools of yarn to avoid detection.

After the packages were delivered, agents recovered 58,498 pills from McGowan’s New Cumberland residence and learned that he had been repackaging the pills into quantities of either 90 or 180 for sale. The substances seized include Diazepam, Lorazepam, Tapentadol and Zolpidem. McGowan faces a total for four charges, each alleging that he possessed a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.

“U.S. Custom and Border agents are to be commended for identifying a suspicious inbound international parcel and then quickly coordinating with agents in West Virginia to make an arrest,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “These collaborative efforts disrupted a sophisticated operation and prevented the diversion of powerful and addictive medication.”

The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, the Wheeling Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Metro Drug Enforcement Network Team.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Lawrence Jarrett, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 151 months of incarceration for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Jarrett, also known as “Six,” 32, pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Five Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Jarrett admitted to distributing more than five grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal” and “ice,” in in august 2019 in Marion County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Three Rivers Drug Task Force investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Wolford, of Cadiz, Ohio, has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Wolford, 25, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Solicitation of Child Pornography.” Wolford admitted to reaching out to a 9-year-old from Wetzel County and requesting inappropriate pictures and live-stream videos from the victim. The crime took place in July and August 2021.

Wolford faces at least five and up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office investigated. The Moundsville Police Department, the Harrison County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office, and the Cadiz, Ohio, Police Department assisted.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Quinn, a former corrections officer at the North Central Regional Jail (NCRJ) in Greenwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day of incarceration for selling drugs to inmates, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Quinn, of Marietta, Ohio, 28, pleaded guilty in October 2022 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Buprenorphine.” Quinn admitted to delivering methamphetamine and buprenorphine, as well as other contraband, to inmates at the NCRJ from September 2020 to February 2021.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Twenty law enforcement officers and public servants from across the Northern District of West Virginia were recognized today for their outstanding work by United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld.

The U.S. Attorney Awards are given annually to honor exceptionalism in criminal investigations and community service. This year’s ceremony was held at the United States Courthouse in Clarksburg.

Outstanding Financial Crime Investigation

Special Agent Jim Rogers and Operational Support Technician Dottie Pugh, both of the FBI, and Sgt. David Simmons, of the West Virginia State Police, were honored for their work in U.S. v. Phillip W. Conley. Conley defrauded West Virginia churches, pastors, and others of nearly $5 million by persuading victims to invest in false ventures such as student housing construction, high-yield fixed income securities, oil and gas technology, mineral rights, and timber leasing. He was sentenced to 87 months in prison.

Outstanding Investigative Effort

Special Agent in Charge Colin Davis and Resident Agent in Charge Keith Vereb, of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and Special Agent Ashley Archibald, FBI, were honored for their efforts in the case of U.S. v. Reta Mays. Mays, a nursing assistant, administered lethal doses of unprescribed insulin to eight patients at the VA hospital in Clarksburg. Mays entered pleas of guilty to seven counts of second-degree murder and one count of assault with intent to commit murder and was sentenced to seven terms of life imprisonment plus 20 years.

Outstanding Firearms Investigation

Special Agent Mark McNeal and Special Agent Troy Jeffers, FBI; Special Agent Eric Orta, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and Inspector Ryan Amstone, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, were honored for their work in U.S. v. Timothy John Watson. Watson produced devices that converted firearms into fully automatic weapons and sold them to followers of the Boogaloo Movement. Watson was convicted and sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment.

Outstanding National Security Investigation

Special Agent Justin Van Trump and Special Agent Peter Olinits of the FBI, and Special Agent John Nocella, of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, were honored for their work on U.S. v. Jonathan and Diana Toebbe. The investigation revealed that Jonathan Toebbe, who was an engineer with the U.S. Navy, stole restricted data related to the nuclear submarine program and attempted to sell it to another country. Mr. Toebbe was convicted and sentenced to 19 years, 4 months. Mrs. Toebbe – who conspired with her husband - was sentenced to 21 years, 10 months.

Outstanding Firearms Conspiracy Investigation

Special Agent Seth Cox of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force were honored for the case of U.S. v. Greenfield, in which the defendant recruited multiple straw purchasers in the Northern District of West Virginia to purchase firearms that were later trafficked to Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Drug Investigation

Task Force Officer Jeremy Jenkins of the Mountain Lakes Drug Task Force was honored for his work in U.S. v. Waitman Frederick in which he led an investigation into methamphetamine distribution in Glenville, Gilmer County.  The efforts of TFO Jenkins led to an indictment against 11 defendants, each of whom was convicted.

Outstanding Financial Fraud Investigation

Corporal. Don Wolford of the West Virginia State Police was honored for his work in the case of U.S. v. Bradley Glaspell in which a contractor defrauded seventy people in West Virginia and Pennsylvania for total loss to the victims of more than $600,000. Glaspell was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Outstanding Violent Crime Investigation

Special Agent Jared Newman, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives was honored for his work in U.S. v. Vickers and Oliverio in which the defendants were convicted of an attempted carjacking. Oliverio was sentenced to 121 months in prison and Vickers to 104 months.

Outstanding Drug Task Force

The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force was honored for its exceptional investigative work and community outreach efforts. The Task Force was instrumental in the prosecution of U.S. v. Luna, a case involving money laundering and the distribution of large amounts of heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine hydrochloride. The drug trafficking organization operated appliance stores in Hagerstown, Maryland and the Dominican Republic as a mechanism to launder drug proceeds.

Outstanding Youth Advocate

Jessica Watt Dougherty was honored for her unwavering care and empathy for the students at Madison Elementary School in Wheeling.

Outstanding Community Drug Prevention

The Monongalia County Quick Response Team was honored for its innovative efforts to prevent drug overdose deaths and help those struggling with substance abuse disorder to receive the help they need to get well.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Quintae L. Stubbs, of Columbus, Ohio, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Stubbs, 31, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Stubbs, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior convictions, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in July 2022 in Ohio County.

Stubbs faces up to 15 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Angel Luis Martinez-Rodriguez, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 100 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Martinez-Rodriguez, 38, pleaded guilty in May 2022 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine-Aiding and Abetting.” Martinez-Rodriguez admitted to having cocaine in August 2021 in Hardy County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen. D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated. 

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kayla Marie Cline, of Flemington, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug trafficking operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Cline, 31, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fifty Grams or more of Methamphetamine.” Cline admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal” and “ice,” in April 2022 in Taylor County.

Cline faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Andre Duana Bundy, of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced this week to 121 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Bundy, 39, pleaded guilty in March 2022 to one count of “Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Bundy admitted to selling 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in August 2021 in Hancock County.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration Wheeling; the Drug Enforcement Administration Youngstown; and the Ohio Highway Patrol investigated. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Mahoning County, Ohio Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Paul David Fairburn, of Hagerstown, Maryland, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Fairburn, 27, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Heroin and Cocaine Base.” Fairburn admitted to working with others to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine hydrochloride from August 2020 to June 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere. The combined drug weight was between 40 and 60 kilograms.

Fairburn faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher J. Schragl, of Follansbee, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months of incarceration for failing to update his sex offender registry, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Schragl, 46, pleaded guilty in June 2022 to one count of “Failure to Register.” Schragl, a person required to register as a sex offender, failed to update his registration from May to December to 2021 in the Northern District of West Virginia.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service, West Virginia State Police, Texas Rangers, and the Nevada State Police investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Allen Sams, of Jacksonsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Sams, 36, pleaded guilty in June 2022 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Sams, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction, admitted to having a 20-gauge shotgun and nine rounds of 20-gauge ammunition in August 2021 in Tyler County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Allen Sams, of Jacksonsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Sams, 36, pleaded guilty in June 2022 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Sams, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction, admitted to having a 20-gauge shotgun and nine rounds of 20-gauge ammunition in August 2021 in Tyler County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Margaret Ann Moffitt, of Sistersville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months of incarceration for mail fraud, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Moffitt, 62, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to one count of “Mail Fraud.” Moffitt stole money from the estate of someone in the amount of $156,744.87. As the executor of the estate, she made cash withdrawals and endorsed checks to be mailed to people not associated with the estate in any way. She then caused checks to be mailed to the beneficiaries of the estate, knowing the funds were no longer in the account. She stopped payments on those checks because she knew the funds were gone. The crimes occurred from August 2019 to December 2020 in Tyler and Wetzel Counties.

Moffitt was also ordered to pay $156,744.87 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for Tyler County investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tara Morgan, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 36 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Morgan, 50, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to one count of “False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms.” Morgan admitted to working with another to make false statements to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer in May 2020 in Monongalia County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dominick Mickens, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 63 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Mickens, 39, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Mickens admitted to working with others to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine hydrochloride from August 2020 to June 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Keyontray Daniel Johnson, of Worton, Maryland, has admitted to his role in a multi-state organized drug trafficking enterprise dubbed the “19th Street Enterprise,” United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Johnson, also known as “38,” age 26, pleaded guilty today to one count of “RICO Conspiracy.” Johnson admitted to working with others as a member of the “19th Street Enterprise,” a criminal organization that engaged in acts of violence, robbery, money laundering, mail and wire fraud, providing and selling false identification documents, and drug trafficking. The enterprise operated in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Puerto Rico.

Johnson faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office assisted.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/22-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-enterprise-spanned-several-states

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned indictments on Tuesday alleging fraud against five people in connection with COVID-19.

United State Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that charges have been filed against individuals alleged to have improperly benefitted from funds appropriated by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as follows:

• Dalton Haas, age 27, Wheeling, WV, Wire Fraud and False Statements to SBA
• James A. Nolte, age 51, Bridgeport, WV, Wire Fraud and Money Laundering
• Shawn M. Murphy, age 47, Moundsville, WV, Wire Fraud
• David Boyd, age 27, Chester, WV, Wire Fraud and False Statement to Federal Agent
• Jodi Headley, age 49, Chester, WV, Mail Fraud

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to combatting pandemic fraud and these charges are just the first of many that we will bring,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “We have a team of highly skilled prosecutors, investigators, and accountants who work on COVID-related cases every day to identify all those who used deception to steal public funds.”

“Those charged today acted out of pure greed,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “These loans were intended to help business owners struggling from the impact of the pandemic. Instead, the indictments allege these actors saw it as an opportunity to rip off the program. Everyone should know the FBI and our partners will pursue those who defraud programs like PPP and hold them accountable for their crimes.”

Dalton Haas is alleged to have made false representations regarding organizations with which he was affiliated in order to obtain CARES Act funding. Specifically, Haas is charged with making false statements about the gross revenues, the cost of goods sold, and the number of employees for the Lebanese Restaurant & Bakery, the Wheeling Wine Festival, the West Virginia Hockey League, and the Wheeling Hockey Association.

James Nolte is charged with submitting false tax documents, payroll reports, and business records in order to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The indictment alleges that Nolte improperly secure loans for PGO Veteran Services, PG Health, RJS Catering, and Dental Care Plus, for total fraud in the amount of $645,717.

Shawn Murphy is alleged to have applied for and received unemployment compensation through the CARES Act even though he was still gainfully employed as a machine operator at businesses in Marshall County.

David Boyd is charged with submitting false information in support of his application for PPP funding, including misrepresenting the gross income of a business known as the Seafood Hut. Boyd is also charged with lying to an FBI agent about his loans.

Jodi Headley is alleged to have applied for and receiving unemployment benefits despite being employed by Hancock County schools. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the cases. The matters were investigated by the FBI and WorkForce West Virginia.

Ihlenfeld encouraged anyone aware of COVID fraud to report it via email to wvfraud@fbi.gov, by telephone to 304-234-0100, or via regular mail to the U.S. Attorney, P.O. Box 591, Wheeling, WV 26003, Attn: COVID Fraud Unit.

All those charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Lamark Hall, Jr., of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for a cocaine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Hall, also known as “Cuz,” 40, pleaded guilty in June 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Hall admitted to selling cocaine base in June 2019 in Ohio County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Joseph Shants, Jr., of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Shants, also known as “Lul Draco,” 24, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Eutylone” and one count of “Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.” Shants admitted to selling Eutylone, also known as “boot,” and having a firearm during the crime in Berkeley County, in April 2021.

Shants faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million for the drug charge and he faces at least five and up life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Martinsburg Police Department; the Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department; the Virginia State Police, Montgomery County; and Maryland State Attorney’s Office investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Franklin Keith Dotson, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 121 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Dotson, 38, pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Dotson admitted to having methamphetamine in July 2021 in Marshall County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office; the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office; and the Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA — A new federal prosecutor has been added to the team at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Martinsburg.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced today that Kyle Kane has joined his office and will focus on the prosecution of fentanyl traffickers and federal domestic violence offenders.

“I am pleased to add Kyle to what is already a talented group of prosecutors in the Eastern Panhandle,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “He brings with him a great deal of experience and will hit the ground running.”

According to Ihlenfeld, Kane has been with the State’s Attorney’s Office of Frederick County, Maryland for the past seven years where he handled a high volume of felony narcotic, firearm, and gang cases, as well as homicides. Prior to becoming a prosecutor, Kane was a law clerk for Judge Theresa Adams in the Circuit Court of Frederick County. He is an honors graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s University and earned his law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School in South Bend.

“This part of the state continues to grow at a rapid pace and with that growth comes additional criminal activity. Accordingly, I will continue to add federal resources so that we are prepared to meet the threat and keep the community safe,” said Ihlenfeld.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Reuben Jahmell Dauntez Donald, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced today to 151 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Donald, 36, pleaded guilty in March 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Donald admitted to selling methamphetamine in October 2021 near Jensen Playground on Wheeling Island.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Loretta Jean Minor, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Minor, 44, pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Minor admitted to having methamphetamine in January 2022 in Marshall County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Morgantown man is accused of stealing nearly a half a million dollars in a scheme involving the forgery of checks that belonged to a relative.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Jaynesh Umesh Patel, 40, was indicted today on charges of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Patel is accused of using the identity of a relative to create fraudulent bank accounts and then forging checks to be deposited. The total amount of fraud alleged is more than $450,000.

The conduct occurred from June 2019 until October 2022 in Harrison, Marion, and Monongalia Counties.

“Sadly, those who engage in white-collar crime are often related to their victims, and that is the case here,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “We will continue to make sure offenders are held to account and do everything within our power to recover the amount lost.”

Patel faces up to 30 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1 million for each of the three counts of bank fraud and faces up to two years of incarceration for each of the two counts of aggravated identity theft. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Otis Tillman, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 20 months of incarceration for a cocaine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Tillman, 51, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Base and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Tillman admitted to working with others to sell cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” from November 2020 to March 2021 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Washington County Narcotics Task Force. 

U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyree A. Allen, of Columbus, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Allen, 23, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Allen admitted to having 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal” and “ice,” in August 2021 in Monongalia County.

Allen faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ the U.S. Marshals Service; the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marcellos Carey Edens, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 18 months of incarceration for an illegal firearms distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Edens, also known as “Camo,” 37, pled guilty in September 2020 to one count of “Conspiracy” involving the illegal purchase and transfer of firearms from Berkeley County to Pennsylvania in December 2019. Edens admitted to having others purchase firearms in Berkeley County, West Virginia, and then transport the firearms across state lines to him in Philadelphia.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Reece Dillon Shepard, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Shepard, 31, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Shepard, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a 40-caliber firearm in July 2022 in Monongalia County.

Shepard faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer T. Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Edward Maxwell, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Maxwell, 43, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” Maxwell admitted to distributing fentanyl in November 2021 in Harrison County.

Maxwell faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1 million. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bradley Glaspell, of Salem, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for defrauding over 70 customers out of more than a half a million dollars through his contracting businesses, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

“Mr. Glaspell was a shady contractor who took advantage of West Virginians who paid him up front and trusted that he would do the job,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “His dishonesty caused many to be left with unfinished projects and I’m pleased that he will spend the next ten years behind bars.”

Glaspell, 48, the owner and operator of Over the Top Roofing, LLC, and Helping Hands Home Improvement, pled guilty in May 2022 in federal court to “Wire Fraud.”  Glaspell falsely advertised his businesses on social media, claiming to be a licensed contractor when in fact he was not. He required down payments for materials but then failed to complete the work as promised and used the money he collected for his own personal expenses.

The judge ordered Glaspell to pay $593,009.05 in restitution.

Glaspell’s victims were from Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Ohio, Preston, Randolph, Ritchie, Taylor, Tucker, Upshur, and Wetzel counties in West Virginia, and Washington and Fayette counties in Pennsylvania.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was led by the West Virginia State Police and the Internal Revenue Service and supported by the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office. Numerous county prosecutor’s offices, sheriff’s departments, and police departments assisted with investigating the matter and the gathering of evidence.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn Harper Warren, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Warren, also known as “S.J.,” 25, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Warren admitted to working with another to sell more than fifty grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal” and “ice,” in September 2019.

Warren faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Three Rivers Drug Task Force and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/west-virginia-and-detroit-residents-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jennifer Hardy, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Hardy, 32, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Hardy admitting to working with another to sell cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in February 2021 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven Leroy Dillow, Jr., of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 50 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Dillow, 35, pleaded guilty in August 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Dillow admitted to selling methamphetamine in June 2021 in Grant County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

WHEELNG, WEST VIRGINIA – Civil rights experts will share their knowledge at a special event to be held next week in Wheeling.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld and his staff will host a half-day event on Thursday, December 8 to highlight the constitutional rights of citizens and how they are enforced through civil and criminal actions. Hate crimes, housing rights, disability rights and more will be explained by federal prosecutors, an FBI agent, and prominent Wheeling attorney Robert McCoid.

“The Department of Justice vigorously enforces civil rights and events like this highlight how we protect the public through the federal court system,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Our hope is that this forum will raise awareness and lead to more citizens contacting us when their rights have been violated.”

The event will take place at 9 a.m. at Temple Shalom on Bethany Pike and is open to the public.

Continuing social work education and legal education credits will be available.

To learn more, go to justice.gov/usao-ndwv.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Alan Clark Tolliver, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 74 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Tolliver, 42, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.”  Tolliver admitted to having cocaine hydrochloride in March 2021 in Berkeley County.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; Customs and Border Protection; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; and the New Jersey State Police investigated. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania assisted.

U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Leslie O’Quinn, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced today to 100 months of incarceration for her role in methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

O’Quinn, age 32, pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.” O’Quinn admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base, cocaine hydrochloride, and fentanyl from the Spring of 2018 until October 2020.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zelda E. Wesley and Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI's Northern West Virginia Drug Task Force in partnership with the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.  The Task Forces have members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Monongalia County Sheriff's Office; and, the Morgantown, WVU, Granville and Star City Police Departments.  The investigation was also assisted by the following law enforcement partners:  the Monongalia County Prosecutor’s Office; the FBI in Houston, Texas; the Houston Police Department's Multi Agency Gang Initiative; the United States Postal Inspection Service in Houston; and the FBI and DEA in Los Angeles, California.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

Related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation-spanned-several-states

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald Edward Hunker, of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 41 months of incarceration for a sex offender registry violation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Hunker, 41, pleaded guilty in March 2022 to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.” Hunker, who is required to register as a sex offender, failed to update is registration when he traveled from out-of-state to stay in Preston County from May to August of 2020.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas Reed Ratliff, of Glenville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 66 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, First Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Ratliff, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Ratliff admitted to having child pornography videos from August to November 2020 in Gilmer County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kedrick Howard, of Dallas, Texas, has admitted to his role in methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Howard, age 29, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.” Howard admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base, cocaine hydrochloride, and fentanyl from the Spring of 2018 until October 2020.

Howard faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zelda E. Wesley and Sarah E. Wagner are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI's Northern West Virginia Drug Task Force in partnership with the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.  The Task Forces have members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Monongalia County Sheriff's Office; and the Morgantown, WVU, Granville and Star City Police Departments.  The investigation was also assisted by the following law enforcement partners:  the Monongalia County Prosecutor’s Office; the FBI in Houston, Texas; the Houston Police Department's Multi Agency Gang Initiative; the United States Postal Inspection Service in Houston; and the FBI and DEA in Los Angeles, California.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

Related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-people-indicted-drug-trafficking-operation-spanned-several-states

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ronnie Legette, an inmate at United States Penitentiary Hazleton, in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, has admitted to stabbing another inmate, killing him, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Legette, 39, pleaded guilty today one count of “Voluntary Manslaughter.” Legette admitted to stabbing Demario Porter, another inmate, in a heat of passion on September 17, 2018, in Preston County.

Legette faces up to 15 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ronald Shaw, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Shaw, also known as “Fuzz,” 51, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Shaw admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine near Overbrook Playground in Ohio County in October 2022.

Shaw faces at least five years and up to 80 years in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.