Northern District of West Virginia

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – An inmate previously housed at United States Penitentiary Hazleton was sentenced today to 25 years after admitting to second degree murder in a 2012 death of another inmate, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Ruben Laurel, 43, was sentenced today to 300 months of incarceration after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting second degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon in the death of inmate Anthony M. Dallas. Laurel, along with another inmate, repeatedly stabbed and cut Dallas, killing him on August 29, 2012, at USP Hazleton in Preston County. Dallas suffered nearly 50 stab wounds, wounding him in the heart, lungs, and liver. Another inmate also suffered injuries during the attack but survived.

Laurel is now housed at United States Penitentiary Terre Haute in Indiana.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Laci Taylor, of Dundalk, Maryland, has admitted to her role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Taylor, 27, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy.” Taylor admitted to working with others to purchase, possess, and transfer firearms to persons who couldn’t legally purchase or possess firearms. The crimes took place from April 2019 to December 2020 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

Taylor faces up to five years of incarceration and 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – William Hinton, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced yesterday to 180 months of incarceration for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Hinton, also known as “Abu Twoseventeeen,” age 49, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Cocaine Hydrochloride, Methamphetamine, and Heroin” and one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Hinton admitted to working with others to sell cocaine base, also known as “crack,” cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” and methamphetamine from June 2019 to August 2021 in Ohio County and elsewhere, including the Southern District of Ohio.

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, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office and the St. Clairsville Police Department assisted

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING – Weirton Medical Center, a hospital located in Weirton, West Virginia, has agreed to pay $1.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of claims to Medicare in violation of the Physician Self-Referral Law (commonly referred to as the Stark Law).

“Health care decisions should be based on patients’ medical needs, not physicians’ financial interests,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to investigate financial relationships that may improperly influence physician decision-making.”

“Improper compensation arrangements between hospitals and physicians will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld for the Northern District of West Virginia. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will be aggressive in its pursuit of those who violate the Stark Law and we strongly encourage whistleblowers to come forward.”

“Patients trust their health care providers’ decisions are made based on their individual medical needs and not to increase providers’ profits,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigate health care fraud allegations and to protect the integrity of the Medicare program.”   

The settlement, which is based on the hospital’s financial condition, stems from a voluntary self-disclosure made by the hospital regarding potential Stark Law violations. The Stark Law prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions. The Stark Law is intended to ensure that medical decision-making is not compromised by improper financial incentives and is instead based on the best interests of the patient. The settlement resolves Weirton Medical Center’s liability under the False Claims Act for submitting claims to Medicare that resulted from violations of the Stark Law due to payment of compensation to referring physicians that allegedly exceeded fair market value or took into account the volume or value of the physicians’ referrals to the hospital.

The matter was investigated by Senior Trial Counsel Diana Cieslak and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Savino and Christopher Prezioso for the Northern District of West Virginia.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia with assistance from HHS-OIG.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Weirton Medical Center, a hospital located in Weirton, West Virginia, has agreed to pay $1.5 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of claims to Medicare in violation of the Physician Self-Referral Law (commonly referred to as the Stark Law).

“Health care decisions should be based on patients’ medical needs, not physicians’ financial interests,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to investigate financial relationships that may improperly influence physician decision-making.”

“Improper compensation arrangements between hospitals and physicians will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld for the Northern District of West Virginia. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will be aggressive in its pursuit of those who violate the Stark Law and we strongly encourage whistleblowers to come forward.”

“Patients trust their health care providers’ decisions are made based on their individual medical needs and not to increase providers’ profits,” said Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigate health care fraud allegations and to protect the integrity of the Medicare program.”   

The settlement, which is based on the hospital’s financial condition, stems from a voluntary self-disclosure made by the hospital regarding potential Stark Law violations. The Stark Law prohibits a hospital from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians with whom the hospital has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions. The Stark Law is intended to ensure that medical decision-making is not compromised by improper financial incentives and is instead based on the best interests of the patient. The settlement resolves Weirton Medical Center’s liability under the False Claims Act for submitting claims to Medicare that resulted from violations of the Stark Law due to payment of compensation to referring physicians that allegedly exceeded fair market value or took into account the volume or value of the physicians’ referrals to the hospital.

The matter was investigated by Senior Trial Counsel Diana Cieslak and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Savino and Christopher Prezioso for the Northern District of West Virginia.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia with assistance from HHS-OIG.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Shirl Norman Baker, III, of Paden City, West Virginia, was sentenced yesterday to 60 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Baker, 42, pleaded guilty in May 2022 to today on one count of “Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Baker admitted to selling methamphetamine in March 2020 in Wetzel 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 – Zachary Musilli, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced yesterday to 5 years probation for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Musilli, 26, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Musilli admitted to having child pornography with some depicting children under the age of 12 in March 2021 in Ohio County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI, the West Virginia Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua P. Witt, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms and drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Witt, 36, was indicted today on two counts of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Person Convicted of Domestic Violence Crime,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute More than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine.” Witt, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior domestic violence convictions, is accused of having a 9mm pistol in April 2021 and another 9mm pistol in April 2022. He is also accused of having methamphetamine in April 2021 and having more than five grams of methamphetamine in April 2022. The alleged crimes took place in Monongalia and Preston Counties.

Witt faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each firearms charge and the first methamphetamine charge. He also faces at least five years and up to 4 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5 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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Preston County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremy Scott Jenkins, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Jenkins, 31, was indicted today on two counts of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Jenkins is accused of having methamphetamine in April 2021 and having more than five grams of methamphetamine in January 2021 and February 2021. The alleged crimes took place in Harrison County.

Jenkins faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each charge. 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 Jennie T. Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn Brookins, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Brookins, 37, pleaded guilty in March 2022 to one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” Brookins admitted to having a 9mm Smith and Wesson firearm that had been stolen in June 2019 in Ohio County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer T. Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Albert Perry Shreve, III, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five months of home confinement for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Shreve, 43, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Shreve admitted to selling methamphetamine in Randolph County in April 2021.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug Task Force investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Paul Thompson, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Thompson, 20, pleaded guilty today 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.

Thompson faces at least one and up 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. 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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Willie Johnson, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced today to 92 months of incarceration for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Johnson, age 38, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Johnson admitted to working with someone to distribute heroin near Luau Manor, a housing facility owned by a public housing authority, in April 2020.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. The U.S. Marshal Service, Columbus Police Department Gang Crimes Unit, the Martins Ferry Police Department, and the Bellaire Police Department also assisted.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

Original case indictment here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher J. Schragl, of Follansbee, West Virginia, has admitted to failing to update his sex offender registry, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

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

Schragl faces up to 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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – A group of West Virginia University students has created a plan to educate their peers about fentanyl and protect them from the dangers of the deadly synthetic drug.

Today in Morgantown, a team of undergraduates led by WVU junior Azeem Khan announced the creation of the Mountaineer Fentanyl Education Task Force. The group includes 10 students who have been meeting since March and consulting with experts in drug prevention, psychiatry, communications, and criminal justice. The students have created a comprehensive strategy that will be implemented in August when the fall semester begins.

“This task force is about students at WVU saying we want to do our part to help. We are ready to step up and help educate our classmates about the dangers of fentanyl in the hopes of saving lives. This is too important for us to sit on the sidelines,” said Khan, a political science major from Charleston and member of the WVU Student Government Association.

“These young leaders have seen the harm caused by fentanyl and they’ve decided to do something about it,” said United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld. “They are bright, they are passionate, and they care deeply about their classmates.”

The mission of the Task Force is to educate all students on the threat posed by fentanyl, connect them with available resources, and deliver strategic messaging to prevent usage of the drug. The focus is on fentanyl because the drug has caused a sharp increase in overdose deaths among adolescents in West Virginia and across the country. The latest tactic being used by drug traffickers is to sell counterfeit pills that appear to be Adderall or Xanax but that actually contain fentanyl.

The Mountaineer Fentanyl Education Task Force is supported by the United States Department of Justice, the Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area initiative, and Game Changer.

“I applaud the efforts of these students for taking such an active role in the important areas of prevention education coupled with the deadly dangers of fentanyl,” says Joe Boczek, Executive Director of GameChanger. “As a West Virginian, I couldn’t be prouder.”

You can follow the Task Force on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @WVFentanylEdu.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Peterson, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has admitted to his role in a multi-state organized drug trafficking enterprise dubbed the “19th Street Enterprise,” United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Peterson also known as “Ant Man,” 36, pleaded guilty today to one count of “RICO Conspiracy.” Peterson 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.

Peterson 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.

These charges are the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep.  This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally. 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 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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Justin Daniels, an inmate at Federal Corrections Institution Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months of incarceration after admitting to an assault charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Daniels, 36, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm.” Daniels admitted to assaulting another inmate in January 2021.

His sentence will run consecutively to any sentence he is currently serving.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - A former St. Marys, West Virginia police department employee has admitted to lying about a program that allowed people charged with crimes to pay cash and gift cards to avoid criminal sanctions, according to United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld.

Carolyn Taylor, 40, of St. Marys, pleaded guilty today to perjury, admitting that she lied to a federal grand jury about the “Slow Down for the Holidays” program. The government-sanctioned initiative allowed those charged with DUI and other crimes in Pleasants County to donate cash, gift cards, or other items of value to dodge prosecution.

Taylor, as the clerk of the police department, helped to collect the donations and was asked about the specifics of her role when she testified earlier this year. She told grand jurors that she had no knowledge of anyone personally benefiting from the program and that all proceeds went to charitable causes. However, investigators discovered that she had used at least one of the program gift cards for her personal benefit.

“A policy that allows one to buy their way out of a DUI is inherently wrong and never should have been implemented in the first place,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “It is not surprising that someone involved with this ill-advised program kept a portion of the donations for herself.”

Taylor faces up to five 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 Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The matter remains active and is being investigated by the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David Gamble, of Masontown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 70 months of incarceration for his role in methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Gamble, age 58, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Gamble admitted to working with another to distribute methamphetamine in April 2020 in Monongalia County.

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; the Preston County Sheriff’s Office; Mineral 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 – Curtis Neal, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Neal, 44, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms.” Neal admitted to working with others to illegally purchase several firearms from a licensed dealer in Monongalia County in November 2019.

Neal 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dennis Lee Boyce, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Boyce, 50, pleaded guilty in March 2022 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Boyce, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having four rifles and two shotguns in January 2020 in Marion County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower 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.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – William Thomas DeSantis, of Montrose, West Virginia, was indicted today on a meth charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

DeSantis, 31, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute More than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine.” DeSantis is accused of working with others to sell more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” from December 2020 through June 2021 in Randolph County.  

DeSantis is facing at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug Task Force investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Austin Curtis Harman, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Harman, 22, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Harman is accused of having methamphetamine in January 2022 in Grant County. Harman, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a felony conviction, is also accused of having a 9mm pistol.

Harman faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the drug charge and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. 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 case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Lewis Bell, of Keystone Heights, Florida, has admitted to a failure to register charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Bell, 35, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.” Bell, a person required to register as a sex offender, admitted to not updating his registration when he lived in Marion County from November 2020 to February 2021.

Bell 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 Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Eric Timothy Gray, of Inwood, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Gray, 54, was indicted today on four counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and two counts of “False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm.” Gray, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, is also accused of having multiple firearms in January 2020. He is also accused of falsifying forms to illegally purchase firearms in Berkeley County.

Gray faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each charge. 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 Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Edgar Eugene Hatten, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Hatten, 41, pleaded guilty In February 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Hatten admitted to selling methamphetamine near Clator Playground in Wheeling on July 20, 2021.

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 – Mary Elizabeth Luongo, of Paden City, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 121 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced

Luongo, 49, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Luongo admitted to selling methamphetamine in December 2020 in Tyler 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, and the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Darrion Dabon Isimemen Ojezua, of Dayton, Ohio, was sentenced today to 63 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Ojezua, 25, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Ojezua admitted to selling methamphetamine in Wetzel County in October 2021.

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.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Douglas F. Harris, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Harris, 44, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base.” Harris admitted to working with others to sell 28 grams or more of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” from February 2020 to June 2021 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

Harris faces at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. 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 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.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – John David Crow, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for selling methamphetamine, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Crow, 53, pleaded guilty in May 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Crow admitted to selling methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in November 2021 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 – Samuel Anthony Spilios, of Newell, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Spilios, 39, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Spilios admitted to selling more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in December 2020 in Hancock County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration in Youngtown, Ohio; the Liverpool Township Police Department-Ohio; and the East Liverpool Police Department -Ohio investigated. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Ohio assisted.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Darrick Dorell Fleming, II, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Fleming, 38, pleaded guilty in March 2022 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Fleming admitted to having methamphetamine in October 2021 in Ohio County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force and the Marshall County Drug Task Force, both HIDTA-funded initiatives, investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian Keith Rowland, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a fentanyl charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Rowland, 22, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Fentanyl.” Rowland admitted to selling fentanyl in January 2021 in Berkeley County.

Rowland 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 Timothy D. Helman 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.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Roger Allen See, of Wardensville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 110 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

See, 32, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” See admitted to distributing methamphetamine from September to November 2020 in Hardy County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner 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 – Emerson Corvera, a citizen of El Salvador, has admitted to an illegal reentry charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Corvera was convicted in June 2016 in the Northern District of Florida for transporting women for prostitution. The indictment alleged that at least 26 women were sold “by the session” as a part of the conspiracy. Corvera was removed from the United States by ICE after that conviction. Corvera pleaded guilty today to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien Previously Convicted of an Aggravated Felony.” He admitted to being in Berkeley County illegally in April 2022.

Corvera 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 Eleanor F. Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Mary Margaret Renfro, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years of probation for her role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Renfro, 39, pleaded guilty in January 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 100 Grams or More of Heroin and 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl” and one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base.”  Renfro worked with others to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a s well as 28 grams or more of cocaine base from June 2019 to December 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.

This prosecution 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office assisted.

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

Find the related press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/25-charged-six-state-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-cocaine

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Quasym Divad John Finch and Brittany Marie Breeden, both of Martinsburg, West Virginia, were sentenced today for drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Finch, 31, was sentenced today to 157 months of incarceration after pleading guilty in March 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Base, Fentanyl, and Methamphetamine Hydrochloride” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Finch admitted to working with Breeden to distribute cocaine base, fentanyl, and methamphetamine hydrochloride from January 2020 to February 2021 in Berkeley County. Finch, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a .410 revolver, a .380 pistol, and a semi-automatic rifle in February 2021 in Berkeley County.

Breeden, also known as “Brittany Marie Finch,” 28, was sentenced today to five years of probation after pleading guilty to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl.” Breeden admitted to selling fentanyl in February 2021 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Eleanor F. Hurney prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. ATF and the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Ramney, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years of probation for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Ramney, 38, pleaded guilty in March 2022 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Ramney admitted to having cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” in July 2021 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor F. Hurney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Department of Homeland Security investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Crystal Dawn Roth, of Walkersville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 100 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Roth, 39, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Roth, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior convictions, admitted to having a revolver in March 2021 in Braxton County.

Roth was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Braxton County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Preston County residents were sentenced today for their roles in an insurance fraud scheme, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Cynthia Miller, of Newburg, West Virginia, and Dustin Miller, of Reedsville, West Virginia, were each sentenced today to five years of probation with the first four months on home detention for wire fraud. Cynthia, 36,  and Dustin, 41, each pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.” Both admitted to working with others to stage a vehicle accident, fabricate injuries, and file false insurance claims. The crime occurred from March to July 2019 in Taylor and Preston Counties.

Cynthia and Dustin were also ordered to jointly pay $8,474.65 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the West Virginia Insurance Commission Fraud Unit investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darren Anthony Burnett, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Burnett, 38, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.” Burnett admitted to having a 9mm pistol while trafficking cocaine and marijuana in October 2020 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Brent Collum, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Collum, 36, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Collum, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a .45 caliber handgun in August 2021 in Jefferson County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Charles Town Police Department investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Howard Anson Peterson, of Charles Town, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months of incarceration for a fentanyl charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Peterson, also known as “Happy,” 57, pleaded guilty in March 2022 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Fentanyl.” Peterson admitted to working with another to distribute fentanyl in February 2021 in Jefferson County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Loudon County, Virginia Task Force investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Lynch, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years of probation for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Lynch, 58, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Base and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Lynch admitted working with others to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” from July 2018 to June 2021 in Jefferson County and elsewhere.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police, the DEA Task Force Montgomery County, Maryland; and the Frederick, Maryland, HIDTA group investigated. The EPDTF consists of the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg Police Department.

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.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Keith Joseph, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Joseph, age 37, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Wire Fraud” and one count of “Aggravated Identity Theft.” Joseph admitted to fraudulently accessing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) eAuthentication online taxpayer system, which has servers located in Berkeley County, from March 2015 to March 2017.  Joseph obtained personal identifying information of taxpayers without their knowledge to gain access to the IRS online taxpayer system.  Once he had access, Joseph unlawfully obtained income tax transcripts and fraudulently filed tax returns using the taxpayers’ personal identifying information. 

Joseph was ordered to pay $142,237 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Cybercrime Investigations Division investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ana Amesquita, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day of incarceration for bank fraud, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Amesquita, 27, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Bank Fraud.” Amesquita was the head teller at the Inwood branch of City National Bank. In June 2019, Amesquita began a scheme to process ATM deposits without the supervision of a second bank employee, violating the bank’s policy. She would then take some of the cash for her own personal use and misrepresent the facts in the general ledger

Amesquita was also ordered to pay $144,661 in restitution to the bank.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Secret Service investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Lamark Hall, Jr., of Cleveland, Ohio, has admitted to a cocaine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

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

Hall 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 Clayton J. Reid 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.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Todd Crimm, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Crimm, 30, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Eutylone.” Crimm admitted to working with others to distribute Eutylone from June 2019 to December 2020 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Harpers Ferry Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C. investigated. The EPDTF consists of the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg Police Department.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Eugene Charles Williams, of Steubenville, Ohio, was indicted today on firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Williams, 35, was indicted today on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Obliterated Serial Number.” Williams, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a felony conviction, is accused of having a 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number in January 2022 in Brooke County.

Williams is facing up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge and faces up to five years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000 for the obliterated serial number charge. 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 Tobacco, Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kerm Leroy Jackson, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced yesterday to 97 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Jackson, also known as “Woo,” 28, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Jackson admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from March 2018 to August 2020 in Monongalia County and elsewhere. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.