Northern District of West Virginia

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Austin Jay Robinson, of Belington, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Robinson, 23, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Robinson admitted to selling methamphetamine in April 2021 in Barbour County.

Robinson 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug Task Force investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Allen Sams, of Jacksonsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Sams, 36, pleaded guilty today 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-gause ammunition in August 2021 in Tyler County.

Sams 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Juan Manuel De La Rosa-Tejeda, of Hagerstown, Maryland, has admitted to a drug conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

De La Rosa-Tejeda, 36, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Five Kilograms or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing Cocaine.” De La Rosa-Tejeda admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine from August 2020 to June 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

De La Rosa-Tejeda 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. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Timothy D. Helman are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the FBI; United States Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; ATF; the West Virginia Air National Guard; West Virginia State Police; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; 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.

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.

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

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

Burrows, 39, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Heroin.” Burrows admitted to working with another to distribute fentanyl and heroin in February 2019 in Berkeley County.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ronald Louis Browning, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Browning, 34, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” Browning admitted to making a false statement to purchase a 9mm pistol in December 2020 in Berkeley County. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ataiah J. Turner, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to time served for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Turner, also known as “Queen,” 26, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl.” Turner admitted to selling fentanyl in January 2021 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Helman 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 – Lante Jerrel Cook, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Cook, 32, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Cook, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in July 2021 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gregory K. Parr, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to time served for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Parr, 65, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl.” Parr admitted to selling fentanyl in November 2020 in Berkeley County.

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.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tremaine Antonio Davis, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced today to 78 months of incarceration for a drug a charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Davis, 32, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” Davis admitted to working with another to distribute fentanyl in January 2020 in Berkeley County.

This case is 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 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. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated. The task force 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 – Maical Kvec, a Romanian National, has admitted to being in the United States illegally, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Kvec, 24, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Kvec, after being removed from the Chicago in 2019 and convicted of a felony in 2017 in California and another charge in 2019 in Iowa, was found in February 2022 in Ohio County.

Kvec 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 Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the West Virginia State Police investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Emmanuel Kwame West, of Washington, D.C., has admitted to selling heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

West also known as “Donte West,” 40, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl Mixture.” West admitted to selling a mixture of fentanyl and heroin in March 2021 in Berkeley County.

West 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Hagerstown, Maryland residents have admitted to working together to illegally purchase firearms in Berkeley County, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Dwayne Anthony Battle, 37, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Violate Gun Control Act.” Battle admitted to working with Antoinette Pauleen McKenzie, 33, to illegally purchase firearms in Berkeley County and transfer those firearms to an out-of-state resident, violating the Gun Control Act. The conspiracy took place in August and September 2021.

McKenzie pleaded guilty to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” McKenzie admitted to lying to the licensed gun dealer, saying she was the true purchaser of the firearm, when the 9mm pistol was meant for someone else in August 2021 in Berkeley County.

Battle and McKenzie are each facing 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 Eleanor F. Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The ATF investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ronald Craig Fletcher, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, has admitted to selling methamphetamine, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Fletcher, also known as “Ronnie Fletcher,” 53, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possess with Intent to Distribute Eutylone.” Fletcher admitted having eutylone, also known as “boot,” in May 2021 in Morgan County.

Fletcher 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force investigated. 

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced today that Danae DeMasi-Lemon has been selected to aid in the development of asset forfeiture policies for federal prosecutors from throughout the country.

DeMasi-Lemon, an Assistant United States Attorney since 2015, has been named to two national asset forfeiture working groups that will develop best practices, review legislative proposals, and mentor new prosecutors.

“Danae is an expert in the field of asset forfeiture, and she has been helping to recover property for crime victims in West Virginia for many years,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Her expertise was recognized by Department of Justice officials in Washington D.C. and led to her being invited to be a part of these prestigious groups.”

As part of the Asset Forfeiture Working Group, DeMasi-Lemon joins a team that provides guidance to the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys. Group members aid in the development of new policies and the review of legislative changes, as well as provide instruction for young prosecutors.

With the Firearms Working Group, DeMasi-Lemon will help federal, state, and local agencies develop policies to aid in the forfeiture of firearms involved in federal crimes.

DeMasi-Lemon will continue to work in her home district where she serves as the Asset Forfeiture Coordinator, the Financial Crimes Review Team Coordinator, and represents the United States Attorney’s Office in the district’s Drug Court Program.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Rebecca Branham, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug distribution enterprise, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Branham, 52, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.”  Branham admitted to working with others in a drug distribution operation in Berkeley County and elsewhere from June 2019 to October 2020.

Branham 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 – Victor L. Roebuck, II, of Long Beach, California, has admitted to a marijuana charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Roebuck, 34, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana.” Roebuck admitted to having marijuana in May 2021 in Ohio County. 

Roebuck 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Tara Lynn Leary, of Valley Head, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Leary, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine.” Leary admitted to distributing at least 50 grams of methamphetamine fin January 2020 in Randolph County.

Leary faces not less than 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Anthony Coleman, of Piedmont, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Coleman, 47, pleaded guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Coleman, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having three rifles and three pistols in November 2021 in Mineral County.

Coleman 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 Kimberley D. Crockett 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.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin William Medrano, of Hagerstown, Maryland, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Medrano, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Medrano, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in January 2021 in Berkeley County.

Medrano 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 Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jordan Paul Plotner, of Charles Town, West Virginia, has admitted to a failure to register charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Plotner, 33, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Failure to Register.” Plotner, a person required to register as a sex offender because of a prior conviction, admitted to traveling across state lines without updating his information in the sex offender registry from April to November 2021 in Jefferson County and elsewhere.

Plotner is facing 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 Eleanor F. Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eli Scott Villers, a former correctional officer at Federal Correctional Institution Hazelton, has admitted to bribery charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Villers, 29, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Bribery of Public Officials” and one count of “Bribery of Public Official.” Villers was employed by FCI Hazleton as a correctional officer during the time of the crime, from September 2018 to February 2019. Villers conspired with an inmate to smuggle in tobacco products on multiple occasions. In exchange for the tobacco products, Villers would receive cash via the use of CashApp.

Villers faces up to 15 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count. 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 U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marcus Purnell, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Purnell, also known as “Mo,” 34, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Purnell admitted to using a phone to help distribute Eutylone, also known as “Boot,” in November 2020 in Berkeley County.

Purnell faces up to four 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; 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, the Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg Police Department.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas John Winston, of Westover, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 235 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Winston, 32, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography – Previous Conviction.” Winston, who has previously been convicted of a similar charge in Preston County, West Virginia, admitted to having child pornographic images in August 2019 in Preston County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Harry Anderson Sprouse, III, of Maidsville, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a firearms conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Sprouse, 53, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms.” Sprouse admitted to working with another to illegally purchase two pistols from a licensed dealer in December 2020 in Marion County.

Sprouse 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.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – John David Crow, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to selling methamphetamine, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Crow, 52, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Crow admitted to selling methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in November 2021 in Marshall County.

Crow 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 Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Ray Morgan, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to selling heroin and fentanyl, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Morgan, also known as “Model,” 46, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl.” Morgan is admitted to distributing of heroin and fentanyl in April 2021 in Wetzel County.

Morgan 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Leonard Jasmine, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced today to 121 months of incarceration for his role in a multi-state drug trafficking ring, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Jasmine, 30, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.” Jasmine admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base, cocaine hydrochloride, and fentanyl from the spring of 2018 to October 2020 in Monongalia County and elsewhere.

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; the 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 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.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeffrey Howard, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced today to 87 months of incarceration for his role in methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Howard, age 24, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Howard admitted to having methamphetamine in Monongalia County in September 2019.

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 – Sabrina Burton, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years of probation for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Burton, 25, pleaded guilty in December 201 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Burton admitted to having heroin in May 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; 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 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.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jordan Teal Burg, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Burg, 33, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting False Statement During Purchase of a Firearm.” Burg admitted to working with others to illegally purchase three pistols from a licensed firearms dealer in April 2021 in Jefferson County.

Burg 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.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie L. Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The ATF and the Easter Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Martinsburg residents are facing cocaine and fentanyl charges, accused of having enough fentanyl to kill 20,000 people, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Desmond Lamont Davis, 31, and Karmen Grimes, 21, were indicted this week on one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base,” one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl,” and one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.”  Davis and Grimes are accused of working together to sell cocaine and fentanyl in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties from 2019 to 2021.

Davis and Grimes each at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for each of the first two counts and each face up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the third count. 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; ATF; and the U.S. Marshals Service investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn L. Price, an inmate at Federal Corrections Institution Gilmer, has admitted to a threat charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Price, 42, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Transmitting Threatening Communications in Interstate Commerce.” Price threatened someone by phone in November 2021. According to the indictment, the threat included breaking the subject’s neck and torturing the subject.

Price 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 Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bacarre H. Curtis, of Eastpointe, Michigan, was indicted today on drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Curtis, also known as “TJ,” 21, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine,” three counts of “Distribution of Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Fifty Grams or More of Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession of Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime.” Curtis is accused of trafficking more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal” and “ice,” while carrying a 9mm Glock pistol in January 2022 in Harrison County.

Curtis faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the conspiracy charge, faces at least 10 years and up to life for each of the remaining drug charges, and faces at least five years and up to life incarceration 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 Christopher L. Baer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the DEA; ATF; and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gary Lee Winston, of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, was indicted today on a fentanyl charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Winston, also known as “Bud,” 35, was indicted today on one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl.” Winston is accused of selling heroin and fentanyl in Berkeley County in March 2021.

Winston 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 Eleanor F. Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Emerson Corvera, a citizen of El Salvador, was indicted today on 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 was indicted this week on one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien Previously Convicted of an Aggravated Felony.” He is accused of 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.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Douglas Owen Law, of Spelter, West Virginia, is facing up to 30 years in prison for traveling to the Philippines to have sex with a minor, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Law, 60, pleaded guilty to one count of “Sex Tourism.” Law admitted to traveling to the Philippines to engage in sexual contact with a child. During the plea hearing, an agent testified that Law made at least 10 trips to the Philippines from 2014 to 2019. During a May 2019 trip, Law was introduced to a 14-year-old girl with whom he engaged in sexual intercourse in a hotel room. Law corresponded extensively with her via social media from his home in West Virginia.  He would send money in exchange for sexually explicit video and pictures.

Law faces up to 30 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Allan Evans, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 50 months of incarceration for his role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Evans, 49, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Evans admitted to having more than five grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” or “ice,” in August 2018 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 Moorefield Police Department investigated. The task force consists of the FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.

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

Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/hardy-county-man-appears-drug-charges

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

Charleston, 44, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl in Proximity to a Protected Location.” Charleston admitted to selling heroin and fentanyl near a public housing facility in Marion County in April 2019.

Charleston faces at least one year 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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jon Travis Yost, of Philippi, West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Yost, 28, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Transportation of Child Pornography – Previous conviction.” Yost, who was previously convicted of 3rd Degree Sexual Assault in Barbour County, admitted to sending child pornography in March 2020 in Barbour County.

Yost faces at least 25 and up to 50 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 FBI and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Melissa Joann Hibbitts, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 8 months of incarceration for her involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Hibbitts, age 35, pleaded guilty in March 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Cocaine Hydrochloride, Methamphetamine, and Heroin.” Hibbitts 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, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Lee McKinley, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

McKinley, 30, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” McKinley admitted to selling methamphetamine near Golden Towers in Marshall County in March 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.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA — In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”

“All of us at the United States Attorney’s Office are grateful for the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers across West Virginia,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “These brave men and women put their lives on the line each day to keep our communities safe and for that we are all blessed.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices.  Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021.  Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19. 

Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents.  Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year.  In 2021, unprovoked attacks[1] were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting.  Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program. 

The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.

Reference to any specific organization or service(s) offered by an organization is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Department of Justice.

[1] An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender.  Source:  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Jackie Devon Thompson, of North Frederick, Maryland, was sentenced today to 47 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Thompson, 42, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Thompson 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. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Timothy D. Helman 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 – Bonnie Lou Breeden, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months of incarceration for her role in a drug distribution enterprise, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Breeden, 53, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.”  Breeden admitted to working with others in a drug distribution operation in Berkeley County and elsewhere from June 2019 to October 2020.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted 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. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Gene Barron, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for his role in a drug distribution enterprise, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Barron, 46, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.”  Barron admitted to working with others in a drug distribution operation in Berkeley County and elsewhere from June 2019 to October 2020.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted 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. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Patrick Allen Darlington, of Charles Town, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day of incarceration for a failure to register charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Darlington, 43, pleaded guilty in February 2022 to one count of “Failure to Register.” Darlington, a person required to register as a sex offender because of a prior conviction, has admitted to traveling across state lines without updating his sex offender registration from August 2020 to March 2021 in Jefferson County and elsewhere.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor F. Hurney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Lamela Rodriguez, of Moorefield, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Rodriguez, 33, pleaded guilty today to today on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine-Aiding and Abetting.” Rodriguez admitted to having cocaine in August 2021 in Hardy County.

Rodriguez faces at 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 Stephen. D. Warner is prosecuting 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. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn Kendall Murray, of Gainesville, Virginia, was sentenced today to 33 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Murray, age 39, pleaded guilty in March 2020 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Murray admitted to having cocaine hydrochloride in November 2018 in Jefferson County.

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 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 – Darius D. Robertson, of Warren, Michigan, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Robertson, 23, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Robertson admitted to working with another to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal” and “ice.”

Robertson 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 Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, ATF, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Shavar Payton of Martinsburg was sentenced today to 188 months in prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Payton was the subject of an investigation by the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force that led to his Martinsburg home being searched by the West Virginia State Police Special Response Team. Officers discovered powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and other drug paraphernalia in his residence, along with 9mm ammunition.

Payton, age 37, had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base” because of the contraband found in his home.

“I applaud the collaboration of our law enforcement partners and their commitment to keeping our region safe,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Their efforts to disrupt drug trafficking operations like the one Mr. Payton was involved with are to be commended.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also of the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Assistant U.S Attorney Timothy D. Helman, prosecuted the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Ranson Police Department aided the inquiry.

The case was funded in part by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF), which provides federal funding and coordination for the investigation of interstate and international drug trafficking organizations.

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