Northern District of West Virginia

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sanford Fayton Venable, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for his involvement in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Venable, 51, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Forty Grams or More of a Heroin and Fentanyl Mixture.” Venable admitted to selling more than 40 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mixture in November 2019 in Berkeley County. In a separate case, Venable pleaded guilty to one count of “Distribution of 28 grams or More of Cocaine Base.” Venable admitted to selling more than 28 grams of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in August 2019 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. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the cases 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. 

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Aaron Reed, Jr., of Bridgeport, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Reed, 35, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms.” Reed, a person prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having a 9mm pistol, a .380 caliber pistol, and a .22 caliber pistol in September 2021 in Harrison County.

Reed 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 ATF investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

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

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

The fraud committed by Glaspell totaled $542,000.

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

Glaspell faces up to 20 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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was led by the West Virginia State Police and the Internal Revenue Service and supported by the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office. Numerous county prosecutor’s offices, sheriff’s departments, and police departments assisted with investigating the matter and the gathering of evidence.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jesse Michael Ferrell, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 51 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Ferrell, 43, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Ferrell admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in October 2020 in Hardy County.

Ferrell was ordered to forfeit the following:

• a Sporter (AK), 7.62x39 caliber, semi-automatic rifle;
• a Kel-Tec CNC, Inc., model P-11, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic Luger pistol;
• a magazine containing ten (10) rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition;
• a box containing forty (40) rounds of 9mm Tulamo ammunition;
• a box containing fifty (50) rounds of 9mm PPM ammunition;
• a box containing forty (40) rounds of 9mm Blazer ammunition;
• three (3) rounds of 9mm caliber ammunition; and
• $1,169.00 cash.

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; ATF; the West Virginia State Police; the Grant County Sheriff’s Office; and the Moorefield Police Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Freeman, III, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Freeman, 44, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms.” Freeman admitted to working with another to illegally purchase a .40 caliber pistol and a 9mm pistol from a firearms dealer in November 2020 in Marion County.

Freeman 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.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marcus Moreno, of LaVilla, Texas, was sentenced today to 84 months of incarceration for sending inappropriate pictures to a minor, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Moreno, 28, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Transfer of Obscenity to Minor.” Moreno began communicating with a minor located in Berkeley County, West Virginia, via social media applications such as Snapchat, KIK, WhatsApp, and the minor’s school email accounts. The victim’s parents turned over her phone to investigators. Forensics revealed thousands of text messages, chats, and video communications between the victim and Moreno, dating from October 2018 to January 2019, when the victim was 15 years old. The investigation further revealed thousands of images of child pornography of the victim and obscene pornographic images of Moreno.

In May 2019, during execution of a search warrant Moreno gave a voluntary statement to agents saying he met the victim online in a chat room when she had just turned 14. Three weeks after that first conversation, they began online dating. Though never meeting in person, he told investigators he planned to marry the victim when she turned 18. He admitted to sending obscene images of himself to the victim. During the search of his home, the FBI found thousands of other graphic files and video files of the victim on several flash drives and devices.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Todd Dwayne Mills, Jr., of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to three years of probation for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Mills, 24, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearms.” Mills admitted to made false statements on forms to purchase two 9mm pistols in March 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 investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Traun Renekki Musgrove, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to one year of probation for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Musgrove, 42, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.”  Musgrove admitted to using a phone to sell marijuana in June 2017 in Berkeley County.

Musgrove was also ordered to pay a $6,678 fine.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Joseph Young, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced today to 72 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Young, 56, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 100 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing Phencyclidine (PCP).” Young admitted to having 100 grams or more of PCP in September 2019 in Jefferson 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 Eleanor F. Hurney 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. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dylan Michael Ward, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to six months of incarceration for a firearms conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Ward, 23, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy.” Ward admitted to working with others to purchase and transport firearms illegally across state lines from West Virginia into Maryland. The crimes occurred in March and April of 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

Ward was also ordered to pay a fine of $13,356.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dwayne Paige, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Paige, 48, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl and Heroin.” Paige admitted to selling heroin and fentanyl in December 2018 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 – Jaime Renee Coddington, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months of incarceration for her role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Coddington, 35, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Eutylone and Cocaine Base.” Coddington admitted to working with others to distribute Eutylone and Cocaine Base from October 2019 to April 2020 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

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.

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

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dontaz Lavan Brandon, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced today to five years of probation for a drug a charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Brandon, 24, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” Brandon 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.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Wright of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Wright, 42, pleaded guilty today to today on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.” Wright, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a .9mm pistol, a five-shot revolver and ammunition for both firearms in June 2021 in Ohio County.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sixto Marquez, of Paramount, California, was sentenced today to 188 months of incarceration for his role in methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Marquez, age 46, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances” and one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.”  Marquez admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin 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; 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.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jenny Lynn Wood, of Beverly, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Wood, 31, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Wood, a person prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having two revolvers in July 2019 in Barbour County.

Wood 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Austin Blake Conrad, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Conrad, 23, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Conrad admitted to selling methamphetamine in August 2021 in Grant County.

Conrad 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 Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Oliver Matheny, of Maidsville, West Virginia, was indicted today on child pornography charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Matheny, 48, was indicted today on three counts of “Attempted Production of Child Pornography – Previous Conviction” and two counts of “Production of Child Pornography – Previous Conviction.” Matheny was previously convicted of sexually abusing a minor in Florida in 1996. He is accused of using minors to produce child pornography from February to September 2018 in Monongalia County.

Matheny faces at least 25 years and up to 50 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles Raymond Wable, of Shinnston, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms and witness tampering charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Wable, 61, was indicted today on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Tampering with a Witness by Corrupt Persuasion.” Wable, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior drug convictions, is accused of having a semi-automatic rifle in September 2020 in Harrison County. Wable is also accused of paying a witness to influence the witness’s testimony in a federal case before Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley between October 1, 2020, and November 10, 22020 in Harrison County.

Wable faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge and faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the witness tampering 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. ATF and the U.S. Probation Office investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Eugene McDonald, of Elkins, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms and drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

McDonald, 45, was indicted today on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” McDonald is accused of distributing methamphetamine in December 2020 in Marion County. McDonald, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior convictions, is accused of having a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in December 2020 in Marion County.

McDonald 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 Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. ATF and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Erik J. Wilson, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Wilson, 35, was indicted today on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Wilson, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior firearms conviction, is accused of having a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in January 2022 in Harrison County.

Wilson 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 Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. ATF and the Clarksburg Police Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andrew Cordel Wagner, of Elkins, West Virginia, was indicted today on a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Wagner, 31, was indicted today on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Wagner, a person prohibited from having firearms, is accused of having four rifles, one revolver, seven pistols, and four shotguns in November 2021 n Barbour County.

Wagner 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 Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. ATF investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Scott Connally, of Montrose, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Connally, 33, pleaded guilty today to today on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine.” Connally admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in October 2019 in Randolph County.

As a part of the plea agreement, Connally agreed to forfeit a 9mm pistol, 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and $940 cash.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen. D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug Task Force and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

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

Clemons, 31, pleaded guilty today to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearms.” Clemons admitted to falsifying a form to purchase firearms for someone else in October 2019 in Berkeley County.

Clemons 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 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, Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg Police Department.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Angel Luis Martinez-Rodriguez, of Moorefield, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Martinez-Rodriguez, 37, pleaded guilty today to today on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine-Aiding and Abetting.” Martinez-Rodriguez admitted to having cocaine in August 2021 in Hardy County.

Martinez-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.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Calvin Crockett Mullins, of Philippi, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 48 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Mullins, 29, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Distribution of a Firearm.” Mullins admitted to selling a 16-gauge shotgun to a person prohibited from having firearms. The crime took place in February 2020 in Barbour County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shelly Anne Leipham, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was found guilty by a federal jury today of fraud charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

After a three-day trial, Leipham, 66, was found guilty of three counts of “Wire Fraud,” five counts of “Mail Fraud,” and three counts of “Money Laundering.” Leipham called an elderly victim living in Harrison County and claimed the victim won one million dollars. Leipham defrauded the victim of nearly $25,000 by directing the victim to send that amount to her over the course of a two-year period by mail and wire.  

“Sweepstakes schemes like this continue to be a problem and the victims are often senior citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “We will seek a long prison sentence for Ms. Leipham and anyone else like her who preys upon older West Virginians.”

The government is also seeking a money judgment in the amount of $336,402. 

Leipham is facing up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the wire fraud and mail fraud counts. She’s facing up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000 for each of the money laundering counts. 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 Sarah E. Wagner and Andrew R. Cogar are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service, the West Virginia State Police, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

This case is being prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice Elder Fraud Initiative. Since the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) was signed into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. 

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Cordale Antonio Williams, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 94 months of incarceration for a drug charge, First Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Williams, 41, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Williams admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in June 2020 in Ohio County.

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, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Mitchell R. Arbogast, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Arbogast, 60, pleaded guilty in February 2022 on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Arbogast, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a double-barrel 20-gauge Chinese shotgun, a 12-gauge shotgun, a 6-shot .22 caliber revolver, and a .380 semi-automatic pistol in March 2021 in Marshall County.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jalin Tyref Mcarn, of Charleston, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Mcarn, 28, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Mcarn, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a semi-automatic pistol in June 2021 in Tyler County.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – John Ross Lawrence, of Wind Ridge, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 70 months of incarceration for a drug a charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Lawrence, 32, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Lawrence admitted to selling methamphetamine in February 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; the West Virginia State Police; the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cameron Police Department investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kaprice D. Russell, of Steubenville, Ohio, was sentenced today to 124 months of incarceration for drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Russell, age 34, 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,” “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride within 1000 feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.”  Russell admitted to working with others to sell cocaine base, cocaine hydrochloride, methamphetamine and heroin 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.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Heather Joe Paugh, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Paugh, 30, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Paugh, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in August 2021 in Monongalia County.

Paugh faces up to 10 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 Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Cameron K. Shreve, of Mill Creek, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Shreve, 43, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm as a Drug User.” Shreve, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a semi-automatic rifle and a 9mm pistol in May 2021 in Randolph County.

Shreve faces up to 10 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 Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the United States Marshals Service investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kristin Leanne Price, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Price, 28, pleaded guilty today to one count of “False Statements During Purchase of Firearm.” Price admitted to falsifying forms to purchase a 9mm pistol from a licensed dealer in Berkeley County in June 2020.

Price faces up to 10 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 – Lonnie James Tanner, Jr., of Cameron, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Tanner, 53, pleaded guilty in January 2022 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Tanner admitted to selling methamphetamine in July 2021 in Marshall County.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kyle Lee Harder, of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Harder, 23, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Harder, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in April 2021 in Jefferson County.

Harder faces up to 10 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.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Patricia Ann Mahoney, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 84 months of incarceration for methamphetamine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Mahoney, 52, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of “Distribution of at Least Five Grams of Methamphetamine.” Mahoney admitted to selling at least five grams of methamphetamine in February 2020 in Randolph County.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Allen Craig, II, of Lumberport, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Craig, 32, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Craig, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, admitted to having a .38 S&W Special caliber revolver in December 2020 in Harrison County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Kevin Isner, of Flemington, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Isner, 59, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Fifty Grams or more of Methamphetamine.” Isner admitted to selling more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in July 2020 in Marion County.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Raymond David Bates, of Morgantown West Virginia, was sentenced today to 97 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Bates, 44, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Bates admitted to having child pornography depicting minors under the age of 12 in July and August of 2019 in Monongalia 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 – Matthew J. Duncan, of Weston, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Duncan, 25, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Duncan, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior convictions, admitted to having a pistol, a rifle, and a shotgun in March 2021 in Braxton County.

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.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Barbara Ann Thomas, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 151 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Thomas, 49, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Thomas admitted to having methamphetamine in August 2019 in Grant County.

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

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Allan Howell, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 130 months of incarceration for his role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Howell, 43, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Howell admitted to having methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” or “ice,” in October 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.

Chief 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 – Shelby Adams, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Adams, 26, pleaded guilty today to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” Adams admitted to making false statements to illegally purchase firearms in April 2021 in Marion County.

Adams faces up to 10 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 Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – Experts from the public and private sector will gather in Morgantown next week for a seminar to highlight best practices in preventing and responding to health care fraud, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

The Mountaineer Health Care Fraud Symposium will take place on Thursday, April 21, at the WVU College of Law. Federal and state investigators will share the latest trends in health care fraud, while medical and insurance professionals will discuss best practices on how to detect and prevent fraud. A presentation explaining how whistleblowers can come forward, tell their story, and share in the financial recovery will also be made. The United States Attorney’s Office is hosting the event.

The symposium comes on the heels of the creation of a West Virginia-based health care fraud strike force comprised of state and federal agencies that takes a data-driven approach to uncovering waste and abuse.  In addition to the formation of the strike force, a hotline, email address and mailing address have been established to allow for the reporting of potential fraud. Anyone with information may call (304) 234-7711, send an email to wvfraud@fbi.gov, or mail correspondence to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 591, Wheeling, WV 26003.

The registration-only event allows for both in-person and virtual attendance. The West Virginia State Bar has approved the event for 4.8 continuing legal education credits. To register, send an email to usawvn.registration@usdoj.gov.

The full agenda may be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/health-care-fraud-symposium.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Alexander Michael Ryan Myers, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 10 months of incarceration for his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Myers, 23, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy.” Myers 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 in March and April 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Andrew Logan, of Dundalk, Maryland, was sentenced today to 24 months of incarceration for his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Logan, 27, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy.” Logan 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.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Angela Dawn Gregory, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to XX months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Gregory, 43, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.”  Gregory 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.

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

Assistant U.S. 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; the West Virginia State Police; Customs and Border Protection; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; and the New Jersey State Police investigated. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania assisted.

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

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

Orndoff, 35, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Eutylone.” Orndoff admitted to working with others to distribute Eutylone from June 2019 to December 2020 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the 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. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.