Northern District of West Virginia

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Braheem Sallie, of Camden, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for his role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

After a three-day trial in October 2021, Sallie was found guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 100 Grams or More of Heroin and 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl,” one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Travel Act – Distribution of Proceeds.” Sallie worked with others to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 40 grams or more of fentanyl from June 2019 to November 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.

Co-conspirators in West Virginia would wire money for drug payments to Sallie and another in Camden, New Jersey.  This trafficking ring involved multiple trips by West Virginia co-conspirators to Camden, New Jersey to obtain large amounts of heroin and fentanyl that were distributed and intended to be redistributed in West Virginia. This case involved nearly 100 grams of fentanyl and more than 137 grams of heroin.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the 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. The Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office assisted.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Diann Carol Clark, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years of probation, with the first six months on home confinement, for a payroll tax fraud charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Clark, 59, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Willful Failure to Collect or Pay Over Employment Tax.” Clark was employed by Alpha Associates, Inc. in Morgantown. Clark was an office manager and bookkeeper at Alpha Associates, where she managed payroll between 2014 and 2018. Clark was responsible for collecting and paying over to the IRS Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes withheld from the wages of Alpha Associates employees. Despite knowing the firm withheld these payroll taxes from its employees’ paychecks, Clark did not pay over approximately $1,900,000, in such taxes to the IRS.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Trial Attorney Kevin Schneider of the Justice Department’s Tax Division prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The IRS investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kia Johnson, of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Johnson, 25, pleaded guilty in October 2020 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Johnson admitted to using a phone to help distribute Phencyclidine (PCP) in September 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Lucio Javier Escobedo Fernandez, a Mexican national, was sentenced today to 63 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Fernandez, 28, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Fernandez admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from March 2018 to August 2020 in Monongalia County and elsewhere.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Randy McKinley, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 168 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

McKinley, 58, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” McKinley admitted to having child pornography with children under the age of 12 in October 2020 in Harrison County.

McKinley was also ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution to the victims and victims assistance funds. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon Eugene Corbin, of Inwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 70 months of incarceration for his role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Corbin, 36, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine Base.” Corbin admitted to working with others to distribute controlled substances from January to September 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.

Corbin was a frequent re-distributor of drugs supplied to him by another in the conspiracy.  During the investigation, he sold heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base, and PCP to his own customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.  During a traffic stop that occurred in September 2019, he was found with more than 18 grams of fentanyl.

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 drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James T. Cogle, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 15 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Cogle, 53, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Base and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Cogle admitted to working with others to distribute drugs from July 2018 to June 2021 in Jefferson County and elsewhere.

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

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Joseph Milot, of Waterbury, Connecticut, has admitted to his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Milot, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms.” Milot admitted to working with another to illegally purchase two 9mm pistols from a firearms dealer in December 2020 in Marion County.

Milot 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.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Noah Jacob Graham, of Philippi, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Graham, 20, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Graham, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a .44 magnum caliber revolver in June 2020 in Barbour County.

Graham 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 & Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sixteen individuals from Maryland and West Virginia are facing charges involving a drug conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

The indictment alleges that large quantities of Eutylone, also known as “boot,” were trafficked from Maryland to Berkeley and Jefferson Counties, West Virginia from February 2019 to March 15, 2022.

“Eutylone is a dangerous drug that has a high potential for abuse and leads to adverse physical and psychological effects for its users,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “It poses a serious threat to public health in the Eastern Panhandle and this prosecution will make the community safer, both through enforcement and education.”

Those charged are:

• Charles Edward Scott, also known as “Whop Whop,” 28, of Damascus, Maryland
• Ryan Darnell Scott, 37, of Gaithersburg, Maryland
• Anthony Joseph Shants, Jr., also known as “Lul Draco,” 23, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Jose Michael Flores, also known as “Taz,” 26, of Montgomery Village, Maryland
• Andre Phillip Stevenson, 40, of Washington, D.C.
• Alim D. Farma, 23, of Gaithersburg, Maryland
• Robert Matthew Johnson, also known as “Flex,” 33, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Sophia Ellen Hizer, 20, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
• Bernard Anthony Brickhouse, also known as “Mitch Sosa,” 26, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Kofi Orleans-Lindsay, 22, of Gaithersburg, Maryland
• Shayla Louise Wetzel, 25, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Destiny Hope Turner, 25, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Kyle Thayer, 35, of Gaithersburg, Maryland
• Kyle Allen Finch, 23, of Hedgesville, West Virginia
• Corbin Charles Linthicum, 22, of Kearneysville, West Virginia
• Mikayla Doreen Thornton, 23, of Martinsburg, West Virginia

Further, the indictment alleges that a co-conspirator, Shants, possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activities. 

All defendants have been arrested with the exception of Sophia Hizer and Shayla Wetzel, who are considered fugitives.

The defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the drug conspiracy charge.  Shants faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  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; ATF; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Martinsburg Police Department; the Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department; the Virginia State Police, Montgomery County; and Maryland State Attorney’s Office investigated.

Eutylone, a synthetic cathinone with a chemical structural similar to Schedule I and II amphetamines and cathinones, such as MDMA/ecstasy, is an illegal, Schedule I controlled substance.  Eutylone became a scheduled drug in 2018, and the eastern panhandle of West Virginia has seen an increase in the drug’s popularity in the last several years.  This indictment is the largest conspiracy charged thus far for eutylone distribution in the Northern District of West Virginia.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Eugene Wilson, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Wilson, 51, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Solicitation of Child Pornography.” Wilson admitted to asking a minor for sexually explicit material which contained a visual depiction of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The crime took place in Ohio County and elsewhere in October 2019.

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

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – An Ohio man has been indicted on federal drug and gun charges after a traffic stop in Wheeling yielded a large quantity of fentanyl and a pill press used to make counterfeit tablets containing the synthetic opioid.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Christopher W. Thomas, 32, of Thornville, was indicted on Tuesday by a federal grand jury with the possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine as well as the unlawful possession of a firearm.

Thomas was stopped by the West Virginia State Police on March 3, 2022, on Wheeling Island. Arresting officers found 240 grams of suspected fentanyl in his possession, in powder form and in the form of counterfeit Xanax pills. Thomas possessed other items necessary to manufacture pills, including a metal pill press with a hydraulic jack, cutting agents, and a portable mixer.

"Drug traffickers are mass-producing fake pills that contain lethal doses of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Mr. Thomas had a portable laboratory in his car and possessed everything necessary to make his own tablets and then sell them to unsuspecting customers in the Ohio Valley."

Officers also recovered a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, a box of additional ammunition, nearly $5,000 in cash, and 81 grams of methamphetamine.

Thomas is facing up to 20 years of incarceration for each of the drug counts and up to 10 years of on the gun 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 Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police, the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and ATF investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Edward Lee Nelson, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Nelson, 29, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.” Nelson, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having 20 cartridges of ammunition in November 2020 in Marshall County.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Marcus Anthony Long, of Benwood, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Long, also known as “Tony,” 59, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Long admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in October 2021 in Ohio County.

Long 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.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Keejuan Mayes, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Mayes, 30, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Stout admitted to distributing heroin near a playground in Clarksburg in March 2019.

Mayes faces at least one year and up to 40 years of incarceration and 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Carlos Leeper, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 96 months of incarceration for his role in a drug conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Leeper, also known as “Los,” 58, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Leeper admitted to owning a house on South York Street on Wheeling Island for the purpose of storing and selling heroin and cocaine base, also known as “crack.” The house is within 1,000 feet of Jensen Playground. The crime occurred from May 2019 to August 2020.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

Find the original press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/26-charged-drug-conspiracy-involving-heroin-fentanyl-crack-cocaine-and-meth-wheeling

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Myron Henderson, of Euclid, Ohio, was sentenced today to 110 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Henderson, also known as “Charlie,” age 41, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Henderson admitted to selling methamphetamine near North Park Apartments in June 2019 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, 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 – Travis E. Vossen, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 97 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Vossen, 32, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” Vossen admitted to selling fentanyl near Ritchie Elementary School in Ohio County in May 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 – Darius Alexander Savage, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Savage, 23, was indicted today on one count of “Stealing Firearm from a Dealer” and one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” Savage is accused of stealing three pistols from a licensed firearms dealer in February 2022 in Ohio County.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The ATF, West Virginia State Police, and the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Holly Christine Jenkins, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 79 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Jenkins, 58, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Jenkins admitted to selling methamphetamine fin April 2021 in Wetzel County.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Cheryl M. Zambori, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, was sentenced today to 27 months of incarceration for an embezzlement charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Zambori, 50, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Wire Fraud.” Zambori was employed as a Finance Manager at Litman Excavating, Inc. in New Martinsville, West Virginia. Beginning in July 2016, Zambori began a scheme to take $317,290.53 from the Litman business account held at a bank in Wheeling, West Virginia, and transfer funds to her personal accounts held out of state.

Zambori was ordered to pay restitution to Litman Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $317,290.53.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Edward Lamp, II, of East Liverpool, Ohio, was sentenced today to 135 months of incarceration for drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Lamp, also known as “Chubs,” 43, pleaded guilty in December 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Lamp admitted to working with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine from September 2020to February 2021 in Hancock County and elsewhere, including the Northern District of Ohio.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dallas Michael Acoff, of Euclid, Ohio, was indicted today on drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Acoff, also known as “Dal,” 33, was indicted today on one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” Acoff is accused of selling cocaine, also known as “coke,” cocaine base, also known as “crack,” methamphetamine, and fentanyl in February 2022 in Ohio County.

Acoff faces at least one year and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for the distribution near a protected location charge and faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 each of the remaining charges. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dalton Kade Riggs, of Cameron, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Riggs, 34, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Riggs admitted to distributing methamphetamine in March 2021 in Marshall County.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Lee Shrout, of Independence, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Shrout, 30, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Stout, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in February 2021 in Preston 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 West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shane I. Thomason, of Brooklyn, New York, has admitted to his role in a firearms conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Thomason, 21, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Violate Federal Firearms Laws” and one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” Thomason admitted to working with others to illegally purchase firearms and making false statements to illegally purchase firearms in April 2021 in Marion County.

Thomason faces up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy charge and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and fine of up to $250,000 for the false statement 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. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sarah Kuhn, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years of probation for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Kuhn, 31, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms.” Kuhn admitted to working with another to purchase a firearm, making a false statement claiming the firearm was for her, when, in, fact, the firearm was meant for someone else. The crime occurred in July 2020 in Monongalia County.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tia Stout, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Stout, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Stout admitted to working with another to distribute heroin near a playground in Clarksburg in April 2019.

Stout faces at least one year and up to 40 years of incarceration and 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – David Abreu, of Fisher, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Abreu, 41, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting.” Abreu admitted to selling methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in Hardy County in February 2021.

Abreu 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.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Katrina Ann Sears, of Belington, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Sears, 42, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Distribution of a Firearm.” Sears admitted to selling a semi-automatic rifle to a convicted felon in October 2019 in Barbour County.

Sears 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 & Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

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

Howard, 24, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Howard, a person prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having a pistol in May 2020 in Monongalia County.

Howard 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 Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Shaquan Osullivan Kelly, of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Kelly, 25, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Kelly admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in August 2018 in Jefferson County.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gregory Stump, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was found guilty today of a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

After a two-day trial, Stump, 52, was found guilty of one count of “Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number.” Stump had a .45 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number in April 2020 in Monongalia County.

Stumps faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000 fine. 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 prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daquan E’mon Hunt, of Washington, D.C., has admitted a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Hunt, 25, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” Hunt admitted to making false statements to illegally purchase firearms in July 2021 in Berkeley County.

Hunt 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 and West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kyle Flack, of Camden, New Jersey, was sentenced today to five years of probation for his role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Flack, 38, pled guilty in November 2020 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.” Flack admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl from June to November 2019 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.

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 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.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Karim Irvin Brooks, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to four years of probation for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Brooks, 26, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.” Brooks admitted to working with others to sell heroin in February 2020 in Berkeley County.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sean Amos Robinson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Robinson, also known as “Zoo,” 36, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Eutylone.” Robinson admitted to working with others to distribute Eutylone from June 2019 to December 2020 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Gordon Farmer, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years of probation for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Farmer, 53, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Base and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Farmer admitted to working with others to distribute drugs from July 2018 to June 2021 in Jefferson County and elsewhere.

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

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

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

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

Sinclair, 35, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Heroin and Cocaine Base.” Sinclair 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.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Chad C. Newcome, of Rock Cave, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 125 months of incarceration for carjacking and firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Newcome, 41, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of “Carjacking” and one count of “Use of Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.” Newcome admitted to attempting to steal a 2018 Dodge Ram Truck on March 10, 2021 in Upshur County. Newcome used a 12-gauge shotgun during the carjacking.

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

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Edwin Mack Taylor, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 86 months of incarceration for selling methamphetamine, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Taylor, 54, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Taylor sold methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in January 2020 in Randolph County.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jalen T. McKissick, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

McKissick, 27, pleaded guilty today to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” McKissick admitted to making false statements to illegally purchase firearms in April 2021 in Marion County.

McKissick 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.

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

Moody, 27, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Moody, a person prohibited from having firearms, admitted to having a firearm in June 2020 in Monongalia County.

Moody 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 Zelda E. Wesley 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.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon Cody Sabol, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 97 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Sabol, 32, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Sabol admitted to having an image of child pornography containing a child under the age of 12 in October 2020 in Berkeley County. Sabol was uploading child pornography to a social media app KIK in May 2020. West Virginia State Police were alerted, executed a search at his home in October 2020, and seized his iPhone. More than 3,300 images and 52 videos of child pornography were found on Sabol’s phone.

Sabol’s sentence will be followed by 40 years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $55,000 in restitution.

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced today that Jordan Palmer has joined the office as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Wheeling.

Palmer will serve in the office’s civil division, a unit that defends federal agencies when sued in court, prosecutes civil enforcement matters, and collects debts owed to the United States.

“Jordan brings a wealth of litigation experience with him from the private sector,” said Ihlenfeld. “We’re fortunate to be able to add an individual with his talents to our team, someone who can hit the ground running and who will be a mainstay in the office for years to come.”

Palmer has practiced law in state and federal court in West Virginia and Ohio since 2015, with a focus on civil litigation. He graduated from West Virginia University with degrees in political science and philosophy, and from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Palmer lives in Wheeling with his family.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Curtis Delawder, of Moorefield, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 80 months of incarceration for a methamphetamine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Delawder, 38, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Delawder admitted to selling methamphetamine in Hardy County in October 2020.

Delawder was also ordered to forfeit three firearms, ammunition, and $4942 in cash believed to be proceeds from the crime.

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kristina Gilmore, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to four years of probation for drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Gilmore, also known as “Diamond,” 26, pled guilty in December 2020 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Cocaine Base” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl Mixture.” Gilmore admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base in February 2020 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

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

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

OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level 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.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jonathan Andrew Swiger, of Belington, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Swiger, 33, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine.” Swiger admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in February 2021 in Taylor County.

Swiger faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mountain Region Drug Task Force, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn Brookins, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer T. Conklin 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 – Chad Perkins, of Wallace, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Perkins, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Perkins, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, admitted to having 41 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition in an AR conversion drum magazine in August 2021 in Harrison County.

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

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