Northern District of West Virginia

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher M. Vickers, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 104 months for carjacking and firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Vickers, 32, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of “Carjacking” and one count of “Use of Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.”

On June 3, 2020, Vickers drove to a residence in Shinnston, West Virginia to take a motorcycle.  Vickers admitted to grabbing a woman by her hair and holding a gun to her head, demanding the location of the motorcycle. Vickers admitted to attempting to take the motorcycle from the property.

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 Shinnston Police Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dennis Lee Boyce, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

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

Boyce 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 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.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Heather Lynn Pratt, of Fort Myers, Florida, was sentenced today to five years of probation for bankruptcy fraud, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Pratt, 32, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Fraudulent Concealment of Bankruptcy Assets.” At the time of the offense, Pratt was employed by Emerald Grande, LLC and had access to the finances of the Florida-based company. Emerald Grande was operating two La Quinta Inn & Suites in West Virginia, one in Elkview and the other in Summersville, as well as a commercial property in Charleston known as the Kanawha Landing Property. Emerald Grande was a debtor in a bankruptcy case filed and pending in Clarksburg United States Bankruptcy Court.

Pratt admitted to concealing more than $145,000 she embezzled from the operating account of the LaQuinta Inn & Suites in Summersville from the bankruptcy trustee, when in fact, that money belonged to the debtor, Emerald Grande, LLC.

Pratt was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $145,386.93 to the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee.

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

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

MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – Fentanyl will be the focus of an event next week in Morgantown that will bring national experts to West Virginia to identify solutions to the substance abuse crisis.

Top officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, and the U.S. Border Patrol will be featured at the West Virginia Fentanyl Symposium, to be held on March 24. The audience will be filled with prosecutors, sheriffs, and police chiefs from throughout the state.

Speakers at the event will include Raymond Donovan, Chief of Operations at the DEA, who will address the Mexican cartel threat to the United States. Dr. Grant Baldwin, head of overdose prevention for the CDC, will discuss his agency’s response to the current crisis. Best-selling author Ben Westhoff, who penned the book “Fentanyl, Inc.”, will share his research on the fentanyl factories in China. The complete agenda can be found at https://www.ahidta.org.

“Fentanyl is widely available, highly addictive and causing damage to West Virginia unlike any other drug ever has,” said William Ihlenfeld, United States Attorney for the Northern District. “It’s critical that we hear from the best and the brightest as we fine tune our approach to enforcement and prevention.”

“A tragic number of West Virginians are losing their lives to fentanyl-related overdose deaths, devastating families and communities,” said Will Thompson, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District.  “The West Virginia Fentanyl Symposium provides a valuable opportunity for us to learn from law enforcement, prevention and treatment leaders and to further sharpen our “all hands on deck” response to the opioid epidemic.”   

Drug task force commanders will participate in a separate track, to share best practices and new trends in drug trafficking, and to finalize a statewide fentanyl enforcement strategy.

The invitation-only event is sponsored by the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area with support from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Prezioso has been selected to lead the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for West Virginia’s Northern District.

U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced today that Prezioso will serve as Civil Chief for the office, overseeing a team of attorneys who defend federal agencies when sued in court, prosecute civil enforcement matters, and collect debts owed to the United States.

“Chris is a highly skilled lawyer with nearly two decades of legal experience, including 15 years in the private sector,” said Ihlenfeld. “He has been a major contributor to the office, especially in his role as the health care fraud coordinator. I’m excited for him to take the reins of the civil division.”

Since joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2018, Prezioso has acted as lead counsel in a wide variety of civil matters, handling Federal Tort Claims Act and employment discrimination cases, as well as the affirmative civil enforcement cases. 

Prezioso is a lifelong resident of West Virginia and has practiced law throughout the state. Before joining the United States Attorney’s Office, he worked at Dinsmore in its civil litigation practice group. Prezioso is a 2003 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law and lives in Wheeling with his family.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald Edward Hunker, of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, has admitted to a sex offender registry violation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Hunker, 40, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.” Hunker, who is required to register as a sex offender, failed to update is registration when he traveled from out-of-state to stay in Preston County from May to August of 2020.

Hunker 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 United States Marshals Service investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyler Oliver, of St. Louisville, Ohio, was sentenced today to 37 months of incarceration for a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Oliver, age 36, pleaded guilty in October 2019 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute 3,4-Dichloro-N-[2-(dimethylamino) cyclohexyl]-Nmethylbenzamide (“U47700”).” Oliver admitted to working with another to distribute “U47700,” a synthetic opioid, from June 2016 to December 2016 in Ohio County and elsewhere.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated.

U.S. District Judge James Preston Bailey presided.

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

Finch, 30, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Base, Fentanyl, and Methamphetamine Hydrochloride” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Finch admitted to working with Breeden to distribute cocaine base, fentanyl, and methamphetamine hydrochloride from January 2020 to February 2021 in Berkeley County. Finch, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a .410 revolver, a .380 pistol, and a semi-automatic rifle in February 2021 in Berkeley County.

Breeden, also known as “Brittany Marie Finch,” 28, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl.” Breeden admitted to selling fentanyl in February 2021 in Berkeley County.

Finch faces up to 20 years of incarceration and fine of up to $1,000,000 for the conspiracy charge and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. Breeden faces up to 20 years of incarceration and 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. ATF and the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Carrie A. Aughtry, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years of probation for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Aughtry, also known as “Corey Aughtry,”, 43, pleaded guilty in August 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Aughtry admitted to selling methamphetamine in July 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.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – William Glenn Vance, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years of probation for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Vance, 44, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Buprenorphine – Aiding and Abetting.” Vance admitted to selling buprenorphine in September 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 Moorefield Police Department, the West Virginia State Police and the Grant County Sheriff’s Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony R. Riley, II, of Shinnston, West Virginia, has admitted a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Riley, 25, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Riley, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in February 2021 in Harrison County.

Riley 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 and the Shinnston Police Department investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kaemon Bernard-Donyell King, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

King, also known as “Twin,” 20, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl in Proximity to a Protected Location.” King admitted to selling fentanyl near Fairmont Senior High School and Fairmont State University in July 2020 in Marion County.

King faces at least one and up 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David Shane Worrell, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, has admitted a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Worrell, 28, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Worrell, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in June 2020 in Berkeley County.

Worrell 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 – Rhonda Kay Spencer, of Pine Grove, West Virginia, has admitted to mail fraud, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Spencer, 52, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Mail Fraud.” At the time of the offense, Spencer was employed as the Recorder for the Town of Pine Grove, West Virginia.  Spencer submitted an application to WorkForce West Virginia, requesting CARES Act unemployment distributed by the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program in April 2020. Spencer then submitted weekly certifications to WorkForce, falsely stating that she was unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spencer obtained approximately $14,308 during this scheme.  

Spencer faces up 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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Auditor’s Office Public Integrity Fraud Unit and WorkForce West Virginia Office of Inspector General investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William J. Birdsall, of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, was indicted today in connection to two bank robberies, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Birdsall, 50, was indicted today on two counts of “Bank Robbery.” Birdsall is accused of robbing the Bank of Romney in Hampshire County on September 22, 2021, taking $13,420 in cash. He is also charged with robbing the M&T Bank in Mineral County on February 3, 2022, taking $1,200 in cash.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Travis Jackson Latta, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Latta, 34, is charged with one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Latta, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a felony conviction, is accused of having a 9mm pistol in May 2020 in Berkeley County.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor F. Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Hollie D. Adkins, an inmate formerly housed at Federal Correctional Institution Hazelton, was indicted today on contraband charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Adkins, 34, was indicted today on one count of “Conspiracy to Introduce and Obtain a Prohibited Object (Narcotic)” and one count of “Attempt to Introduce a Prohibited Object (Narcotic).” Adkins is accused of working with others to smuggle suboxone into FCI Hazelton from the summer of 2021 to October 2021 in Preston County.

Adkins is facing up to five years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the conspiracy charge and faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the attempt 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 Prisons Special Investigative Services and the DEA investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jesse James Wilson, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Wilson, 38, was indicted today on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine,” two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession of Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime,” one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises,” and one count of “Removing Property Subject to Forfeiture.” Wilson is accused of trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine from the summer of 2021 to October 2021 in Harrison County and elsewhere. Wilson is accused of maintaining a property on Chestnut Street in Clarksburg to further this conspiracy.

As a part of the indictment, the government is seeking Wilson to forfeit four firearms, ammunition, more than $9,000 in cash, and 27 pre-paid gift cards.

Wilson is facing up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the conspiracy count and each of the distribution counts. He faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration for the 50 grams or more count. Wilson faces at least five years and up to life of incarceration for the use of a firearm during a crime of violence count. He also faces up to five years of incarceration for the removing property 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 Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the DEA; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; and the Martinsburg Police investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ashley Marie Weber, of Thornton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 336 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Weber, 39, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Production of Child Pornography.” Weber admitted to using a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct and producing child pornography from that conduct in June 2020 in Taylor County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Asante James, of Freeport, Illinois, was sentenced today to time served for a counterfeit charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

James, 22, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Possession of Counterfeit Obligations.” James admitted to having sixty-nine $100 counterfeit bills in December 2020 in Ritchie County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service, the Ritchie County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Charleston Police Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Clarissa Mosley, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced today to time served for a counterfeit charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Mosley, 25, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Possession of Counterfeit Obligations.” Mosley admitted to having sixty-nine $100 counterfeit bills in December 2020 in Ritchie County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service, the Ritchie County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Charleston Police Department investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dextavious McCurry, of Commerce, Georgia, has admitted to drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

McCurry, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” McCurry admitted to having heroin and fentanyl in January 2021 in Berkeley County.  McCurry, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, also admitted to having a 9mm pistol.

McCurry faces up 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the drug charge and faces up to 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darius McNeal, an inmate at Federal Corrections Institution Gilmer, was sentenced today to eight months of incarceration for indecent exposure, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

McNeal, 20, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to three counts of “Indecent Exposure.” McNeal admitted to exposing himself and committing sexual acts in front of another person on three separate occasions in November 2019m December 2019, and June 2020 in Gilmer County.

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

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Billy Ray Shamblin, II, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Shamblin, 37, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Shamblin admitted to selling methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” 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 Task Force investigated.

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

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

Woody, 42, pleaded guilty today to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Woody admitted to distributing methamphetamine in April 2020 in Monongalia County.

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

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

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

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

Lovett, 39, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Base and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Lovett admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” from November 2020 to March 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

Lovett 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; the United States Marshals Service; the Department of Homeland Security; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; and the Washington County, Maryland, Narcotics Task Force investigated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeremiah Lincoln Seib, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years of probation for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Seib, 42, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Seib, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a robbery conviction, admitted to having a .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol in December 2020 in Grant County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jontue Coleman, of Cleveland, Ohio, has admitted to his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Coleman, age 45, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Cocaine Hydrochloride, Methamphetamine, and Heroin.” Coleman admitted to working with others to sell cocaine base, cocaine hydrochloride, methamphetamine, and heroin in Ohio County, the Southern District of Ohio, and elsewhere from June 2019 to August 2021.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Samantha Frost, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to her involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Frost, age 38, pleaded guilty today to one count of "Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Frost admitted to working with others to sell cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” near North Park Apartments in Ohio County in January 2020.

Frost faces at least one and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Edgar Eugene Hatten, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

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

Hatten faces at least one year and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Ian Andre Carr, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 151 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Carr, 50, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl and Heroin.” Carr admitted to distributing the substances in February 2018 in Berkeley County.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kasem Damone Humphrey, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to four years of probation for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Humphrey, 37, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Humphrey admitted to distributing heroin in October 2017 in Jefferson County.

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Brooke Janine Hayes, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Hayes, 39, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” and to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.”  Hayes admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine in Marshall County from February to April  2021, as well as selling methamphetamine near Golden Towers in Marshall County in March 2021.

Hayes faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the conspiracy count and faces at least one and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for the distribution near a protected location 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 Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Scott Allen Greenwalt, of Moorefield, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Greenwalt, 49, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Greenwalt admitted to having more than five grams or more of methamphetamine in April 2021 in Hardy County.

Greenwalt faces at least five and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Edson Velasquez-Lopez, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Velasquez-Lopez, 51, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Use of a Communication Device.” Velasquez-Lopez admitted to using a phone to distribute cocaine hydrochloride in March 2021 in Berkeley County.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Timothy D. Helman are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jay Dean Hall, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 106 months of incarceration for drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Hall, 56, pled guilty in December 2020 to on one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime.” Hall admitted to using his home on Spencer Drive in Petersburg as a drug distribution location and having a 9mm rifle in his home. The crimes occurred 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, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

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

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

Henderson, 42, pleaded guilty today to one count of Distribution of Five Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Henderson admitted to working with another to sell more than five grams of methamphetamine in May 2019.

Henderson faces at least five and up 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacque Phillips, of Weirton, West Virginia, has admitted to money laundering, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Phillips, also known as “Jacque Phillips-Brown,” 33, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Money Laundering.” Phillips was employed as a billing manager at a medical billing company in Steubenville, Ohio. Beginning in January 2018 through March 2019, Phillips defrauded her employer, her employer’s patients, and insurance companies out of more than $100,000. Phillips used the financial services company Square, Inc. by linking her personal bank accounts to the Square, Inc. accounts she registered in her employer’s name. Phillips then used those Square accounts to transfer funds paid to her employer, some from insurance and health care benefits programs, into her personal accounts.

Phillips faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000. 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 FBI investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Melissa Joann Hibbitts, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to her involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Hibbitts, age 35, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Cocaine Hydrochloride, Methamphetamine, and Heroin.” Hibbitts admitted to working with others to sell cocaine base, also known as “crack,” cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” and methamphetamine from June 2019 to August 2021 in Ohio County and elsewhere, including the Southern District of Ohio.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Reuben Jahmell Dauntez Donald, of Akron, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

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

Donald faces at least one 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Andre Duana Bundy, of Youngstown, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

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

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Billy Moore, a former inmate at USP Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, was indicted today on an assault charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Moore, 24, was indicted today on one count of “Assault of a Correctional Officer Involving Physical Contact.” Moore is accused of assaulting a corrections officer in March 2021 at USP Hazleton.

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

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Lee Starkey, Jr., of Mount Clare, West Virginia, was indicted today on a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Starkey, 28, was indicted today on one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Starkey, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of previous convictions, is accused of having semi-automatic pistol in July 2021 in Taylor County.

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

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jesse Ross Duke, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was indicted today on a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Duke, 34, was indicted today on one count of “Theft of Firearms.” Duke is accused of taking 13 firearms that included pistols, rifles, shotguns, and revolvers, from a licensed firearms dealer in June 2021 in Marion County.

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

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Cedrick Dion Tyron Griffin, of Detroit, Michigan, was indicted today on a methamphetamine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Griffin, also known as “Tay,” 23, was indicted today on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams of More of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 grams or more of Fentanyl,” one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 grams or more of Fentanyl,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Griffin is accused of having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 40 grams of fentanyl in May and June 2021 in Monongalia County. Authorities also seized more than $27,000 in connection with the case.

Griffin faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration for the 50 grams or more of methamphetamine charge. He faces at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration for each of the 40 grams or more of fentanyl counts. Griffin is facing up to 20 years of incarceration for each of the remaining 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. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Three Rivers Drug Task Force investigated.

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

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

White, 40, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Device.” White admitted to using a phone to help distribute heroin in December 2020 in Berkeley County.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Timothy D. Helman are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Dewayne Simmons, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Simmons, 29, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine—Aiding and Abetting.” Simmons admitted to selling methamphetamine in November 2020 in Randolph County.

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

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Albert Perry Shreve, III, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

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

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

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.