Northern District of West Virginia

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kaprice D. Russell, of Steubenville, Ohio, has admitted to drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Russell, age 34, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Cocaine Hydrochloride, Methamphetamine, and Heroin,” “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride within 1000 feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.”  Russell admitted to working with others to sell cocaine base, cocaine hydrochloride, methamphetamine and heroin from June 2019 to August 2021 in Ohio County and elsewhere, including the Southern District of Ohio.

Russell f faces at least one year and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for the aiding and abetting near a protected location charge and faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the other 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, 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.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ana Amesquita, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, has admitted to bank fraud, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Amesquita, 26, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Bank Fraud.” Amesquita was the head teller at the Inwood branch of City National Bank. In June 2019, Amesquita began a scheme to process ATM deposits without the supervision of a second bank employee, violating the bank’s policy. She would then take some of the cash for her own personal use and misrepresent the facts in the general ledger.

As a part of the plea agreement, Amesquita agreed to pay $144,661 in restitution to the bank.

Amesquita faces up to 30 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 Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Secret Service investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Wayne Dadisman, of Philippi, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Dadisman, 49, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Dadisman admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in June 2021 in Barbour County.

Dadisman faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

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

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

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

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Brent Collum, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

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

Collum 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 Timothy D. Helman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Charles Town Police Department investigated. 

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

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

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

Hinton 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.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Dustin Allen Summerfield, of Beverly, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Summerfield, age 30, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Summerfield admitted to selling methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in October 2020 in Randolph County.

Summerfield faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,0000. 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.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eleven people have been indicted for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that caused large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to flow from Detroit to West Virginia, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

A 35-count indictment unsealed today alleges that the defendants – eight of whom are from the Detroit area - conspired to sell illicit drugs from October 2020 to February 2022 in Monongalia County and elsewhere.

“We continue to see a significant influx of drugs from Detroit to the Morgantown region,” said Ihlenfeld. “The collaboration by law enforcement agencies in West Virginia with those in Michigan ensures that drug traffickers who operate across state lines will be held accountable.”

Those charged are:

• William Trice, 31, of Eastpointe, Michigan
• Rico Crawford, 39, of Canton, Michigan
• Addonis Moore, 27, of Detroit, Michigan
• Jovonne Haynes, 26, of Detroit, Michigan
• Giovanni George, 32, of Taylor, Michigan
• Lewis Johnson, 34, of Detroit, Michigan
• Lloyd Vaughn, 27, of Detroit, Michigan
• Kenneth Jones, 27, of Detroit, Michigan
• Dayshawn Burton, 26, of Hamilton, Ohio
• Adrianna Bean, 21, of Morgantown, West Virginia
• Derrick Hamlet, 27, of Morgantown West Virginia

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration Clarksburg RO; the FBI Clarksburg RA; the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; WVU Police Department; the DEA Cincinnati District Office; the DEA Detroit Field Division; and the FBI Detroit investigated.

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

Read the indictment here: 

Trice et al Filed Indictment

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jackson Skye Yeager, of Farmington, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Yeager, 28, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Yeager, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a domestic violence conviction, admitted to having a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in February 2020 in Marion County.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David Gamble, of Masontown, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin drug distribution operation, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Gamble, age 57, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Gamble admitted to working with another to distribute methamphetamine in April 2020 in Monongalia County.

Gamble 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 Preston County Sheriff's Office, the Mineral County Sheriff's Office, 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.

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

WASHINGTON – A Maryland woman pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to communicate Restricted Data related to the design of nuclear-powered warships. Her husband pleaded guilty to the same offense on Monday, Feb. 14. 

Diana Toebbe, 46, of Annapolis, Maryland, was arrested on Oct. 9, 2021, , for knowingly and voluntarily joining a conspiracy with her husband, Jonathan Toebbe, to communicate Restricted Data to a foreign nation.  During the course of the conspiracy, Diana Toebbe served as a lookout while her husband serviced three “dead-drops.”

Diana Toebbe, 46, of Annapolis, Maryland, was arrested on Oct. 9, 2021, , for knowingly and voluntarily joining a conspiracy with her husband, Jonathan Toebbe, to communicate Restricted Data to a foreign nation.  During the course of the conspiracy, Diana Toebbe served as a lookout while her husband serviced three “dead-drops.”

According to court documents, at the time of his arrest, Jonathan Toebbe was an employee of the Department of the Navy who served as a nuclear engineer and was assigned to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors. He held an active national security clearance through the Department of Defense, giving him access to “Restricted Data” within the meaning of the Atomic Energy Act. Restricted Data concerns design, manufacture or utilization of atomic weapons, or production of Special Nuclear Material (SNM), or use of SNM in the production of energy – such as naval reactors. Jonathan Toebbe worked with and had access to information concerning naval nuclear propulsion including information related to military sensitive design elements, operating parameters and performance characteristics of the reactors for nuclear powered warships.

According to court documents, Jonathan Toebbe sent a package to a foreign government, listing a return address in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, containing a sample of Restricted Data and instructions for establishing a covert relationship to purchase additional Restricted Data. Jonathan Toebbe began corresponding via encrypted email with an individual whom he believed to be a representative of the foreign government. The individual was really an undercover FBI agent. Jonathan Toebbe continued this correspondence for several months, which led to an agreement to sell Restricted Data in exchange for thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency.

On June 8, 2021, the undercover agent sent $10,000 in cryptocurrency to Jonathan Toebbe as “good faith” payment. Shortly afterwards, on June 26, Jonathan Toebbe serviced a dead drop by placing an SD card, which was concealed within half a peanut butter sandwich and contained military sensitive design elements relating to submarine nuclear reactors, at a pre-arranged location. After retrieving the SD card, the undercover agent sent Jonathan Toebbe a $20,000 cryptocurrency payment. In return, Jonathan Toebbe emailed the undercover agent a decryption key for the SD Card. A review of the SD card revealed that it contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. On Aug. 28, Jonathan Toebbe made another “dead drop” of an SD card in eastern Virginia, this time concealing the card in a chewing gum package. After making a payment to Jonathan Toebbe of $70,000 in cryptocurrency, the FBI received a decryption key for the card. It, too, contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. The FBI arrested Jonathan Toebbe and his wife on Oct. 9, after he placed yet another SD card at a pre-arranged “dead drop” at a second location in West Virginia.

Diana Toebbe pleaded guilty to count one of the indictment charging her with conspiracy to communicate Restricted Data which carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to life in prison, a fine up to $100,000, and term of supervised release not more than five years. Pursuant to her plea agreement, Diana Toebbe will serve sentence of not more than 36 months of imprisonment in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and NCIS are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Matthew J. McKenzie and S. Derek Shugert of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara Omps-Botteicher of the Northern District of West Virginia and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case. 

A Maryland woman pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to communicate Restricted Data related to the design of nuclear-powered warships. Her husband pleaded guilty to the same offense on Monday, Feb. 14.

Diana Toebbe, 46, of Annapolis, was arrested on Oct. 9, 2021, for knowingly and voluntarily joining a conspiracy with her husband, Jonathan Toebbe, to communicate Restricted Data to a foreign nation. During the course of the conspiracy, Diana Toebbe served as a lookout while her husband serviced three “dead-drops.”

According to court documents, at the time of his arrest, Jonathan Toebbe was an employee of the Department of the Navy who served as a nuclear engineer and was assigned to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors. He held an active national security clearance through the Department of Defense, giving him access to “Restricted Data” within the meaning of the Atomic Energy Act. Restricted Data concerns design, manufacture or utilization of atomic weapons, or production of Special Nuclear Material (SNM), or use of SNM in the production of energy – such as naval reactors. Jonathan Toebbe worked with and had access to information concerning naval nuclear propulsion including information related to military sensitive design elements, operating parameters and performance characteristics of the reactors for nuclear powered warships.

According to court documents, Jonathan Toebbe sent a package to a foreign government, listing a return address in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, containing a sample of Restricted Data and instructions for establishing a covert relationship to purchase additional Restricted Data. Jonathan Toebbe began corresponding via encrypted email with an individual whom he believed to be a representative of the foreign government. The individual was really an undercover FBI agent. Jonathan Toebbe continued this correspondence for several months, which led to an agreement to sell Restricted Data in exchange for thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency.

On June 8, 2021, the undercover agent sent $10,000 in cryptocurrency to Jonathan Toebbe as “good faith” payment. Shortly afterwards, on June 26, Dianna Toebbe acted as a lookout while Jonathan Toebbe serviced a dead drop by placing an SD card, which was concealed within half a peanut butter sandwich and contained military sensitive design elements relating to submarine nuclear reactors, at a pre-arranged location. After retrieving the SD card, the undercover agent sent Jonathan Toebbe a $20,000 cryptocurrency payment. In return, Jonathan Toebbe emailed the undercover agent a decryption key for the SD Card. A review of the SD card revealed that it contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. On Aug. 28, Jonathan Toebbe made another “dead drop” of an SD card in eastern Virginia, this time concealing the card in a chewing gum package. After making a payment to Jonathan Toebbe of $70,000 in cryptocurrency, the FBI received a decryption key for the card. It, too, contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. The FBI arrested Diana Toebbe and her husband on Oct. 9, after she acted as a lookout while Jonathan Toebbe placed yet another SD card at a pre-arranged “dead drop” at a second location in West Virginia.

Diana Toebbe pleaded guilty to count one of the indictment charging her with conspiracy to communicate Restricted Data which carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to life in prison, a fine up to $100,000, and term of supervised release not more than five years. Pursuant to her plea agreement, Diana Toebbe will serve a sentence of not more than 36 months of imprisonment in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Matthew J. McKenzie and S. Derek Shugert of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara Omps-Botteicher of the Northern District of West Virginia and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case.

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

Trayham, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Trayham admitted to working with others to sell heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base, and cocaine hydrochloride from August 20-20 to June 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

Trayham 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 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.

Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/34-indicted-expansive-drug-trafficking-operation

 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Arthur See, of Cabins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 96 months of incarceration for a methamphetamine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

See, 42, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” See admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in February 2019 in Grant County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The task force consists of the FBI, West Virginia State Police, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Lorenzo Clark, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Clark, also known as “Renny,” age 40, pled guilty in November 2020 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Clark admitted to selling cocaine near the Hil-Dar housing complex in Ohio County in May 2020.

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, Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department, investigated. 

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Scott Everly, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 37 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Everly, also known as “Capt,” 70, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Everly admitted to selling methamphetamine near Riverview Towers in Wheeling in July 2019.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bonnie Lou Breeden, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug distribution enterprise, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
 
Breeden, 53, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.”  Breeden admitted to working with others in a drug distribution operation in Berkeley County and elsewhere from June 2019 to October 2020.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office assisted.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. 

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

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

 

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

Dick, 46, pleaded guilty today to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearm.” Dick admitted to falsifying a form to purchase a firearm for someone else in March 2020 in Berkeley County.

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

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Gene Barron, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution enterprise, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.
 
Barron, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.”  Barron admitted to working with others in a drug distribution operation in Berkeley County and elsewhere from June 2019 to October 2020.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office assisted.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Anthony Doty, of Steubenville, Ohio, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Doty, 35, pleaded guilty today on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Doty, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, admitted to having a 12-gauge shotgun in December 2019 in Brooke County.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources investigated.

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

WASHINGTON – A Maryland man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to communicate restricted data related to the design of nuclear-powered warships to a person he believed was a representative of a foreign nation.

Jonathan Toebbe, 43, of Annapolis, was arrested on Oct. 9, 2021, after he placed an SD card at a pre-arranged “dead drop” at a location in West Virginia. According to court documents, at the time of his arrest, Toebbe was an employee of the Department of the Navy who served as a nuclear engineer and was assigned to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors. He held an active national security clearance through the Department of Defense, giving him access to “Restricted Data” within the meaning of the Atomic Energy Act. Restricted Data concerns design, manufacture or utilization of atomic weapons, or production of Special Nuclear Material (SNM), or use of SNM in the production of energy – such as naval reactors. Toebbe worked with and had access to information concerning naval nuclear propulsion including information related to military sensitive design elements, operating parameters and performance characteristics of the reactors for nuclear powered warships.

“Among the secrets the U.S. government most zealously protects are those related to the design of its nuclear-powered warships,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The defendant was entrusted with some of those secrets and instead of guarding them, he betrayed the trust placed in him and conspired to sell them to another country for personal profit. The Department of Justice will vigilantly protect the American people and our nation’s security by investigating and prosecuting those who violate their Constitutional oath and abuse their positions for personal gain.”

“The agents and prosecutors handling this matter are to be commended for their efforts,” said U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld for the Northern District of West Virginia. “They are talented and tenacious, and their work in this case has helped to make our country safer.”

“There’s a message here for anyone who would sell out America’s secrets,” said Assistant Director Alan E. Kohler, Jr. of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI and its partners will use all our investigative techniques to bring you to justice.”

“The FBI is relentless in its efforts to uncover those who seek to do our nation harm by targeting our most valuable secrets,” said Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. “This case is an example of the hard work and diligence of the FBI and our federal partners to neutralize and hold accountable those people who threaten our national security.”

“Today Jonathan Toebbe admitted that he violated federal law when he conspired with his wife to sell sensitive government information to a foreign power,” said U.S. Attorney Cindy Chung for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those who would pursue financial gain at the expense of their solemn duty to protect our country’s closely held secrets.”

“The overarching mission of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is to prevent terrorism, reduce crime and protect secrets, with a very high priority on protecting vital information such as the design and operation of nuclear-powered warships,” said Special Agent in Charge Michelle Kramer of the NCIS Office of Special Projects. “It’s this kind of technology that provides the Department of the Navy with capabilities unmatched by any of America’s adversaries. NCIS remains committed to protecting that information to ensure the readiness of the US Navy and Marine Corps.”

According to his plea, in April 2020, Toebbe sent a package to a foreign government, listing a return address in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, containing a sample of Restricted Data and instructions for establishing a covert relationship to purchase additional Restricted Data. Toebbe began corresponding via encrypted email with an individual whom he believed to be a representative of the foreign government. The individual was really an undercover FBI agent. Toebbe continued this correspondence for several months, which led to an agreement to sell Restricted Data in exchange for thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency.

On June 8, 2021, the undercover agent sent $10,000 in cryptocurrency to Toebbe as “good faith” payment. Shortly afterwards, on June 26, Toebbe serviced a dead drop by placing an SD card, which was concealed within half a peanut butter sandwich and contained military sensitive design elements relating to submarine nuclear reactors, at a pre-arranged location. After retrieving the SD card, the undercover agent sent Toebbe a $20,000 cryptocurrency payment. In return, Toebbe emailed the undercover agent a decryption key for the SD Card. A review of the SD card revealed that it contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. On Aug. 28, Toebbe made another “dead drop” of an SD card in eastern Virginia, this time concealing the card in a chewing gum package. After making a payment to Toebbe of $70,000 in cryptocurrency, the FBI received a decryption key for the card. It, too, contained Restricted Data related to submarine nuclear reactors. The FBI arrested Toebbe and his wife on Oct. 9, after he placed yet another SD card at a pre-arranged “dead drop” at a second location in West Virginia.

Toebbe pleaded guilty to count one of the indictment charging him with conspiracy to communicate Restricted Data which carries a maximum statutory penalty of up to life in prison, a fine up to $100,000, and term of supervised release not more than five years. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Toebbe will serve a minimum of 151 months, or 12 and a half years, in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and NCIS are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Matthew J. McKenzie and S. Derek Shugert of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara Omps-Botteicher of the Northern District of West Virginia, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar for the Western District of Pennsylvania are prosecuting the case. 
 

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

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

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

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Darrion Dabon Isimemen Ojezua, of Dayton, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

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

Ojezua 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 – Alante Martel Nelson, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Nelson, 29, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Nelson admitted to having heroin in August 2020 in Monongalia County. Nelson, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, also admitted to having a .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

Nelson faces up to 30 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for the drug charge and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Morgantown Police Department investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Charles Costello, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Costello, 53, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Costello admitted to selling 50 grams or more of methamphetamine for $7,500 in July 2020 in Marion County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the West Virginia State Police, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarksburg Police Department, and the Bridgeport Police Department.

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

 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Samuel Anthony Spilios, of Newell, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

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

Spilios faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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

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

Hockenberry, 48, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute More Than Five Grams of Methamphetamine.” Hockenberry admitted to having more than five grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in Hardy County in March 2021.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney 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 – Roger Allen See, of Wardensville, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

See, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” See admitted to distributing methamphetamine from September to November 2020 in Hardy County.

See 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Durrion Joshua Morrison, of Wilmington, Delaware, was sentenced today to time served for a cocaine charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Johnson, also known as “Nephew,” age 33, pleaded guilty in August 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Johnson admitted to distributing and possessing more than 12 grams of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in July 2016 in Berkeley County.

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. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Orville Darby, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 235 months of incarceration for drug distribution, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Darby, age 36, pled guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Cocaine Hydrochloride and Cocaine Base.” Darby admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, cocaine hydrochloride, and cocaine base from February 2019 to June 2019 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. 

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Kayla Lynn Jenkins, of Philippi, West Virginia, has admitted to drug and firearms charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Jenkins, 27, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” and one count of “False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of a Firearm.” Jenkins admitted to selling methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in August 2020 in Barbour County. Jenkins also admitted to a form to purchase a 9mm pistol from a dealer in September 2020 in Barbour County.

Jenkins faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1 million for the drug charge and faces up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christine Anders, of Hagerstown, Maryland, and Jackie Devon Thompson, of North Frederick, Maryland, have admitted to drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Anders, 26, and Thompson, 42, each pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Anders and Thompson admitted to working with others to distribute fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine hydrochloride from August 2020 to June 2021 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

Anders and Thompson each face 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher and Timothy D. Helman are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyrone Kareem Thomas, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for his role in a drug distribution enterprise, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Thomas, 41, pleaded guilty in May 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Participate in a Racketeering Enterprise (RICO Conspiracy).”  Thomas admitted to working with others in a drug distribution operation spanning Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and other locations. The criminal enterprise consisted of racketeering to hide thousands of dollars in proceeds from drug sales, acts of violence, and the distribution of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine base, and cocaine hydrochloride. The crime occurred in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties and elsewhere from June 2019 to October 2020.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the West Virginia Air National Guard investigated. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office assisted.

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

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

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

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Antonio Junior Guerrero, of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 87 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Guerrero, also known as “Mula,” 30, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Twenty-Eight Grams or More of Cocaine Base.” Guerrero admitted to working with others to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base 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.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dallas Marie Harris, of Inwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to time served for her role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Harris, 24, pleaded guilty in October 2020 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.” Harris admitted to working with another to distribute heroin and fentanyl in September 2019 in Jefferson County/

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

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

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

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

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

Johnson, 34, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.”  Johnson admitted to having cocaine hydrochloride in February 2021 in Berkley 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; The Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia Air National Guard, the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative (agencies included are the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department, Ranson Police Department, Charles Town Police Department, and Martinsburg City Police Department); West Virginia State Police; Customs and Border Protection; the Hagerstown Police Department; the National Resources Police Department; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; the New York Police Department; the New Jersey State Police; the Washington County (Maryland) Drug Task Force; the Maryland State Police; the  U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland;  and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania investigated.

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

Find the original press release here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/34-indicted-expansive-drug-trafficking-operation

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Windsor Nycklass, of West Park, Florida, was sentenced today to 36 months of incarceration for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Nycklass, 32, pleaded guilty in August 2021 to one count of “Wire Fraud” and one count of “Aggravated Identity Theft.”  In March and April 2015, Nycklass unlawfully obtained the names, dates of birth, and social security numbers of multiple taxpayers without their knowledge and consent.  Nycklass then used the taxpayers’ information to fraudulently access the IRS eAuthentication (“eAuth”) Online Taxpayer System.  Nycklass then filed fraudulent tax returns using the taxpayers’ identities.  The fraudulent tax returns were processed at an IRS facility location in Martinsburg.

Nycklass was ordered to pay $50,801 in restitution to the IRS.

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

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

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Curtis Davis, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for drug distribution, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Davis, age 31, pled guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Davis admitted to having 28 grams or more of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in June 2019 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. 

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

 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Cheyanne Mary Katherine Winning, of Montrose, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Winning, 30, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine—Aiding and Abetting.” Winning admitted to selling methamphetamine in November 2020 in Randolph County.

Winning 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.

 

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

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

Darlington 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 Eleanor F. Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated.

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

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

Johnson, 25, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” Johnson admitted to having fentanyl in September 2020 in Monongalia County.

Johnson 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyreese Marsh, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation in Marion County, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Marsh, 29, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.”  Marsh admitted to working with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in October 2019 in Marion County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the White Hall Police Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Donovan Swift, of Shelby Township, Michigan, was sentenced today to 21 months of incarceration for a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Swift, 31, pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Swift admitted to distributing cocaine in October 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.

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

 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kristen Hoffler, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Hoffler, age 26, pleaded guilty in July 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Fentanyl,” one count of  “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin within 1000 feet of a Protected Location,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Hoffler admitted to working with other individuals to distribute heroin and cocaine base, also known as crack, near Luau Manor, a housing facility owned by a public housing authority, in April 2020.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

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

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Thomas John Winston, of Westover, West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Winston, 31, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography – Previous Conviction.” Winston, who has previously been convicted of a similar charge in Preston County, West Virginia, admitted to having child pornographic images in August 2019 in Preston County.

Winston faces at least 10 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 investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Taylor M. Washington, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 51 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Washington, 30, pleaded guilty in August 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Washington, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a .22LR caliber semi-automatic rifle in July 2020 in Harrison County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Randall Aaron Koontz, Jr., of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Koontz, 41, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Koontz admitted to selling methamphetamine in August 2019 in Grant County.

Koontz 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 Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland this week released the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope.  It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.

“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”

“We are taking a more proactive approach to combat human trafficking in West Virginia than ever before through the use of technology and via partnerships with law enforcement,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “This new strategy will allow us to help more victims and to prosecute more offenders.”

 

“We have joined forces across the state to protect our citizens from human traffickers,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Investigators, prosecutors, victim advocates and non-governmental service providers are working together through the West Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force to raise awareness about human trafficking, investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases and support survivors.”

Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:

• Strengthen engagement, coordination and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
• Establish federally-funded, locally-led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
• Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
• Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
• Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
• Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
• Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance and expertise.
• Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.

The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or Text 233733.

To learn more about the West Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force, go to www.stophumantraffickingwv.org.

To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.

 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Shirl Norman Baker, III, of Paden City, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug charges, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Baker, 42, was indicted today on one count of “Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine” and three counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Baker is accused of selling methamphetamine in March 2020, January 2021, and February 2021 in Wetzel and Tyler Counties.

Baker faces at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration for the first count and faces up to 20 years of incarceration for the other three 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 Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

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

 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Werkau, of Clarington, Ohio, was sentenced today to three years of probation for wire fraud, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

Werkau, 64, pleaded guilty in August 2021 to one count of “Wire Fraud.” Werkau was employed as an associate at Walmart in Moundsville. Beginning in September 2019 and ending in January 2020, Werkau stole $123,775 in gift cards and activating them without paying for them.

Werkau was ordered to pay $123,775 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dane DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.