Northern District of West Virginia

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy John Watson, of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for unlawfully possessing a firearm silencer, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

Watson, 31, pleaded guilty in March 2021 to one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm Silencer.” Watson admitted to having an unregistered silencer in November 2020 in Jefferson County.

The government presented evidence today that Watson’s conduct also involved his manufacture and transfer of hundreds of machinegun conversion devices for AR-15 style rifles, also known as “drop in auto sears,” to nearly 800 individuals including individuals whom he had reason to believe were adherents to an extremist political movement referred to as “Boogaloo,” a term referencing an impending civil war or violent uprising against the government for perceived incursions on U.S. Constitutional rights, including the Second Amendment. From those sales, the FBI opened matters involving 58 individuals, resulting to date in three firearms-related arrests and one conviction. Many of the investigations remain ongoing.

Watson was ordered to forfeit the silencer, all 3D-printed items that the government will argue are machinegun conversion devices, the 3D printers, 3D printer parts, and 3D printer supplies, as well as a U.S. Postal Service package containing the same conversion devices. All items were seized during a search in November 2020.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service continues its investigation.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Terrell Anderson, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

After a two-day trial in June 2021, a federal jury found Anderson, 26, guilty of one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Anderson had child pornography on his phone in January 2020 in Harrison County.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Perri and Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeffery Allen McCurdy, of Cabins, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

McCurdy, 34, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” McCurdy, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having two 12-gauge shotguns and a .22 caliber long rifle in January 2021 in Grant County.

McCurdy 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian C. Dixon, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

Dixon, 49, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Dixon admitted to having cocaine hydrochloride in March 2021 in Berkeley County.

Dixon 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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – William J. Ihlenfeld, II has taken the oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. Ihlenfeld was nominated by President Biden on August 10, 2021 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 5, 2021. U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh administered the oath of office to U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld today.

As U.S. Attorney, Ihlenfeld is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Northern District of West Virginia, which includes offices in Wheeling, Martinsburg, Clarksburg, and Elkins. He oversees a staff of 53 employees, including 24 attorneys and 28 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

Ihlenfeld’s career in the law has been punctuated by terms of public service. He previously served as the United States Attorney in the Northern District of West Virginia, from 2010 until 2016. Prior to that, he was a state prosecutor for thirteen years in Ohio County and Brooke County, including three years as a domestic violence prosecutor. Most recently, he was a member of the West Virginia Legislature.
 
During his first term as U.S. Attorney, Ihlenfeld investigated and prosecuted British banking giant HSBC for its failure to identify money laundering transactions by Mexican drug cartels and terror groups. He also helped to broker a $150 million settlement with the McKesson Corporation for its filling of suspicious orders of painkillers from West Virginia pharmacies.

The prevention and prosecution of public corruption has been a priority of Ihlenfeld throughout his career and will continue to be during his second term as U.S. Attorney.
Ihlenfeld has been honored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the FBI Citizens Academy for his efforts to address substance abuse.

He served for many years as an executive board member of the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence as well as the Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center.

Ihlenfeld graduated with honors from Ohio University and earned his law degree from West Virginia University.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Samuel Amos Minger, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, has admitted to firearms charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

Minger, 42, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Minger, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior offenses, admitted to having a six-shot revolver in November 2020 in Tyler County.

Minger 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 Tyler County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Angela Dawn Yuchek, of Tunnelton, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

Yuchek, 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Yuchek admitted to selling methamphetamine in March 2019 in Preston County.

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

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Lance Smith, of Confluence, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to time served for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

Smith, 48, pled guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base.” Smith admitted to working with others to distribute heroin and cocaine base, also known as “crack,” from March 2018 to September 2020 in Monongalia County and elsewhere.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

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

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

Related press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/seventeen-people-charged-heroin-and-crack-cocaine-distribution-operation

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Williams, an inmate at U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, has admitted to an indecent exposure charge and was sentenced today to four additional months of incarceration, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

Williams, 63, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Indecent Exposure.” Williams admitted to exposing himself to another at USP Hazleton in January 2020 in Preston County.

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

Jonathan and Diana Toebbe, both of Annapolis, Maryland, were arrested in Jefferson County, West Virginia by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) on Saturday, October 9, 2021.  They will have their initial appearances on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, in federal court in Martinsburg, West Virginia.  For almost a year, Jonathan Toebbe, 42, aided by his wife, Diana, 45, sold information known as Restricted Data concerning the design of nuclear powered warships to a person they believed was a representative of a foreign power.  In actuality, that person was an undercover FBI agent. The Toebbes have been charged in a criminal complaint alleging violations of the Atomic Energy Act.

“The complaint charges a plot to transmit information relating to the design of our nuclear submarines to a foreign nation,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.  “The work of the FBI, Department of Justice prosecutors, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of Energy was critical in thwarting the plot charged in the complaint and taking this first step in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

Jonathan Toebbe is 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 U.S. Department of Defense, giving him access to Restricted Data. 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.

The complaint affidavit alleges that on April 1, 2020, 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. The affidavit also alleges that, thereafter, 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, 2021, Jonathan and Diana Toebbe traveled to a location in West Virginia.  There, with Diana Toebbe acting as a lookout, Jonathan Toebbe placed an SD card concealed within half a peanut butter sandwich at a pre-arranged “dead drop” 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 August 28, 2021, 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 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 and Diana Toebbe on October 9, after he placed yet another SD card at a pre-arranged “dead drop” at a second location in West Virginia.

Trial Attorneys Matthew J. McKenzie and S. Derek Shugert, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, U.S. Department of Justice, National Security Division, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jarod J. Douglas and Lara Omps-Botteicher, Northern District of West Virginia, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Lieber Smolar, Western District of Pennsylvania,  are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the NCIS investigated.

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

Jonathan and Diana Toebbe, both of Annapolis, Maryland, were arrested in Jefferson County, West Virginia, by the FBI and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) on Saturday, Oct. 9. They will have their initial appearances on Tuesday, Oct. 12, in federal court in Martinsburg, West Virginia. For almost a year, Jonathan Toebbe, 42, aided by his wife, Diana, 45, sold information known as Restricted Data concerning the design of nuclear-powered warships to a person they believed was a representative of a foreign power. In actuality, that person was an undercover FBI agent. The Toebbes have been charged in a criminal complaint alleging violations of the Atomic Energy Act.

“The complaint charges a plot to transmit information relating to the design of our nuclear submarines to a foreign nation,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The work of the FBI, Department of Justice prosecutors, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Department of Energy was critical in thwarting the plot charged in the complaint and taking this first step in bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

Jonathan Toebbe is 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 U.S. Department of Defense, giving him access to Restricted Data. 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.

The complaint affidavit alleges that on April 1, 2020, 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. The affidavit also alleges that, thereafter, 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 and Diana Toebbe traveled to a location in West Virginia. There, with Diana Toebbe acting as a lookout, Jonathan Toebbe placed an SD card concealed within half a peanut butter sandwich at a pre-arranged “dead drop” 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 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 and Diana Toebbe on Oct. 9, after he placed yet another SD card at a pre-arranged “dead drop” at a second location in West Virginia.

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 on behalf of the government. The FBI and the NCIS are investigating the case.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon Cody Sabol, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

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

Sabol faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the possession charge and will also have to register pursuant to the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. 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 West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Edgar Eugene Hatten, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was indicted today on a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Hatten, 40, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Hatten is accused of 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, investigate

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Ray Morgan, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was indicted today on a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Morgan, also known as “Model,” 46, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl,” one count of “Possession with Intent o Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Morgan is accused of distributing of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in April 2021 in Wetzel County.

Morgan 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 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 – Joshua H. Ruschel, of Valley Grove, West Virginia, was indicted today on a child pornography charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Ruschel, 41, was indicted on one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Ruschel is accused of having child pornography depicting children under the age of 12 in June 2020 in Ohio County.

Ruschel 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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Gaines, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 151 months of incarceration for opioid distribution, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Gaines, age 46, pled guilty in July 2020 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.” Gaines admitted to having heroin and fentanyl in June 2017 in Berkeley County. The night of his arrest, Gaines fled from police during a traffic stop in Martinsburg at a high rate of speed, hitting a tree. During the hearing today, it was mentioned that Gaines, who is not a drug user, was in Martinsburg for the sole reason of selling drugs. He is labeled as a career offender, with a previous violent crime conviction and another felony drug conviction.

These charges are the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep.  This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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, the West Virginia State Police, and the Martinsburg Police Department investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Anthony Parkinson, of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 108 months of incarceration for having a large amount of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Parkinson, 37, pleaded guilty in May 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Parkinson admitted to having 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in January 2020 in Jefferson County. During a search of his residence, Parkinson had more than 400 grams of crystal meth, also known as “ice.” It was noted today that on December 21, 2019 in Maryland, he was stopped with 350 grams of crystal methamphetamine.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Shaquan Osullivan Kelly, of Ranson, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

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

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Medo Hallack, of Inwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 70 months of incarceration for his role in a drug conspiracy that spanned several states, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Hallack, 32, pleaded guilty in May 2021 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Hallack admitted to working with another to sell cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” in August and September 2019 in Berkeley County. Hallack received a sentencing enhancement for firearms possession and violence. During the execution of search warrant for drug activity, he allegedly fired at officers and was engaged in a 45-minute standoff with law enforcement.

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 – Christian Lamar Goode, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has admitted to his role in a multi-state organized drug trafficking enterprise dubbed the “19th Street Enterprise,” Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Goode, also known as “Lil Chris,” 36, pleaded guilty today to one count of “RICO Conspiracy.” Goode admitted to working with others as a member of the “19th Street Enterprise,” a criminal organization that engaged in acts of violence, robbery, money laundering, mail and wire fraud, providing and selling false identification documents, and drug trafficking. The enterprise operated in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Puerto Rico.

Goode 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.

These charges are the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) under the Attorney General-led Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS)/Special Operations Division (SOD) Project Clean Sweep.  This initiative seeks to reduce the supply of synthetic opioids in “hot spot” areas previously identified by the Attorney General of the United States, thereby reducing drug overdoses and drug overdose deaths, and identify wholesale distribution networks and sources of supply operating nationally and internationally. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sarah Kuhn, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Kuhn, 30, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of Firearms.” Kuhn admitted to working with another to purchase a firearm, making a false statement claiming the firearm was for her, when, in, fact, the firearm was meant for someone else. The crime occurred in July 2020 in Monongalia County.

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

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dejuan Bernard Williams, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Williams, 27, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine” in November 2020. Williams admitted to having 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 White Hall Police Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jackson Skye Yeager, of Farmington, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Yeager, 28, pleaded guilty today 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.

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

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Clarissa Mosley, of Chicago, Illinois, has admitted to a counterfeit charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Mosley, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of “Possession of Counterfeit Obligations.” Mosley admitted to having 69 $100 counterfeit bills in December 2020 in Ritchie County.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Felicia Johnson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Johnson, 34, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.”  Johnson admitted to having cocaine hydrochloride in February 2021 in Berkley County.

Johnson 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 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 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.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Jesse White, of Montrose, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 160 months of incarceration for drug and firearms charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

White, 40, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Crime” in September 2020. White admitted to having more than 5 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “ice” and “crystal meth” in October 2018 in Randolph County. White also admitted to having a .22 caliber revolver with him during the drug crime.

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

U.S. District Judge Thomas S Kleeh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Antonio Junior Guerrero, of Ranson, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Guerrero, also known as “Mula,” 29, pleaded guilty today 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.

Guerrero faces at least five years and up to 40 years of incarceration and 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 Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police, the DEA Task Force Montgomery County, Maryland; and the Frederick, Maryland, HIDTA group investigated. The EPDTF consists of the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg Police Department.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Asante James, of Freeport, Illinois, has admitted to a counterfeit charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

James, 21, pleaded guilty to one count of “Possession of Counterfeit Obligations.” James admitted to having 69 $100 counterfeit bills in December 2020 in Ritchie County.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Sihrahn Major, II, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 84 months of incarceration for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Major, also known as “Black,” age 25, pled guilty in June 2021 to one count of “Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Major admitted to selling five grams or more of methamphetamine near Riverview Towers on in Wheeling in January 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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Devante Crutez Taylor, of Columbus, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Taylor, 28, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Taylor admitted to having 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in August 2019 in Ohio County.

The government is also seeking the forfeiture of $3,638 in cash found with Taylor that is believed to be proceeds from drug sales.

Taylor is facing 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 Wheeling Police Department investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Eugene Wright, IV, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 156 months of incarceration for a child pornography charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Wright, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of “Distribution of Child Pornography” in June 2021. Wright admitted to having and distributing child pornography from July to September 2017 in Berkeley County.

Wright was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.

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

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Rashaad Shadee Washington, of Pleasant City, Ohio, has admitted to drug charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Washington, 37, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location” and two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Washington admitted to selling methamphetamine, sometimes near McNinch Primary School, in Marshall County and Ohio County in February and March 2021.

Washington is facing at least one and up to 40 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for the protected location charge, and up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the distribution 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, investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Shinnston, West Virginia, residents have admitted to methamphetamine charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Larry Thomas Gregory, II, 44, and Angela Chapman, 33, each pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine.” Gregory and Chapman admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in February 2020 in Harrison County.

Gregory and Chapman each face at least five and up to 40 years of incarceration and 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 Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Shinnston Police Department investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Eddie Reese Cason, of Buckingham, Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months of incarceration for a sex offender charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Cason, 37, pled guilty in May 2021 to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.” Cason, a person required to register as a sex offender, admitted to failing to update his sex offender registration from October 2020 to January 2021 in Randolph County after traveling from Virginia to West Virginia.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Marshal Service and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – James M. Renforth, of Cameron, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Renforth, 35, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Renforth admitted to selling methamphetamine in April 2021 in Marshall County.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andrew Ross Hose, of Augusta, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Hose, 36, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Hose admitted to selling methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” in August 2020 in Hampshire County.

Hose 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. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Detrick Lee Foston, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Foston, 25, pleaded guilty today to one count of “False Statement During Purchase of Firearms.” Foston admitted to making false statements o a firearms dealer to purchase a .40 caliber pistol and a 9mm pistol in March 2020 in Berkeley County.  

Foston 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 & Explosives investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ashley Johnson, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months of incarceration for her role in methamphetamine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin drug distribution operation, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Johnson, age 34, pled guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Johnson admitted to using a phone to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base, also known as “crack,” cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” fentanyl, and heroin in April 2020 in Monongalia County.

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

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stewart Jenkins, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to a cocaine charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Jenkins, 49, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Jenkins admitted to having cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in September 2020 in Monongalia County.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher L. Bauer is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Ian Andre Carr, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Carr, 49, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl and Heroin.” Carr admitted to distributing the substances in February 2018 in Berkeley County.

Carr 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 Timothy D. Helman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dalton Kade Riggs, of Cameron, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Riggs, 33, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Riggs admitted to distributing methamphetamine in March 2021 in Marshall County.

Riggs 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 Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Brookelyn Myers, of Bellaire, Ohio, was sentenced today to 12 months of incarceration for her role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Myers, also known as “Brooke,” age 25, pled guilty in February 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl.” Myers admitted to selling a mixture of heroin and fentanyl in December 2019 in Ohio County.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Paula Blake, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months of incarceration for drug distribution, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Blake, age 45, pled guilty in February 2020 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” and one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Blake admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine base or “crack,” heroin, and fentanyl from September 2018 to June 2019 in Ohio County and elsewhere. She also admitted to selling fentanyl near Luau Manor in June 2019.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Joseph Dobrzynski, of Valley Grove, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 31 months of incarceration for a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Dobrzynski, 59, pleaded guilty in June 2021 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Dobrzynski admitted to having methamphetamine in November 2020 in Ohio County.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kelsey McClung, of Westover, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

McClung, 28, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” McClung admitted to distributing cocaine base, also known as “crack cocaine,” in March 2020 in Monongalia County.

McClung faces up to 20 years 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 was the result of investigations supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy.  Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement.  The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Donovan Swift, of Shelby Township, Michigan, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Swift, 31, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Swift admitted to distributing cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in October 2020 in Monongalia County.

Swift 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 and the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Melissa Dawn Bailey, of Cabins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 41 months of incarceration for a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Bailey, 42, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” Bailey admitted to selling methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth,” in June 2020 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 Moorefield Police Department investigated. The task force consists of the FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Billy Ray Shamblin, II, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Shamblin, 37, pleaded guilty today 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.

Shamblin 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.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Wesley Allen Rohrbaugh, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Rohrbaugh, 47, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute of Methamphetamine.”  Rohrbaugh admitted to having methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” and “ice,” in August 2019 in Grant County.

Rohrbaugh 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, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Joshua Hardesty, of Rivesville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 63 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, Acting U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Hardesty, 40, pleaded guilty in February 2021 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Hardesty, who is prohibited from having a gun, admitted to having a .40 caliber pistol in March 2020 in Marion County.

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

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