Northern District of West Virginia

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – The U.S. Attorney’s Office is partnering with law enforcement and others in the community in the Northern District of West Virginia to recognize overdose victims as a part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

West Virginia remains #1 in overdose deaths per capita in the United States, according to data collected from the Centers of Disease Control. In the 32 counties in the Northern District of West Virginia, an average of 300 people die each year of drug overdoses.

“Substance abuse disorder is rampant in our district and across the state, and in the past year, has been compounded by the pandemic and the isolation, job loss, and uncertainty that came with it. The victims of drug overdoses are someone’s loved ones. We want to recognize these tremendous losses as we continue to work to get these illegal substances off the streets,” said Randolph J. Bernard, Acting U.S. Attorney, Northern District of West Virginia. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office will be placing purple flags, one for each death in the NDWV, in several locations across the District to recognize the hundreds of sons, daughters, parents, grandchildren, and friends who lost their lives last year because of illegal drug sales.

Flags will be placed with our partners in:

•    Wheeling –at Wheeling’s Heritage Port, in partnership with the City of Wheeling
•    Martinsburg –at the Martinsburg Police Department in partnership with Martinsburg Police
•    Bridgeport – at the Bridgeport Police Department in partnership with the Bridgeport Police
•    Elkins –at the Elkins City Building in partnership with the City of Elkins
•    Morgantown –at the Monongalia County Health Department in partnership with the Monongalia County Quick Response Team

The week, which is celebrating its 40th year this year, begins April 18 and runs through April 24, 2021. The theme is “Support Victims. Build Trust. Engage Communities.” For more information on the week, go to https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/national-crime-victims-rights-week/overview.
 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – John Luther Boyles, of Parsons, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 78 months of incarceration for his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

John Luther Boyles, age 64, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in February 2019. Boyles admitted to conspiring with others to distribute more than five grams of methamphetamine from December 2017 to March 2018 in Tucker and Randolph Counties and elsewhere.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ashley Johnson, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to 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 to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Johnson admitted to using ap hone to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base, also known as “crack,” cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “coke,” fentanyl, and heroin in April 2020 in Monongalia County.

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

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

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel McClung, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

McClung, 40, pled guilty to one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises.” McClung admitted to keeping an apartment in Morgantown for the purpose of distributing heroin and cocaine base, also known as “crack.” In March 2020 in Monongalia County.

McClung faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian K. Griffey, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 180 months incarceration for a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Griffey, age 51, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition” in March 2019. Griffey, having been previously convicted of multiple felonies, admitted to having a 12-gauge shotgun and shotgun shells in Harrison County in June 2018.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Nutter Fort Police Department investigated. 

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mario Rayshawn White, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

White, also known as “MT,” 30, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone.” White admitted to selling Oxycodone in April 2019 in Monongalia County.

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Timothy Henry, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Henry, age 45, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in October 2020. Henry admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in November 2019 in Ohio County.

The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the following:

•    Taurus, .357 magnum revolver; •    Six rounds of .357 ammunition; •    One box of .357 ammunition; •    One box of 9mm ammunition; •    Three rounds of 7.62 x 39 caliber ammunition; •    One cylinder for revolver; and
•    Mossberg, 12-gauge shotgun.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Wheeling Police Department and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Todd Michael Hensley, of Anderson, South Carolina, was sentenced today to 120 months of incarceration for drug and firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Hensley, age 48, 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 Trafficking Crime.” 

On January 23, 2020, officers conducted a traffic stop of Hensley’s vehicle in Marshall County and found him to be in possession of approximately 2.73 pounds of “crystal” methamphetamine, also known as “ice,” a loaded 9mm Glock pistol, four loaded 10-round Glock firearm magazines, a loaded 15-round Glock firearm magazine, and three loaded 31-round Glock firearm magazines.  Following the traffic stop, a search warrant was executed at Hensley’s home in Anderson, South Carolina, where officers seized an additional 14 firearms, including three AK47s, approximately 300 rounds of ammunition, 50 grams of “ice,” and $9,000 in cash.

The judge also ordered the forfeiture of the firearms, ammunition, and cash.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.  The Anderson County, South Carolina Sheriff’s Department assisted.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Melissa Dawn Bailey, of Cabins, West Virginia, has admitted today to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Bailey, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Bailey admitted to selling methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth,” in June 2020 in Grant County.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –Rodriquies M. Evans and Cedric L. Douglas, both of Columbus, Ohio, were sentenced to a combined 104 years in prison today for their roles in a methamphetamine distribution operation that spanned multiple states, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Evans, also known as “Dree”, age 30, was sentenced today to 960 months of incarceration. Douglas, age 32, was sentenced today to 296 months of incarceration. In October 2020, a jury found Evans and Douglas each guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances,” two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” The crimes took place in Wetzel County and elsewhere, including the Southern District of West Virginia, Ohio, and Georgia from July 2015 to April 2018.

“Methamphetamine, particularly crystal methamphetamine, has become a tremendous challenge for the Northern District of West Virginia and the entire Nation.  It destroys lives and communities.  The sentences handed down today should send a clear message to those who want to sell drugs in the Mountain State. If you bring illegal substances to West Virginia and prey on our neighbors, you will face substantial federal time,” said Bernard.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol; Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office; the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office; the Sistersville Police Department; the Paden City Police Department; and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated. The Columbus, Ohio Police Department Gang Crimes Unit assisted in the case. 

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 John Preston Bailey presided.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Bobbi Jo Starry, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to a sex offender registry charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Starry, 55, pled guilty today to one count of “Failure to Register.” Starry, who is required to register as a sex offender, admitted to failing to update her registry from January to August 2020 in the Northern District of West Virginia and elsewhere. 

Starry 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 Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Devon Alexander Bertram, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to 15 months of incarceration for a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Bertram, also known as “VON,” 31, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location” in January 2021. Bertram admitted to selling cocaine base or “crack” near The Linsly School in March 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 – Morgan Janes, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to drug distribution, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
 
Janes, 23, pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Janes admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in February 2020 in Monongalia County.

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

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

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Curtis Davis, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to drug distribution, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
 
Davis, age 30, pled guilty 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.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Finucane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. 

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Allen Riffle, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 48 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Riffle, 32, pled guilty in November 2020 to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Riffle, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, had a .380 caliber pistol, a .40 caliber pistol, a .22 caliber rifle, a .410-gauge shotgun, a .22 caliber rifle, and a 12-gauge shotgun in May 2019 in Harrison County.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Orville Darby, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to drug distribution, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
 
Darby, age 35, pled guilty 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.

Darby 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 Jeffrey A. Finucane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. 

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Trabert, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Trabert, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Trabert admitted distributing cocaine base, also known as “crack,” near Wheeling University in March 2020.

Trabert 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. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone 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 – Khorion Williams, of Highland Park, Michigan, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Williams, 22, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Violate Federal Firearms Laws.” Williams admitted to working with others to illegally purchase firearms in May 2018 in Monongalia County.

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

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Francis Tucker, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was indicted today on bankruptcy fraud charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Tucker, 67, was indicted today on one count of “Fraudulent Transfers in Contemplation of Bankruptcy,” one count of “False Bankruptcy Declarations,” and one count of “Structuring Financial Transactions to Evade Reporting Requirements.”

Tucker was the secretary for Danzac, Inc., a video lottery machine service and real estate holder. In January 2018, the Circuit Court of Ohio County granted a civil judgment against Tucker in the amount of approximately $469,000. Tucker is accused of transferring personal and business properties to others in the months leading up to the defendant filing for bankruptcy in July 2018 in Ohio County. He is accused of falsifying the bankruptcy documents by claiming that he had not been involved in reportable property transfers and had no connections to a business.

Tucker is also accused of conducting withdrawals of proceeds from the sale of a property in Florida in a manner and, with the intent to avoid bank reporting requirements regarding certain cash transactions. This crime was alleged to have occurred in 2016. 

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Jarod J. Douglas are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Carl David Davis, of Hepzibah, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Davis, 32, was indicted today on one count of “Possession of an Explosive by a Prohibited Person,” two counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.” Davis, who is prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, is accused of having two electric explosive detonators (blasting caps) in November 2018. He is accused of having a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in September 2020. Davis is accused of having a .22 caliber rifle and four .32 caliber cartridges in October 2020. All alleged crimes took place in Harrison County. 

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

The indictment is also requesting the forfeiture of a 9mm pistol, 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a .22 caliber rifle, seven rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, one 12-gauge shotgun shell, and four rounds of .32 caliber ammunition.

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Cordale Antonio Williams and Tina Soper, of both of Wheeling, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Williams, 30, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine Hydrochloride,” one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base,” one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” 

Soper, 43, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine Hydrochloride,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride,” and one count of “Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premise.” 

Both are accused of working together to distribute cocaine base, methamphetamine, and cocaine hydrochloride from the summer of 2020 to March 2021 in Ohio County.  Williams, a person prohibited from having firearms because of prior convictions, is accused of having two 9mm pistols, a .380 pistol, a semi-automatic rifle, and 105 rounds of various ammunition. Soper is also accused of maintaining a house for drug trafficking on Edgwood Street in Wheeling.

Williams and Soper each face at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for the conspiracy charge and face up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the other drug possession charges. Williams is also facing up to 10 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. Soper is also facing up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Several people were indicted today by a Grand Jury sitting in Wheeling, West Virginia, on firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Seth Richard Conrad, of Woodsfield, Ohio, was indicted today on one count of “False Statement to Firearms Dealer.” Conrad, 44, is accused of making a false statement on a firearms form required to purchase a gun. The crime allegedly occurred in March 2020 in Wetzel County.

Joshua Luke Hunter, of Sistersville, West Virginia, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Hunter, 42, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, is accused of having a .22 caliber rifle in September 2020 in Tyler County.

Lucas T. Kincade, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was indicted on one count of “Stealing Firearm from a Dealer,” one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” and one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” Kincade, 28, a person who is prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, is accused of stealing a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol from a licensed firearms dealer in Marshall County in December 2020. 

Samuel Amos Minger, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Minger, 42, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, is accused of having a .327 caliber six-shot revolver in November 2020 in Tyler County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton J. Reid is prosecuting the Conrad and Kincade cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated the Conrad case. The Moundsville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated the Kincade case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer T. Conklin is prosecuting the Hunter case on behalf of the government. The Tyler County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri is prosecuting the Minger case on behalf of the government. The Tyler County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives 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 indicted today on wire fraud charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Werkau, 63, was indicted today on three counts of “Wire Fraud.” Werkau was employed as an associate at Walmart in Moundsville. Beginning in September 2019 and ending in January 2020, Werkau is accused of stealing $123,775 in gift cards and activating them without paying for them. 

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

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Rashaad Shadee Washington, of Pleasant City, Ohio, was indicted today on drug charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Washington, 37, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location” and two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Washington is accused of 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.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shane Lee Dirting, of Martinsburg West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution operation, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
 
Dirting, 54, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Eutylone and Cocaine Base.” Dirting admitted to working with others to distribute the drugs from October 2019 to April 2020 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

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

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

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

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Amber Ramos, of Hepzibah, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Ramos, also known as “Amber Finch,” 32, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Ramos admitted to selling methamphetamine in July 2018 in Harrison County.

Ramos is facing 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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Suffare Beavers, II, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution enterprise, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
 
Beavers, 34, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride” and three counts of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl.”  Beavers admitted to working with others to sell cocaine hydrochloride, cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl from June 2019 to October 2020 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

Beavers 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; 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
 

LARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marquise Hicks, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Hicks, 27, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Offense” in November 2020. Hicks admitted to having a 9mm pistol while in possession of marijuana in August 2019 in Monongalia County. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Monongalia County Probation Office investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Junior Watts, of McMechen, West Virginia, has admitted today to firearm charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Watts, 37, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Theft of a Firearm” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Ammunition.” Watts admitted to stealing a semi-automatic pistol from a licensed firearms dealer in Ohio County in July 2020. Watts, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, also admitted to having 49 rounds of ammunition in July 2020 in Ohio County. 

Watts is facing up to 5 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the theft charge, and faces up 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Samuel Iaquinta, Jr., of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 84 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Iaquinta, age 47, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm” in October 2020. Iaquinta, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a previous felony conviction, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in Marion County in March 2020.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Willie Edward Robinson, Jr., of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Robinson, 63, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm” in November 2020. Robinson, who is prohibited from having a firearm because of a previous conviction, admitted to having a 410 gauge shotgun and a 12 gauge shotgun in February 2019 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.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kendu Woodard, of Keyser, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
 
Woodard, also known as “Kenneth Barmore,” 43, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Woodard, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, has admitted to having a 9mm pistol in February 2019 in Mineral County. 

Woodard 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 Jeffrey A. Finucane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Misty Rose Jackson, of Martinsburg West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a drug distribution operation, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
 
Jackson, 33, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Cocaine Base.” Jackson admitted to working with another to distribute cocaine base in April 2020 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney 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. 

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 Robert W. Trumble presided.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timmie Winselle, an inmate at United States Penitentiary Hazelton, West Virginia, has admitted today to assaulting another inmate, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Winselle, 26, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm.” Winselle admitted to using a weapon to assault and injure another inmate in November 2019 in Preston County. 

Winselle was sentenced to 24 months of additional incarceration to any sentence he is currently serving. 

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shelly Anne Leipham, of Las Vegas, Nevada, is facing fraud charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Leipham, 65, was indicted on March 2, 2021 on three counts of “Wire Fraud,” five counts of “Mail Fraud,” and three counts of “Money Laundering.” Leipham is accused of calling an elderly victim living in Harrison County and claiming the victim won one million dollars. Leipham is accused of defrauding the victim of nearly $25,000 by directing the victim to send that amount to her over the course of a two-year period by mail and wire.  

“This case showcases just one of the many ways people prey on our elderly neighbors. Lottery scams aren’t new, and it’s most despicable when the perpetrator targets someone who is vulnerable. We encourage everyone to be vigilant and suspicious. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s most likely a scam,” said Bernard.

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

Leipham is facing up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the wire fraud and mail fraud counts. She’s facing up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000 for each of the money laundering counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andre Jason Burgos, of Wilmington, Delaware, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution enterprise, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
 
Burgos, also known as “Ghost,” 30, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, Cocaine Base, and Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Burgos admitted to working with others to sell cocaine hydrochloride, cocaine base, heroin, and fentanyl from June 2019 to October 2020 in Berkeley County and elsewhere.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI; the 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 – Brian Cutright, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months of incarceration for a firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Cutright, age 41, pleaded guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm” in August 2020. Cutright, prohibited from having a firearm because he is a user of controlled substances, admitted to having a .25 caliber pistol, a .45 caliber pistol, two .22 caliber rifles, a .40 S&W rifle, and two 12-guage shotguns in July 2018 in Monongalia County.

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

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Casey Warren Lang, of Huttonsville, West Virginia, has admitted to drug and firearms charges, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Lang, 30, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute at Least Fifty Grams of Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Lang, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction, admitted to having at least 50 grams of methamphetamine and 13 firearms in June 2019 in Randolph County.

Lang faces not less than 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for the meth charge. He 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Pedro Garcia Rondon, of New York, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Rondon, 33, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride and Cocaine Base.” Rondon admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine case from June 2019 to December 2019. 

Rondon is facing 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.

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. 

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, are prosecuting 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. The U.S. Marshal Service and the West Virginia Air National Guard assisted with the arrests.

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

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – William John Clark, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months of incarceration for making a bomb, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Clark, age 62, pled guilty to one count of “Making a Destructive Device” in August 2020. Clark admitted to making an explosive bomb, which wasn’t registered as required by law. Clark set off a pipe bomb outside of a home following a verbal disagreement with someone in the neighborhood.  The crime occurred in March 2020 in Upshur County.

Clark was also fined $5,000.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Antonio Cortez Darden, of Maugansville, Maryland, appeared today before a federal magistrate judge on drug and firearms charges after being indicted last week, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Darden, 43, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Darden is accused of having cocaine hydrochloride in September 2019 in Berkeley County. Darden, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, is accused of having a .45mm pistol in September 2019 in Berkeley County.

Darden faces up to 20 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the drug charge. He 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 Eleanor F. Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher M. Vickers, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, appeared today before a federal magistrate judge on a firearms charge after being indicted last week, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Vickers, 31, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Vickers, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior drug conviction, is accused of having a 5-shot revolver in June 2020 in Harrison County.

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

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

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Rashad Khalill Faunteroy, of Charles Town, West Virginia, appeared today before a federal magistrate judge on a firearms charge after being indicted last week, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Faunteroy, 21, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Faunteroy, a person prohibited from having a firearm because of a domestic violence conviction, is accused of having a 9mm handgun in July 2020 in Jefferson County.

Faunteroy 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.

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

U.S. Magistrate Robert W. Trumble presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Kenneth Allan Evans, of Moorefield, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug distribution operation, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
 
Evans, 48, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Evans admitted to having more than five grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth” or “ice,” in August 2018 in Hardy County.

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

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

Find the related case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/hardy-county-man-appears-drug-charges

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andrew Ross Hose, of Augusta, West Virginia, appeared today before a federal magistrate judge on drug charges after being indicted last week, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Hose, 36, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Methamphetamine,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl Mixture,” and two counts of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” 

Also named in the indictment is Jessica Lynn Lundbald, of Augusta, West Virginia. Lundbald, 23, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Possess With Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and Methamphetamine,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl Mixture,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.”

Hose and Lundbald are accused of working together to distribute heroin, fentanyl and, methamphetamine in Hampshire County and elsewhere from June 2020 to February 2021. 

Hose and Lundbald each face 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 Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The task force consists of the FBI, the West Virginia State Police, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department. 

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

U.S. Magistrate Robert W. Trumble presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darrell Ernest Reese, of Robson, West Virginia, has admitted to heroin distribution, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
 
Reese, age 44, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Reese admitted to working with another to distribute heroin in March 2019 in Harrison County.

Reese 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 West Virginia State Police investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jo-El Rene Torres, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Torres, 36, pleaded guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.” Torres admitted to having heroin and fentanyl in May 2020 in Upshur County. 

Torres 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 Lakes Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, and the Buckhannon Police Department investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Sylvester Deangelo Walker, of Cleveland, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Walker, also known as “DBOS,” 25, pleaded guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Walker admitted to selling methamphetamine in November 2020 in Ohio County.

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

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Clinton, of Martinsburg West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years of probation for his role in a drug distribution operation, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.
 
Clinton, 26, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Eutylone and Cocaine Base” in December 2020. Clinton admitted to working with others to distribute Eutylone and Cocaine Base from October 2019 to April 2020 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

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

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

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Malcom X. Lewis, of Columbus, Ohio, has admitted to a methamphetamine charge, Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard announced.

Lewis, 28, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Lewis admitted to selling methamphetamine in January 2020 in Marshall County.

Lewis 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 Shawn M. Adkins and Clayton J. Reid are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated.

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