Northern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart for the Southern District of West Virginia, United States Attorney Bill Powell for the Northern District of West Virginia and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey today announced the formation of the West Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.  

The West Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force is a joint federal and state partnership that will be led by Assistant United States Attorneys from both the Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia, and a Deputy West Virginia Attorney General, in partnership with experienced fraud investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-Criminal Investigation, the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. 

“West Virginians always band together in times of need and times of crisis,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “My fellow U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and our federal and state law enforcement partners have joined me in forming this statewide task force to protect West Virginians from fraudsters attempting to exploit a national crisis for personal gain.  There’s nothing more despicable. We will use every tool available to us at the federal and state levels to ensure the safety of our citizens and the safety of their wallets during this crisis.”

“Though we are not a big state, when our citizens are preyed upon, Mountaineer pride and determination assure that we will stand together like no other.   I stand with my colleagues U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, and our law  enforcement partners in promising aggressive pursuit of those taking advantage of our citizens during the current public health crisis.  We will devote all necessary resources,” said Powell.

“Since the Governor’s declaration, our Consumer Protection Division and its investigators have fielded hundreds of reports from those faced with price gouging, landlord-tenant issues and vacation/event cancellations,” West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said. “The Consumer Protection Division has already sent multiple warning letters to businesses on enforcement matters. These are unparalleled times in which we live, and that’s why I am honored to join forces with U.S. Attorneys Bill Powell and Mike Stuart, as together, by combining the investigative and civil enforcement powers of the state Attorney General’s Office with the criminal prosecutorial authority of the federal government, our state is very well positioned to protect its citizens in this time of peril.”

"The FBI is committed to keeping West Virginians safe from scams associated with the COVID-19 pandemic," said FBI Pittsburgh Acting Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel.

"Scammers often prey on anxiety and fear. Right now, those cyber criminals perceive a large percentage of the population to be vulnerable. Rest assured, the FBI is fully committed to addressing criminal activity during this unprecedented time. We will work closely with our federal, state and local partners to ensure fraudsters don’t take advantage of people’s fears for their own selfish gains.” 

“HSI stands alongside our law enforcement partners in our commitment to investigating the shameful crimes perpetrated by individuals taking advantage of the public in this time of uncertainty and fear,” said Raymond Villanueva, HSI Special Agent in Charge for Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia.  

“Unfortunately, scammers see times of crisis as an opportunity to prey on those most vulnerable in our communities,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Kelly Jackson.  “I want the citizens of West Virginia to know the IRS will NOT ask you to verify your personal information or to sign up for anything in order to receive your payments related to COVID-19.  Please stay vigilant, you worked hard for your money, don’t let scammers take it from you by falling victim to their frauds.”

The task force will review and investigate all credible leads of fraud associated with the coronavirus pandemic, regardless of the loss amount, focusing on schemes to exploit vulnerable populations, including the elderly, and concerned citizens. Federal prosecutors from the Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia, and attorneys from the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office will meet and confer with their agency counterparts from the FBI, HSI, IRS-CI, West Virginia State Police and the state’s Consumer Protection Division on a regular basis to prioritize cases and surge resources where needed.  Assistant United States Attorney Erik Goes in the Southern District of West Virginia and Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Cogar in the Northern District of West Virginia and West Virginia Deputy Attorney General / Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division Director Ann Haight will be spearheading the efforts of the task force.  

Some examples of coronavirus and COVID-19 scams include:

• Treatment scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
• Supply scams: Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
• Provider scams: Scammers are also contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
• Charity scams: Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
• Phishing scams: Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information.
• App scams: Scammers are also creating and manipulating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
• Investment scams: Scammers are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as "research reports," make predictions of a specific "target price," and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
• Price Gouging scams: Individuals and businesses may sell essential goods, like hand sanitizer, for significantly higher prices than in a non-emergency setting. It is legally considered price gouging when the price of one of these products increases more than 10 percent its price in effect 10 days prior to an emergency declaration.
To report suspicious activity regarding the COVID-19 virus, residents are asked to call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or email at disaster@leo.gov.
To report fraud directly to the FBI, please visit their website at https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.
Any West Virginia consumer wishing to report scams, price gouging or other matters by which bad actors may try to take advantage of consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic, can call the state’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-368-8808. Written complaints can be filed at www.wvago.gov.  

Don’t be a victim!  Visit www.irs.gov for the latest information on new scams and schemes!

Citizens can also call HSI’s general tip-line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or email the agency’s Intellectual Property Rights Center at iprcenter@ice.dhs.gov.  

For more information on COVID-19, please go to:  www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, under the guidance of Attorney General William Barr, has committed an attorney to serve on the national COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force.

The COVID-19 Hoarding and Price Gouging Task Force, led by U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito, District of New Jersey, with assistance as needed from the Antitrust Division's Criminal Program, will address COVID-19-related market manipulation, hoarding, and price gouging. The task force will develop effective enforcement measures, best practices, work closely with HHS as they designate particular items and equipment, and coordinate nationwide investigation and prosecution of these illicit activities.

“With the medical community on the front lines to battle this silent but deadly enemy, we must do everything we can to protect our medical providers, and ensure that they have reasonable access to all of the supplies they need to battle this pandemic. Anyone who is considering profiting off of those needs will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Powell.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar is assigned from the Northern District of West Virginia to this national task force. 

Powell is also encouraging residents and medical professionals to be vigilant in reporting any COVID-19 related fraud activities. Some examples of COVID-19 scams include: •    Treatment scams: Scammers are offering to sell fake cures, vaccines, and advice on unproven treatments for COVID-19.
•    Supply scams: Scammers are creating fake shops, websites, social media accounts, and email addresses claiming to sell medical supplies currently in high demand, such as surgical masks. When consumers attempt to purchase supplies through these channels, fraudsters pocket the money and never provide the promised supplies.
•    Provider scams: Scammers are also contacting people by phone and email, pretending to be doctors and hospitals that have treated a friend or relative for COVID-19, and demanding payment for that treatment.
•    Charity scams: Scammers are soliciting donations for individuals, groups, and areas affected by COVID-19.
•    Phishing scams: Scammers posing as national and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are sending phishing emails designed to trick recipients into downloading malware or providing personal identifying and financial information.
•    App scams: Scammers are also creating and manipulating mobile apps designed to track the spread of COVID-19 to insert malware that will compromise users’ devices and personal information.
•    Investment scams: Scammers are offering online promotions on various platforms, including social media, claiming that the products or services of publicly traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure COVID-19, and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase in value as a result. These promotions are often styled as “research reports,” make predictions of a specific “target price,” and relate to microcap stocks, or low-priced stocks issued by the smallest of companies with limited publicly available information.
•    Price Gouging scams: When sellers and/or retailers sell or rent an item for a price “which is grossly in excess of the price prior to the declaration” per KRS 367.374.  Goods and services included in this prohibition include consumer food items; goods or services used for emergency cleanup; emergency supplies; medical supplies; home heating oil; building materials; housing; transportation, freight, and storage services; and gasoline or other motor fuels.
•    Other scams include fraudsters claiming to work for the government or banks/credit cards and offering assistance for student loan relief, foreclosure or eviction relief, unemployment assistance, debt relief, and direct financial assistance, like government checks

To report fraud, please call the National Disaster Fraud hotline at 866-720-5721or go to  https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell is asking residents to be vigilant and aware to protect themselves against scammers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and warning those who are considering taking advantage of the situation.

“To prey on the fears and anxieties of others during this difficult time is incomprehensible and despicable. Those who do so will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I’m asking all residents to not be swayed by these fraudsters and report anything suspicious,” said Powell.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office will be vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting any wrongdoing related to the crisis. As a proactive measure, and under the guidance of Attorney General Barr, U.S. Attorney Powell has appointed Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar as the district’s COVID-19 Coordinator. Cogar is tasked with serving as legal counsel on all COVID-19 litigation and matters, as well as conduct community outreach and awareness activities related to COVID-19.

As more reports are being made of individuals and businesses selling fake cures for COVID-19 online and engaging in other forms of fraud, reports of phishing emails from entities posing as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and reports of malware being inserted onto mobile apps designed to track the spread of the virus, residents are urged to protect themselves.

To report any suspicious activity regarding the COVID-19 virus, residents are asked to call the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or email at disaster@leo.gov.

To find more about Department of Justice resources and information, please visit www.justice.gov/coronavirus

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell today announced that more than $83 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities improve school security and protect students, teachers and faculty from threats of violence.

“Schools should be a safe haven for students, a place to learn and grow. No child, parent, or educator should be afraid of anything that happens inside school walls. We must do everything we can to prevent violence at our schools. I hope that our educational leaders apply for funding to make their schools safer places to learn,” said Powell.

“School violence is no longer an abstract threat but has become a tragic reality in too many of America’s communities. Moving to meet this challenge is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.” 

 The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to tighten school security and improve the reporting of threats.  

A number of funding opportunities for school safety are currently open, with another opening in the near future:  

Research and Evaluation on School Safety https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $5 million                 Deadline 4/13/2020    

STOP Act School Violence Program (FY20) https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17308
Total Available $71.4 million                Deadline 4/13/2020 

Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence   https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17926
Total Available $7 million                                           Deadline 4/27/2020

For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell today announced that more than $65 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations.

“Human trafficking is the lowest of crimes, preying on some of the world’s most vulnerable in a horrendous way. Our efforts to combat this issue in the Mountain State are vital to the safety of those who live here and those who visit. This funding will help keep people safe and preserve their basic human rights,” said Powell.

“Our nation is facing difficult challenges, none more pressing than the scourge of human trafficking. Human traffickers pose a dire threat to public safety and countering this threat remains one of the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight against this insidious crime. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.” 

 The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs that support human trafficking task forces and services for human trafficking survivors.  

A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.  

Missing and Exploited Children Training and Technical Assistance Program https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17351
Total Available $1.8 million         Deadline 4/6/2020 (Extended)

Multidisciplinary Task Force Program to Combat Human Trafficking
Total Available $22 million                                       Opens week of 3/16/2020

Preventing Trafficking of Girls
Total Available $1.7 million                    Opens week of 3/16/2020

Research and Evaluation on Trafficking in Persons https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17324
Total Available $2.5 million                   Deadline 4/20/2020     

Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
Total Available $16.5 million                Opens week of 3/16/2020

Specialized Training and Technical Assistance on Housing for Victims of Human Trafficking                                              
Total Available $2 million                Opens week of 3/16/2020

Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Program
Total Available $5 million                Opens week of 3/16/2020

Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking    
Total Available $6 million                 Opens week of 3/16/2020

Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
Total Available $8 million                 Opens week of 3/16/2020

For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell today announced that more than $163 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address America’s addiction crisis.

“While we are encouraged as we see the overdose numbers decrease, both nationwide and in our district, we still have much work to do. It will continue to take a multi-pronged approach to battle the poison in our communities. These grants can help combat the opioid issue, from prosecution to treatment to prevention, and I encourage all who are eligible to apply,” said Powell.

“Our nation is facing the difficult challenge of curbing substance addiction, which threatens public safety and is among the Administration’s top domestic priorities,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.” 

The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including programs designed to prevent overdose deaths and break the cycle of addiction and crime.  

A number of funding opportunities that address the addiction crisis are currently open:  

Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court Discretionary Grant Program https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17098
Total Available $1.75 million                Deadline 5/14/2020    

Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Site-based Program https://bja.ojp.gov/COSSAP20
Total Available $27 million                Deadline 5/21/2020

Enhancing Community Responses to America's Addiction Crisis: Serving Our Youngest Crime Victims https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/fy-2020-enhancing-community-responses-to-drug-crisis.pdf
Total Available: $19 million                Deadline: 5/4/2020
    
Family Drug Court Program https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17090
Total Available $18.2    million                Deadline 4/8/2020 (Extended)

Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17754
Total Available $28.1         Deadline 5/5/2020 

Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Program  https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17051
Total Available $7.2 million                Deadline 4/13/2020 (Extended)

Mentoring Opportunities for Youth Initiative  https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-16930
Total Available $48 million                Deadline 4/13/2020   

Opioid Affected Youth Initiative  https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/ojjdp-2020-17352
Total Available $9 million                Deadline 4/20/2020

Research and Evaluation on Drugs and Crime     https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17275
Total Available $1 million                Deadline 4/20/2020    

Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners  https://bja.ojp.gov/RSAT20
Total Available $4.5 million    Deadline 4/6/2020

For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell today announced that nearly $60 million in Department of Justice grants is available to help communities address public safety by supporting successful reentry of adult and juvenile offenders into their communities.

“Reducing the national recidivism rate is an important part of the Attorney General’s Project Safe Neighborhood initiative. While holding people accountable for their crimes, we must also work to prevent them from reappearing in our courtrooms by assisting those exiting the prison system with education and other resources,” said Powell.

“Our nation is facing difficult public safety challenges that demand strong and immediate action. The high rate of recidivism poses a dire threat to community safety and is being met with a robust response by this Administration,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “The Department of Justice is front and center in the fight to meet this persistent challenge. OJP is making historic amounts of grant funding available to ensure that our communities have access to innovative and diverse solutions.” 

 The funding is available through OJP, the federal government’s leading source of public safety funding and crime victim assistance in state, local and tribal jurisdictions. OJP’s programs support a wide array of activities and services, including adult and juvenile reentry initiatives and research projects designed to improve our knowledge of what works in reentry programming.  

A number of funding opportunities are currently open, with several more opening in the near future.  

Correctional Adult Reentry Education, Employment, and Recidivism Reduction Strategies Program  https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17104
Total Available $7.2 million                Deadline 4/27/2020

Improving Community Supervision Outcomes Through Swift, Certain, and Fair Responses  https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17096
Total Available $3 million                Deadline 4/28/2020

Improving Reentry for People with Substance Use Disorders Program  https://bja.ojp.gov/SCASUD20
Total Available $13.2 million                Deadline 4/27/2020    

Innovations in Reentry Initiative: Building System Capacity & Testing Strategies to Reduce Recidivism  https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17281
Total Available $4 million                Deadline 5/4/2020

Research and Evaluation on Promising Reentry Initiatives

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-17295
Total Available $6 million                 Deadline 5/5/2020     

Review and Validation of the First Step Act Risk Assessment Tool

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/nij-2020-fsa
Total Available: Determined after selection        Deadline 4/10/2020

Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17110
Total Available $13.5 million                Deadline 5/4/2020

Second Chance Act Evaluation Participation Support https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/bja-2020-17680
Total Available $4 million                 Deadline 4/28/2020 

Second Chance Act Youth Offender Reentry Program https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/media/document/ojjdp-2020-17350.pdf
Total Available $7 million                Deadline 4/28/2020

For more information regarding all OJP funding opportunities, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities
 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – William John Clark, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Clark, age 62, is charged with one count of “Making a Destructive Device,” one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Clark is accused of making an explosive bomb, which wasn’t registered as required by law. Clark, a convicted felon, is also accused of having a .22 caliber pistol and a .22 caliber revolver. The crimes allegedly occurred in March 2020 in Upshur County.

Clark faces at up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000 for the device count and the unregistered firearm count. He faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful possession 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see: https://www.justice.gov/projectguardian.            

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Anthony Parkinson, of Ranson, West Virginia, was indicted today on a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Parkinson, age 35, was indicted on one count of “ Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine.” Parkinson is accused of having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine that he planned on distributing in December 2019 and January 2020 in Jefferson County and elsewhere. 

Parkinson faces at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 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 Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Ranson Police Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Herbert Hobbs, of Reynoldsville, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Hobbs, also known as “Joe,” age 38, was indicted on three counts of “Distribution of Fifty Grams or More of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine.” Hobbs is accused of selling more than two and a half pounds of methamphetamine for a total of $12,250 in January and February 2020 in Harrison County. He is also accused of having more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in Harrison County in February 2020.

Agents seized more than 21 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 4,000 stamps of fentanyl, along with approximately $60,000 in cash and dozens of firearms as a part of the investigation. 

Hobbs faces at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for each of the distribution counts. He faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for the possession 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Maylen Crayton, II, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Crayton, age 29, is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine,” two counts of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Crayton is accused of having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in April 2019 in Harrison County. He is also accused of having methamphetamine and heroin in June and July 2019 in Harrison County.

Crayton faces at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for the 50 grams or more count, and faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the other counts. faces up to 20 years 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 Brandon S. Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nelson Clark, Jr., of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on an embezzlement charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Clark, age 33, is charged with one count of “Embezzlement of Mail by Postal Employee.” Clark, was a postal employee in Jefferson County. He is accused of taking multiple items from parcels in the mail being processed by his postal station in March 2019 in Jefferson County. 

Clark faces up to five years 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 U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Clarence Maceo Carter, Jr., of Cleveland, Ohio, was indicted today on drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Carter, also known as “Moe,” age 33, is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Carter is accused of having methamphetamine and cocaine case, also known as “crack,” in Ohio County in February 2020.

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

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Anthony Toler, of Cleveland, Ohio, was indicted today on a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Toler, age 34, is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Toler is accused of having cocaine case, also known as “crack,” in Ohio County in February 2020.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Walter Lee Evans, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, was indicted today on a court violation charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Evans, age 49, is charged with one count of “Failure to Appear after Pre-trial Release.” In February 2020, Evans pled guilty to a heroin distribution charge. Evans was on pre-trial release in connection with that case. Evans was scheduled to appear for a hearing before Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh on March 2, 2020, but failed to appear as required. 

Evans faces up to 10 years 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 U.S. Marshal Service investigated.

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

More about the original case and plea can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/berkeley-county-man-admits-drug-possession
 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Steven L. Silverman, of Thurmont, Maryland, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Silverman, age 50, pled guilty to one count of “Bank Robbery” in November 2019. Silverman admitted to robbing the City National Bank of Berkeley Springs of $1,730 on June 4, 2019.

Silverman was also ordered to pay $1,730 to the bank in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office and the Berkeley Springs Police Department investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Amy Little, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation for her role in a heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Little, also known as “Amy Jackson,” age 45, pled guilty today to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication facility” in May 2019. Little admitted to using a phone to arrange a purchase of heroin in September 2018 in Berkeley County. 

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. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Assistant U.S Attorney Timothy D. Helman, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Ranson Police Department investigated. 

This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location.  This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks.  These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Enrico Fionn Hernandez, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation for having heroin and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Hernandez, also known as “Rico,” age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl” in November 2019. Hernandez admitted to having heroin and fentanyl to distribute tin June 2017 in Jefferson County.

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

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandy Netz, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 151 months incarceration for her role in a cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Netz, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride” in September 2019. Netz admitted to working with someone to distribute cocaine in Berkeley County in January 2019.

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. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and Assistant U.S Attorney Timothy D. Helman, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the West Virginia State Police; the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Martinsburg Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Ranson Police Department investigated. 

This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location.  This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks.  These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Trey Cardale Campbell, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 180 months incarceration for drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
After a December 2019 trial, the jury found Campbell, age 27, guilty of one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Furanyl Fentanyl, Heroin, and Fentanyl.” Campbell distributed heroin, furanyl fentanyl and fentanyl in May 2017 in Berkeley County.

The jury found Campbell not guilty of one count of “Distribution of Heroin.”

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jimmie and Thanikwa Thompson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, were sentenced today for to wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Jimmie, age 27, was sentenced to 37 months incarceration. Thanikwa, age 25, was sentenced to 37 months incarceration. Each pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud” in December 2019. The Thompsons secured a renter’s insurance policy from Allstate Insurance Company for $85,000 in February 2018. Later that month, the Thompsons purchased a space heater from a retailer and positioned it against an inflatable air mattress in their apartment on Winchester Avenue in Martinsburg. The couple then left the apartment with their dog to allow the space heater time to catch the apartment on fire. They then filed a fraudulent claim with Allstate to recover $50,000 of losses from the fire, and to secure a hotel room for several months of temporary housing. 

The Thompsons were ordered to pay $54,891.28 in restitution. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Jarod J. Douglas prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Fire Marshal and Allstate Insurance Company investigated. 

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ronald Bowers, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Bowers, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin in Proximity to a Protected Location” in August 2019. Bowers admitted to selling heroin near West Virginia University in July 2018.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen Robinson, incarcerated at Federal Correction Institution Gilmer, has admitted to trying to get a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Robinson, age 49, pled guilty today to a one-count information, charging him with “Attempt to Obtain a Prohibited Object (Narcotic).” Robinson admitted to trying to get suboxone while incarcerated in October 2018 in Gilmer County.

Robinson was sentenced to 12 months incarceration, to be served after his current sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated.
 
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn Kendall Murray, of Gainesville, Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Murray, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride.” Murray admitted to having cocaine hydrochloride in November 2018 in Jefferson County.

Murray 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. 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 Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Terri Lea Blankenship, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to drug distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Blankenship, age 54, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.” Blankenship admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine base or “crack,” heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl in Ohio County and elsewhere from September 2018 to June 2019.

Blankenship faces 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. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael J. Blake, of Moundsville, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Blake, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Blake admitted to having methamphetamine in October 2019 in Marshall County.

Blake 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. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG – Dr. James Patrick Lewis, of Fairview, West Virginia, has admitted to a fraud charge involving West Virginia University, the Department of Justice announced.

Lewis, age 54, pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with “Federal Program Fraud.” From 2006 to August 2019, Lewis was a tenured professor at West Virginia University in the physics department, specializing in molecular reactions used in coal conversion technologies. In July 2017, Lewis entered into a contract of employment with the People’s Republic of China through its “Global Experts 1000 Talents Plan.” China’s Thousand Talents Plan is one of the most prominent Chinese Talent recruit plans that are designed to attract, recruit, and cultivate high-level scientific talent in furtherance of China’s scientific development, economic prosperity and national security. These talent programs seek to lure overseas talent and foreign experts to bring their knowledge and experience to China and reward individuals for stealing proprietary information. 

“Lewis defrauded a public university into giving him leave, so that he could satisfy his competing obligations to a Chinese institution, which he hid from the school,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.  “I applaud the increased focus of the academic community to detect conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment.  Only with more transparency will we stem the tide of covert ties to Chinese institutions and programs, ties meant by the Chinese government to result in the transfer of intellectual property from the United States. ” 

“This case represents an attempt to serve China to the detriment of West Virginia University and the United States. Academia is a prime target for these activities and we will remain committed to prosecuting such fraud wherever it is found. I want to thank the FBI, the IRS and our prosecution team for a job well done,” said U.S Attorney Bill Powell, Northern District of West Virginia.

“The FBI knows the Chinese government intentionally targets the advanced technologies and technical expertise developed in the U.S. to give themselves a competitive advantage in the world marketplace,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. “Participation in a talent plan like the one Dr. Lewis was part of it is not illegal. But FBI investigations have revealed participants are often incentivized to transfer proprietary information or research conducted in the U.S. to China. This remains a significant threat and a high priority threat for the FBI. We are dedicated to making sure foreign governments know U.S. trade secrets cannot and will not be bought.”

According to Lewis’s contract, the Chinese Academy of Sciences agreed to employ Lewis as a professor for at least three years. In return, Lewis agreed to maintain an active research program that yielded publications in high quality, peer-reviewed journals, and to provide research training and experience for Chinese Academy of Sciences students. 

As a part of the program, Lewis was promised benefits, including a living subsidy of 1 million Yuan (approximately $143,000), a research subsidy of 4 million Yuan (approximately $573,000), and a salary of 600,000 Yuan (approximately $86,000). To receive the benefits, Lewis would have to work full time in China for three consecutive years, for no less than nine months per year, and would have to begin work no later than Aug. 8, 2018.

In March 2018, Lewis submitted a request to WVU for an alternate/parental work assignment, requesting to be released from his teaching duties for the fall 2018 semester in order to serve as the primary caregiver for a child he and his wife were expecting in June 2018. In fact, however, Lewis knew this request was fraudulent. Rather than caring for his newborn child, Lewis planned to work in China during the fall 2018 semester as a part of his agreement with the “1000 Talents Plan.” Based on the false justification Lewis offered, WVU granted his request.

In the fall of 2018, Lewis spent all but three weeks of the semester in China while his newborn child remained in the United States. During this period, Lewis received his full salary from WVU pursuant to his alternate/parental work assignment. Lewis’s scheme allowed him to fraudulently obtain $20,189 from WVU.

As a part of the plea agreement, Lewis has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $20,189 in full to WVU.  Lewis is no longer employed by WVU, having resigned in August 2019. 

Lewis faces up to 10 years 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 Jarod J. Douglas and Trial Attorney Evan N. Turgeon with the Department of Justice’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the Internal Revenue Service investigated. WVU cooperated in the investigation of this case.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

Dr. James Patrick Lewis, of Fairview, West Virginia, has admitted to a fraud charge involving West Virginia University, the Department of Justice announced.

Lewis, age 54, pleaded guilty to a one-count information charging him with “Federal Program Fraud.” From 2006 to August 2019, Lewis was a tenured professor at West Virginia University in the physics department, specializing in molecular reactions used in coal conversion technologies. In July 2017, Lewis entered into a contract of employment with the People’s Republic of China through its “Global Experts 1000 Talents Plan.” China’s Thousand Talents Plan is one of the most prominent Chinese Talent recruit plans that are designed to attract, recruit, and cultivate high-level scientific talent in furtherance of China’s scientific development, economic prosperity and national security. These talent programs seek to lure overseas talent and foreign experts to bring their knowledge and experience to China and reward individuals for stealing proprietary information.

“Lewis defrauded a public university into giving him leave, so that he could satisfy his competing obligations to a Chinese institution, which he hid from the school,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.  “I applaud the increased focus of the academic community to detect conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment.  Only with more transparency will we stem the tide of covert ties to Chinese institutions and programs, ties meant by the Chinese government to result in the transfer of intellectual property from the United States."

“This case represents an attempt to serve China to the detriment of West Virginia University and the United States. Academia is a prime target for these activities and we will remain committed to prosecuting such fraud wherever it is found. I want to thank the FBI, the IRS and our prosecution team for a job well done,” said U.S Attorney Bill Powell, Northern District of West Virginia.

“The FBI knows the Chinese government intentionally targets the advanced technologies and technical expertise developed in the U.S. to give itself a competitive advantage in the world marketplace,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones. “Participation in a talent plan like the one Dr. Lewis was part of is not illegal. But FBI investigations have revealed participants are often incentivized to transfer proprietary information or research conducted in the U.S. to China. This remains a significant threat and a high priority threat for the FBI. We are dedicated to making sure foreign governments know U.S. trade secrets cannot and will not be bought.”

According to Lewis’s contract, the Chinese Academy of Sciences agreed to employ Lewis as a professor for at least three years. In return, Lewis agreed to maintain an active research program that yielded publications in high quality, peer-reviewed journals, and to provide research training and experience for Chinese Academy of Sciences students.

As a part of the program, Lewis was promised benefits, including a living subsidy of 1 million Yuan (approximately $143,000), a research subsidy of 4 million Yuan (approximately $573,000), and a salary of 600,000 Yuan (approximately $86,000). To receive the benefits, Lewis would have to work full time in China for three consecutive years, for no less than nine months per year, and would have to begin work no later than Aug. 8, 2018.

In March 2018, Lewis submitted a request to WVU for an alternate/parental work assignment, requesting to be released from his teaching duties for the fall 2018 semester in order to serve as the primary caregiver for a child he and his wife were expecting in June 2018. In fact, however, Lewis knew this request was fraudulent. Rather than caring for his newborn child, Lewis planned to work in China during the fall 2018 semester as a part of his agreement with the “1000 Talents Plan.” Based on the false justification Lewis offered, WVU granted his request.

In the fall of 2018, Lewis spent all but three weeks of the semester in China while his newborn child remained in the United States. During this period, Lewis received his full salary from WVU pursuant to his alternate/parental work assignment. Lewis’s scheme allowed him to fraudulently obtain $20,189 from WVU.

As a part of the plea agreement, Lewis has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $20,189 in full to WVU.  Lewis is no longer employed by WVU, having resigned in August 2019.

Lewis faces up to 10 years 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 Jarod J. Douglas and Trial Attorney Evan N. Turgeon with the Department of Justice’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, National Security Division, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the Internal Revenue Service investigated. WVU cooperated in the investigation of this case.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony L. Jackson, of Cleveland, Ohio, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Jackson, also known as “Rob,” age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl.” Jackson admitted to having heroin and fentanyl in August 2017 in Hancock County.

Jackson 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. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eugenio Menez, a former physician of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Menez, age 69, pled guilty to a one-count information this week charging him with “Distribution of Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice.” Menez admitted to illegally distributing oxycodone in September 2015 in Marion County. 

Menez was a family physician who practiced in Marion County. He distributed controlled substances outside the course of professional medical practice by writing prescriptions for several female patients in exchange for sexual favors. Even though the female patients had medical appointments, those visits involved sexual acts, and Menez did not conduct medical exams of those patients. The appointments would be scheduled either early in the morning at his office before his staff reported or at his residence. The patients believed they would have been denied their prescriptions if they did not consent to the sexual acts. The patients’ accounts were corroborated by numerous video recordings produced by Menez. 

“This doctor’s actions are beyond reprehensible.  His medical degree put him in a position of power and he abused it in a disgusting manner.  His degree will not protect him at sentencing,” said Powell.

Menez has surrendered his medical license, as well as his DEA registration, which permitted him to write prescriptions. 

Menez 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. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – After a two-day trial, Oneil Wayne South, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was found guilty today by a federal jury of a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

After deliberating for two hours, the jury found South, age 45, guilty of one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm as Drug User.” South is prohibited from having a firearm because of drug use, and has a 9mm pistol in March 2019 in Marion County.

South pled guilty to one count of “Reckless Flight from a Law Enforcement Officer” in February 2020. South admitted to fleeing from law enforcement after being asked to stop when on the property of the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division in Harrison County in March 2019.

South faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms charge. South faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000. 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 Andrew R. Cogar and Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the FBI, and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.
 
U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ludrick Joseph, of Miami, Florida, has admitted to downloading taxpayer transcripts by unlawfully accessing Internal Revenue Service computers, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Joseph, age 38, pled guilty this week to a one-count information charging him with “Accessing a Computer and Obtaining Information.”  Joseph admitted to fraudulently accessing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) eAuthentication online taxpayer system, which has servers located in Berkeley County, in April 2015.  In order to pass IRS security protocols, Joseph unlawfully obtained the Electronic Filing Pin (EFP) for a taxpayer which allowed him access into the eAuthentication system.  Once in the IRS eAuthentication system, Joseph fraudulently gained access to eight different tax return transcripts of an individual taxpayer.  The tax return transcripts contained the taxpayer’s date of birth, social security number, and gross income, among other sensitive information.

Joseph faces up to five years 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration Cybercrime Investigations Division investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jazzlyn Rae Molloy, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Molloy, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.” Molly admitted to having more than 500 grams of cocaine in April 2018 in Berkeley County in September 2018.

Molloy faces at least five years and up to 40 years 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 Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Martinsburg Police Department investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David Nathan Huntsberry, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Huntsberry, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl and Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Huntsberry admitted to selling heroin and fentanyl near Bedington Elementary School in Berkeley County in September 2018.

Huntsberry faces at least one and up to 40 years 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.

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. 

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

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian Cutright, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Cutright, age 40, is charged with one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm” and one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm.” Cutright, prohibited from having a firearm because he is a user of controlled substances, is accused of 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.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting 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.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Reynaldo Millan, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Millan, age 29, is charged with one count of “Possession of a Firearm by a Person Under Felony Indictment” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Millan, prohibited from having a firearm because of a felony indictment in Monongalia County and being a user of controlled substances, is accused of having a .223/5.56mm rile and a .38 caliber revolver in December 2018 in Monongalia County.

Millan faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the possession under felony indictment charge, and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful possession 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 Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Lance McClendon, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

McClendon, age 45, is charged one count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” McClendon is accused of maintaining a home in Monongalia County for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine and cocaine. He is also accused of having methamphetamine in September 2019 in Monongalia County.

McClendon faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $500,000 for  the maintaining a drug house charge and faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the meth 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia Probation Office investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Clay Westbrook, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Westbrook, age 38, is charged with two counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Westbrook is accused of distributing methamphetamine and cocaine base in November and December 2019 in Monongalia County. Westbrook, prohibited from having a firearm because of prior felony convictions, is also accused of having a .380 caliber pistol in December 2019 in Monongalia County.

Westbrook faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the drug counts, and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jonathan David Cochran, of Barrackville, West Virginia, was indicted today on a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Cochran, age 25, is charged with one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Cochran, prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction, is accused of having a .380 caliber pistol in December 2019 in Marion County.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia Probation and Parole Office investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Frank Horner, III, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Horner, age 27, is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Horner is accused of having methamphetamine in October 2019 in Harrison County. Horner, prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior felony conviction, is also accused of having a .22LR caliber semi-automatic pistol in October 2019 in Harrison County.

Horner faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the drug count, and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the firearms 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Probation Office investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen C. Crawford, a former inmate at U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton, was indicted today on charges of manslaughter and assault regarding the death of another inmate, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Crawford, age 41, was indicted today on one count of “Voluntary Manslaughter,” one count of “Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm,” and one count of “Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.” Crawford is accused of stabbing another inmate “A.C.” resulting in his death. The crime allegedly took place in March 2015 at USP Hazelton in Preston County.

Crawford faces up to 15 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the manslaughter charge and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for each of the other two 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 Brandon S. Flower 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.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – DeRon Parrish and Andre Parrish, both of Morgantown, West Virginia, were sentenced today for firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

DeRon, age 31, was sentenced to 46 months incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm as Convicted Felon” in October 2019. DeRon, a convicted felon, admitted to having three shotguns in November 2018 in Monongalia County. 

Andre, age 28, was sentenced to 12 months and one day incarceration. He pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm as Drug User” in October 2019. Andre, who is prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having three 12-guage shotguns and a pistol in Monongalia County in November 2018.
 
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

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 Morgantown Police Department investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Wayne Samuel Ellis Clyburn, Of Ranson, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Clyburn, age 51, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” He admitted to using a phone to further a drug deal in December 2018 in Jefferson County.

Clyburn faces up to four years 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 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 Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

The investigation was funded by the federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Program (OCDETF). The OCDETF program supplies critical federal funding and coordination that allows federal and state agencies to work together to successfully identify, investigate, and prosecute major interstate and international drug trafficking organizations and other criminal enterprises.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Elmer Leroy Kerns, of Paw Paw, West Virginia, has admitted to a sex charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Kerns, age 44, pled guilty to one count of “Interstate Travel for Sex with a Minor.” Kerns admitted to traveling across state lines to engage in sexual activity with a person under the age of 18. The crime took place in July 2019 in the Northern District of West Virginia and elsewhere. 

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Cedric Eugene Galloway, of Charles Town, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Galloway, age 50, pled guilty to one count of “Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Galloway admitted to distributing cocaine base, or “crack,” in May 2019 in Jefferson County.

Galloway 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. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Ranson Police Department investigated.
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher T. Engle, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, has admitted to wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Engle, age 30, was the co-owner of Hearts2Heros, a for-profit entity that allegedly was meant to support the military by creating and sending care packages to deployed service members. Hearts2Heros employees solicited contributions and misrepresented that the organization was a charity. 

Engle pled guilty today to a one-count information, charging him with “Wire Fraud.” Engle admitted that he defrauded donors in the Northern District of West Virginia, taking their donations for Hearts2Heros and using it for personal use. The fraud included thousands of donors from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. The total loss is $286,959.95.

“Using our brave military personnel who are deployed overseas as a prop for a fraud scheme is deplorable conduct.  Such conduct also is detrimental to the work of many wonderful community organizations who genuinely support our military.  Thanks to the work of the FBI and our prosecution team, the defendant’s greed will now be appropriately dealt with by the court at sentencing,” said Powell.  

Engle faces up to 20 years 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 investigated.
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles Lynn, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Lynn, age 41, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm.” Flynn, a convicted felon, admitted to possessing a 12 gauge shotgun, a .308 caliber rifle, and a 7mm caliber rifle, all believed to be stolen, in October 2018 in Monongalia County.

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

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Project Safe Neighborhoods is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Oneil Wayne South, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to fleeing from law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

South, age 45, pled guilty to one count of “Reckless Flight from a Law Enforcement Officer.” South admitted to fleeing from law enforcement after being asked to stop when on the property of the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division in Harrison County in March 2019.

South faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the FBI, and the Fairmont Police Department investigated.
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Andre Hager, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 51 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Hager, also known as “Andyman,” pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base and Heroin” in June 2019. Hager, age 48, admitted to distributing cocaine and heroin, in Ohio County from April 2018 to September 2018. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was led by the Ohio County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department. Those assisting in the arrests are the United States Marshal Service; Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department; and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kyuten J. Smith, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 110 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Smith, also known as “Mitch,” pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base” in July 2019. Kyuten, age 29, admitted to distributing cocaine base in Ohio County in September 2018.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The investigation was led by the Ohio County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force is comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wheeling Police Department. Those assisting in the arrests are the United States Marshal Service; Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Martins Ferry, Ohio Police Department; and the Columbus, Ohio Police Department.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.