Northern District of West Virginia

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tiffany Sells, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration for her role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Sells, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location” in July 2019. Sells admitted to selling cocaine near Jensen Playground on Wheeling Island in July 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.
 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Todd Michael Hensley, of Anderson, South Carolina, was indicted this week on a methamphetamine distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Hensley, age 47, is charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Hensley is accused of distributing methamphetamine in January 2020 in Marshall County.

The indictment also calls for the forfeiture of 15 firearms, including three AK47s, nearly 300 rounds of ammunition, $9,000 in cash, and an IPhone XR.

Hensley 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marshall County 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.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dehaven Darnell Craig, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Craig, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” Craig, prohibited from having a firearm because of a prior conviction, admitted to having a .380 caliber pistol in April 2018 in Jefferson County.

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

Craig 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 K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and 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.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jamie Allen Butcher, of Shinnston, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 65 months incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Butcher, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession of a Stolen Firearm” in October 2019. Butcher admitted to having a stolen .45 caliber pistol in June 2018 in Lewis County.

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 Weston Police Department investigated. 

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Lawrence Allen Keplinger, of Lahmansville, West Virginia, was indicted this week on methamphetamine distribution and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Keplinger, age 38, is charged with four counts of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” involving more than five grams of “crystal meth” or” ice,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” involving more than 50 grams of “crystal meth” or “ice,” one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” and one count of “Possession of Unregistered Firearm.” Keplinger is accused of distributing methamphetamine from July 2017 to March 2019 in Grant County. Keplinger, a person prohibited from having a firearm, is also accused of having a .17 caliber rifle, a .375 caliber bolt-action rifle, and an unregistered .22 caliber long rifle in March 2019 in Grant County.

Keplinger faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for each of the distribution counts, faces at least five years and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000,000 for “crystal meth” distribution charge, and faces at least 10 years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000 for the possession with intent distribution charge. Keplinger also faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the unlawful possession charge and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000 for the unregistered firearm 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 Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Martenez Strong-Edmondson, Jr., of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation that spanned two states, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Strong-Edmondson, also known as “Bo,” age 21, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base and Cocaine within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location” in October 2019. He admitted to distributing cocaine and cocaine base near Pulaski Playground in September 2018 in Ohio County.

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 – Martin Anderson, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for a firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Anderson, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in October 2019. Anderson, a person prohibited from having firearms, is accused of possessing a .223 caliber rifle and two .22 caliber rifles in Wetzel County in June 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 Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. 

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tajuan Smith, of Canal Winchester, Ohio, was sentenced today to 16 months incarceration for distributing cocaine, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Smith, also known as “Poe,” age 20, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in June 2019. Smith admitted to selling cocaine near Jensen Playground in Wheeling in June 2018. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated. 

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andrew Reed Cumbie, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a failure to register charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Cumbie, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Register.” Cumbie, having been convicted of a sex offense in the Circuit Court of Melheur County, Oregon, admitted to traveling interstate commerce and not registering and updating his registration as a sex offender. The crime occurred in Berkeley County from November 16 to December 11, 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Antonio Dewayne Brown, of Weirton, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Brown, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Brown admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in August 2018 in Hancock County.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police 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 James P. Mazzone presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Richard Lofton, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 78 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Lofton, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in October 2019. Lofton admitted to having more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth,” in Hardy county in October 2018.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Hardy County Department of Natural Resources, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon Suel, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Suel, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location” in July 2019. Suel admitted to selling cocaine near Jensen Playground on Wheeling Island in May 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 – Joshua Ford, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Ford, also known as “Fatboy,” age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location” in June 2019. Ford admitted to selling cocaine near Jensen Playground on Wheeling Island in May 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.
 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeffrey Allen Johnson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to having child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Johnson, age 50, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Johnson admitted to having more than 600 images of child pornography in May 2019 in Berkeley County.

Johnson 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.

This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Rashaan Donell Mukes, of Steubenville, Ohio, has admitted to his role in a cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Mukes, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride, Cocaine Base, Heroin, and Fentanyl.” Mukes admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in Hancock County and elsewhere from February 2018 to August 2019.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police 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 James P. Mazzone presided.

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

Blake, age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances” and one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” Blake admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine base or “crack,” heroin, and fentanyl from September 2018 to June 2019 in Ohio County and elsewhere. She also admitted to selling fentanyl near Luau Manor in June 2019.

Blake faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the conspiracy count, and faces at least one and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for the distribution 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, investigated. 

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gerald Kyler, of Eastpointe, Michigan, was sentenced today to 12 months and one day incarceration for selling heroin, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Kyler, also known as “Dave,” age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin in Proximity to a Protected Location” in September 2019. Kyler admitted to selling heroin near West Virginia University in July 2018 in Monongalia County.

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 State Police investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gary Antonio Thorton, of Baltimore has admitted to cocaine and heroin distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Thorton, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base.” Thorton admitted to working with another to distribute heroin and cocaine base from February to May 2015 in Berkeley County.

Thorton faces up to twenty years in prison 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 K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael L. Forrest, Jr., of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to 48 months incarceration for his role in a cocaine and heroin distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Forrest, also known as “Flip,” age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location” in July 2019. Forrest admitted to selling cocaine near the Pulaski Playground in Ohio County in August 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. 

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Katina Sabatino, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to two years probation for her role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Sabatino, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Device” in February 2019. Sabatino admitted to using a phone to assist with distributing controlled substances in April 2018 in Monongalia County.

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

The investigation was funded in part 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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dietrich S. Fansler, former owner of the Middletown Mall, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for bankruptcy fraud and tax fraud, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Fansler, of Morgantown, West Virginia, is the managing member of Pin Oak Properties, LLC, which operated Middletown Mall in Fairmont. Fansler, age 59, pled guilty to one count of “Fraudulent Concealment of Bankruptcy Estate Assets” and one count of “Willful Failure to Pay Over Tax” in September 2019. 

Fansler filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June 2017. Between June 2017 and January 2018, Fansler collected rent from the tenants of the mall and was required to deposit that money into the debtor-in-possession account of Pin Oak Properties. Fansler admitted to using some of that collected rent, approximately $225,000, for expenses unrelated to Pin Oak Properties and concealing it from the creditors of the bankruptcy estate.

Fansler also admitted to failing to pay the withheld income taxes from employees of Pin Oak Properties and another one of his companies, Villa Rentals, Inc. He admits, too, that he did not pay personal income taxes for years 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013. The total loss to the IRS is more than $880,000.

Fansler was ordered to pay $225,000 in restitution to the bankruptcy trustee, as well as $880,446.82 in restitution to the IRS.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen Bray, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Bray, age 36, pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base in Proximity of a Protected Location.” Bray admitted to selling cocaine base, also known as “crack,” near Lincoln Middle School in Harrison County in November 2017.

Bray 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.

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. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Walter Lee Evans, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Evans, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Possess with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Evans admitted to having heroin in April 2019 in Berkeley County.

Evans 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 Martinsburg Police Department investigated. 

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Caleb McCune, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, has admitted to selling heroin, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

McCune, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin in Proximity to a Protected Location.” McCune admitted to working with another to sell heroin near Bruce Park in Wetzel County in April 2019.

McCune faces 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jack Carl Rice, of Elkins, West Virginia, has admitted to a child pornography charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Rice, age 62,  pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Rice admitted to having images of child pornography depicting minors under the age of 12 in January 2018 in Harrison County.

Rice 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 David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy Allen Crowe, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Crowe, age 57, pled guilty to one count of “False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of a Firearm.” Crowe, having been previously convicted of domestic battery, admitted to lying about his previous charges when trying to purchase a 9mm pistol in April 2018 in Marion County.
 
Crowe 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.

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jasper E. Shook, of Petersburg, West Virginia, has admitted to child pornography charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Shook, age 32, pled guilty on Monday to one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Production Child Pornography,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession of Child Pornography (Depicting a child under the age of 12),” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Production of Child Pornography.” Shook admitted to working with another to possess and produce images of child pornography that included images of a female under the age of 12 from 2015 to May 2019 in the Northern District of West Virginia and elsewhere.

The maximum penalty for the conspiracy count is up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. The maximum penalty for aiding and abetting possession of an image of child pornography of a child under the age of 12, is up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Finally, the maximum penalty for aiding and abetting the production of child pornography is not less than 15 years and up to 30 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000.  

This case is prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/.

Assistants U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett and Jeffrey A. Finucane are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the West Virginia State Police investigated. 

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan Parker, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, has admitted to a fentanyl distribution charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Parker, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” Parker admitted to selling fentanyl near Madison Elementary School in July 2019 in Ohio County.

Parker faces at least one year 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.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin 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 – Dale Robert Barnhart, of Alma, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Barnhart, age 57, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition.” Barnhart, who is prohibited from having a firearm because of prior convictions, is accused of having two shotguns, a rifle, and multiple rounds of ammunition in August 2019 in Tyler County.

Barnhart 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.

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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian Keith Rose, an inmate at FCI Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, has admitted to and was sentenced for an assault charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Rose, age 34, was sentenced today to 12 months incarceration to run consecutively to the sentencing he is currently serving. Rose pled guilty to one count of “Assault of a Correctional Officer Involving Physical Contact.” He admitted to assaulting a federal correctional officer at FCI Hazelton in October 2018.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Prisons Special Investigation Services investigated. 

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Russell Clark, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 41 months incarceration for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Clark, age 66, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises” in April 2019. Clark admitted to maintaining a residence on Winding Way in Clarksburg for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine in February 2018.

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 Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

The investigation was funded in part 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. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Karl Justin Dunn, III, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing heroin, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Dunn, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Dunn admitted to selling heroin in July 2018 in Berkeley County.

Dunn 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.

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

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, is 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.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Armand Taylor, of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for his role in a drug distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Taylor, also known as “Scrap,” age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in October 2019. Taylor admitted to selling heroin in June 2017 in Harrison County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. 
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Devale Montray Jackson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Jackson, age 58, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” Jackson admitted to using a phone to arrange a heroin sale in Berkeley County in December 2018.

Jackson is facing 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 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, are prosecuting 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. 

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.
 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Danielle Lynn McCarty, of Shinnston, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation and 125 hours of community service for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

McCarty, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession of a Stolen Firearm” in August 2019. McCarty admitted to having a stolen .45 caliber pistol in June 2018 in Lewis County.

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 Weston Police Department investigated. 

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Gordon Lloyd Swartz, IV, of Jacksonburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Swartz, age 44, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Swartz is accused of having methamphetamine in October 2019 in Tyler County.

The government is also seeking the forfeiture of $36,573 in cash, two 9mm pistols and ammunition, one faux firearm suppressor, and three holsters.

Swartz 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 West Virginia Division of Natural resources-Law Enforcement Section investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Lee Gray, II, of Marshall, Virginia, was sentenced today to 78 months incarceration for his involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Gray, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine” in September 2019. Gray admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2017 to June 2018 in Mineral, Hardy, and Hampshire Counties and elsewhere.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosescuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police, and the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force investigated. 

The investigation was funded in part 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.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Todd Jason Erwin, of White Post, Virginia, was sentenced today to 33 months incarceration for his involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Erwin, age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base and Heroin” in September 2019. Erwin admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine base and heroin in October and November 2018 in Berkeley County.

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 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.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Alberto Poblano Lopez, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation for using a false social security number to obtain a driver’s license, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Lopez, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “False Representation of a Social Security Number” in September 2019. Lopez admitted to using someone else’s social security number in order to obtain a West Virginia Driver’s License in August 2018 in Jefferson County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bruce Scott Nicholson, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation for his role in a cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Nicholson, age 53, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Travel Act - Promotion” in September 2019. Nicholson admitted to working with another to travel from West Virginia to Pennsylvania to obtain drugs to then distribute those drugs in West Virginia. The crime occurred in October 2018.

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. 

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.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Mack A. Tagg, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was indicted today on firearms charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Tagg, age 39, was indicted on one count of “Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm” and two counts of “False Statement to Acquire Firearm.” Tagg, a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, is accused of having three pistols, two rifles, and a firearms frame in 2019 in Marshall County. Tagg is also accused of falsifying forms to purchase firearms in March and April 2019 in Marshall County. 

Tagg 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 Robert H. McWilliams is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, 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: www.justice.gov/projectguardian.            

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Franklin Israel Reyes-Zelaya, a citizen of El Salvador, was sentenced today to time served for a reentry charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Reyes-Zelaya, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Aliens” in January 2020. Reyes-Zelaya admitted to being in Berkeley County in September 2019 after being removed once before from the United States illegally. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy D. Helman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Hashim Hussein, a citizen of Kuwait, was indicted today on drug charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Hussein, also known as “Kuwait,” age 21, is charged with two counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Hydrochloride within 1000 Feet of Protected Location.” Hussein is accused of selling cocaine hydrochloride, also known as “Coke,” in October and December 2019 near the campus of West Virginia University in Monongalia County.

Hussein faces at least one and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and 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.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Three Mexican citizens and a Guatemalan citizen were indicted today on reentry charges, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

The four are accused of reentering the country illegally after being removed at least once before. Each is charged with one count of “reentry of a Removed Alien.” They are:

•    Pedro Celestino Lunez-Gomez,  citizen of Mexico, age 38
•    Jose Luis Lunez-Gomez, a citizen of Mexico, age 25
•    Rafael Rosales-Flores, a citizen of Mexico, age 28
•    Fredy Evaristo Cortez-Cahuec, a citizen of Guatemala, age 30

The four were found in January 2020 in Lewis County.

Each man faces up to two 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security Immigrations and Customs Enforcement investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Keith Edward Ross, of Oak Hill, West Virginia, has admitted to heroin distribution, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Ross, age 45, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Ross admitted to working with another to distribute heroin in March 2019 in Harrison County.

Ross 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 West Virginia State Police investigated. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Cassandra Elaine Riggs, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months incarceration for a firearms charge, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Riggs, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in September 2019. Riggs, who is prohibited from having a firearm or ammunition because of previous felony convictions, admitted to having a .223 caliber semi-automatic rifle in October 2018 in Berkeley County.

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 Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Probation Office investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Herman Lee Brown, Jr., of Inwood, West Virginia, was sentenced to 51 months incarceration for a firearms violation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Brown, age 52, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in August 2019. Brown, a person prohibited from having a firearm, admitted to having a .380 caliber pistol in July 2018 in Berkeley County.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Alan Williams, of Hillsboro, Virginia, was sentenced today to 327 months incarceration for producing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.

“The production of child pornography is a heinous act and victims our most vulnerable—our children. The sentence is warranted and demonstrates our commitment to aggressively prosecuting these crimes,” said Powell.

Williams, age 55, pled guilty to one count of “Production of Child Pornography by Person Having Custody or Control” on September 2019. Williams admitted to permitting a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce child pornography to be shared in February 2019 in Jefferson County.

Williams was also ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution to the victim in this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated. 

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Shannon Terill Loveless, of Steubenville, Ohio, has admitted to his role in a cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Loveless, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride, Cocaine Base, Heroin, and Fentanyl.” Loveless admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in Hancock County and elsewhere from February 2018 to August 2019.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police 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 James P. Mazzone presided.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Rolland Kwame Owens, of Steubenville, Ohio, has admitted to his role in a cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl distribution operation, U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Owens, also known as “Buster,” age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Hydrochloride, Cocaine Base, Heroin, and Fentanyl.” Owens admitted to working with others to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in Hancock County and elsewhere from February 2018 to August 2019.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danae DeMasi-Lemon and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Jefferson County, Ohio, Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force; the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office; the Brooke County Sheriff’s Office; the Weirton Police Department; and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Police 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 James P. Mazzone presided.