Northern District of West Virginia

It was forty-five years ago.  I still think about it.  I think about how helpless I was when the three thugs on a city bus robbed me of my valuables at knifepoint as I was coming home from school.  My experience pales in comparison to what so many crime victims deal with on a day-to-day basis.  But, my experience allows me to empathize to a much greater degree than I would otherwise be able to do.  Each year the Department of Justice and United States Attorneys’ offices—including mine—observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who advocate on their behalf.  

Our office has worked with hundreds of victims over the past year.  And we have in every instance worked to get them justice.  Victims of fraud, victims of sexual exploitation, victims of the opioid epidemic and elder victims have all exhibited the courage to come forward and describe their often heart-wrenching experiences.  Sometimes the pain associated with the crime has to be relived again and again as the court proceedings are concluded.  It is painful for them—every single time.  But, without their courage we could not do our jobs of prosecuting the perpetrators of the crimes and advocate appropriate punishments.  

Our prosecutions have led to the removal of hundreds of pounds of dangerous drugs, the prosecution of several adults who sexually exploited children and doctors who have monetized their efforts to keep their patients addicted to opioids.  We have also spent many hours in the community educating children and adults about the dangers of drugs, addiction, social media and internet schemes.  

Our attorneys and the law enforcement community continue to pursue the fraudsters, drug dealers, exploiters of children and the elderly alike.  But, our work would be impossible without the courageous victims.  Hopefully, their efforts will encourage the many victims who are too afraid to come forward or feel foolish that they were taken advantage of.  To those victims, I say, I understand, but we want to help you and we need your help.  It is why we do what we do, and we are proud to honor all crime victims this month. 

-U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, the Northern District of West Virginia

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan E. Carpenter, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

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

Carpenter 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 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.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David C. Chalfant, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 10 months incarceration for his role in a heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Chalfant, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin” in May 2018. Chalfant admitted to selling heroin in March 2016 in Harrison County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Cody Boley, of Wallace, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Boley, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Boley, being a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, admitted to having a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in May 2018 in Lewis County.

Boley 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy Peer, of Springfield, West Virginia, has admitted to violating permits and discharging untreated sewage from his sewage treatment plant, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Peer, age 55, was the owner of Mountainaire Village Utility, LLC, a sewage water treatment plant serving the residents of Mountainaire Village near Ridgeley, West Virginia. Peer owned and operated this business from early 2008 to July 2016. Peer pled guilty to one count of “Knowing Violation of Permit Conditions” and one count of “False Statements on Discharge Monitoring Reports.” 

From 2014 to 2016, Peer admitted to failing to maintain the treatment plant, resulting in untreated and undertreated sewage being discharged into the North Branch of the Potomac River, violating the Clean Water Act and his permit. Peer also admitted to falsely reporting quarterly testing on the wastewater from the plant.

Peer faces not more than 3 years; not less than $5,000 (if a fine is imposed) and not more than $50,000 per day of violation; or $250,000; or twice the amount of gain or loss; for the permit violation count. He faces up to two years incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000 for the discharge 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 David J. Perri and Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry McDaniel, with the Southern District of West Virginia U.S. Attorney’s Office, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Environmental Protection Agency and the West Virginia Department of Environment Protection investigated. 

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – James Vincent Scott, of Hudson, Ohio, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on a sex charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Scott, age 31, was indicted on one count of “Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct.” Scott is accused of traveling from Ohio to Harrison County, West Virginia, to engage in illegal sexual conduct in February 2019.

Scott 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 Danae Demasi-Lemon is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bridgeport Police Department investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Larry E. Brown and Jacinta Jo Brown, both of Wintersville, Ohio, were indicted today by a federal grand jury on a false bankruptcy charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Larry Brown, age 68, and Jacinta Brown, age 64, were each indicted on one count of “False Bankruptcy Declaration.” The Browns are accused of fraudulently omitting an interest in an ongoing claim against a corporation, as required by law.

The Browns each face 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 cases on behalf of the government. 

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Spencer Lee Sarver, of Springfield, Georgia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Sarver, age 63, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Sarver admitted to distributing methamphetamine from January 2017 to September 2018 in Wetzel County. 

Sarver 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; the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Monroe County, Ohio Sheriff’s Office; and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
 

Pictured left to right are: Adam Cohen, Director of OCEDFT; Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher, award recipient; Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins, award recipient; U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, the Northern District of West Virginia

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –United States Attorney Bill Powell is proud to announce that three Assistant United States Attorneys in the Northern District of West Virginia are being recognized today in Baltimore for their work to combat the opioid epidemic.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher, along with former NDWV Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski, now with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Hampshire, will be recognized at the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Awards for their exemplary work on cases involving opioid reduction in the Northern District of West Virginia.

“Our honored Assistant United States Attorneys and law enforcement agents are extraordinarily hard working and professional.  They come to work every day with one mission: to protect the people of this district.  They do so with great enthusiasm, a just mind and without any concern for recognition.  But, when recognition comes we should embrace it for it reminds us how fortunate we are to have them helping to protect each of us.   I am proud to be associated with them, and congratulate them all on this well-deserved recognition,” said Powell.

Along with Adkins, Omps-Botteicher, and Krasinski, several other Northern District of West Virginia law enforcement professionals will be recognized at the ceremony.

The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program was established in 1982 to coordinate a comprehensive attack against organized drug traffickers. Today, the OCDETF Program is the centerpiece of the United States Attorney General’s drug strategy to reduce the availability of drugs by disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, money-laundering networks, and related criminal enterprises.

OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of federal law enforcement agencies in a coordinated attack against major drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. The OCDETF program includes the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices (USAOs), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USCIS), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), the Criminal and Tax Divisions of the U.S. Department of Justice, and numerous State and local agencies.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sean Miller Phillips, Jr., of Eastpointe, Michigan, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for oxycodone distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Phillips, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone” in November 2018. Phillips admitted to selling oxycodone in March 2017 in Monongalia County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Drug 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.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Christopher Morgan, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to his role in a heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine distribution operation in Randolph County, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Morgan, also known as “Deon” and “D,” age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, Cocaine Base, and Methamphetamine.” Morgan admitted to working with others to distribute heroin, “crack” cocaine, and methamphetamine in Randolph County from March 2016 to March 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force 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 Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – David M. Wasanyi, a former Martinsburg and Charles Town, West Virginia pharmacist, was ordered to pay $335,670 in civil penalties for filling prescriptions in violation of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Wasanyi, age 50, was a pharmacist at City Pharmacy in Martinsburg and at City Pharmacy in Charles Town, West Virginia. From 2010 to 2015, City Pharmacy filled 1,181 invalid prescriptions for controlled substances written by physicians in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia for patients in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia. All of the purportedly fraudulent patients traveled great distances to have the illegitimate prescriptions filled, most by Wasanyi.

The civil judgment against Wasanyi in the amount of $335,670 is for his estimated income from those illegitimate prescriptions, many of which were written for oxycodone.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg Kinskey and Stephanie Savino litigated the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. 

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Phillip Sweet, of Triadelphia, West Virginia, was sentenced today to eight months incarceration for not updating his sex offender registration, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Sweet, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration” in February 2019. Sweet admitted to moving from Niagra Falls, New York, to Triadelphia, West Virginia in July 2017 and not updating his sex offender registration, as required by law. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Lee Pauley, Jr., of Mount Storm, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Pauley, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Pauley admitted to working with others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine from March 2018 to May 2018 in Mineral, Grant, and Randolph Counties.

Pauley faces not less than ten years and up to life incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; and the Ravenswood Police Department 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. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Corey Alt, of Elk Garden, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Alt, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Alt admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine from August 2017 to June 2018 in Mineral, Hardy, and Hampshire Counties and elsewhere.

Alt 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 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.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Faith Martin, of Shinnston, West Virginia, has admitted to her involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Martin, age 20, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Martin admitted to selling methamphetamine in Harrison County in August 2018.

Martin 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 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Koch, of Anmore, West Virginia, has admitted to methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Koch, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Koch admitted to selling methamphetamine in August 2018 in Harrison County.

Koch 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Wright, of West Union, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Wright, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Wright admitted to working with others to distribute methamphetamine in Harrison County and elsewhere from the fall of 2017 to September 2018.

Wright 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 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Geronda Wilson, of Detroit, Michigan, has admitted to her involvement in a drug distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Wilson, age 43, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises.” Wilson admitted to maintain a home in Morgantown, West Virginia, for the purpose of distributing heroin, oxycodone, a crack cocaine from May 2017 to May 2018.

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

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

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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Mark Jay Courtney, of Montrose, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration for distributing heroin, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Courtney, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in October 2018. Courtney admitted to selling heroin in Randolph County in January 2018.

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.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Clarksburg, West Virginia men have admitted to their involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Jesse Pack, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Pack, an unlawful user of a firearm, admitted to having a .9mm pistol in Harrison County in June 2018.

David Weaver, age 34, pled guilty to “Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Weaver admitted to selling methamphetamine near Washington Irving Middle School in Harrison County in October 2017.

Pack faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. Weaver faces not less than 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua A. Parker, of Baker, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Parker, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in November 2018. Parker, having been convicted of four previous felonies, admitted to possessing a 9mm pistol in Hardy County in April 2017.

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 Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Oscar Willard Thomas, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Thomas, also known as “Will Thomas,” age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in November 2018. Thomas admitted to selling methamphetamine in September 2016 in Randolph County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force 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. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Dontez Rayshawn Hudson, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for a heroin distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Hudson, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” in October 2018. Hudson admitted to distributing heroin in Randolph County in May 2017.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided. 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Amanze Antoine, of Mt. Vernon, New York, was sentenced today to 120 months incarceration for illegal firearms sales and cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

After a three-day trial in December 2018, a federal jury found Antoine, age 38, guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Violate Federal Firearms Laws” one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Antoine recruited a group of individuals in Morgantown, West Virginia and elsewhere to create false documentation to purchase firearms, transported and sold the illegally obtained firearms from West Virginia to New York. He also distributed cocaine in Morgantown in May 2017. Antoine was previously convicted of two crimes in New York, prohibiting him from possessing a firearm.

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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Lough, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months incarceration for his role in a firearms theft and sale scheme, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced. 

Lough, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm - Aiding and Abetting,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm” in January 2018. Lough, being a person prohibited from possessing a firearm, admitted to receiving, possessing, bartering or selling 21 firearms in Upshur County in October 2016.

Lough was also ordered to pay $54,000 in restitution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives; The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crime Task Force; the Greater Harrison Drug &Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office; the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office; the Buckhannon Police Department; and the Weston Police Department investigated. 
 
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided. 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Brooks Ketterman, of Hambleton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 60 months incarceration for distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Ketterman, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in October 2018. Ketterman admitted to possessing more than five grams of methamphetamine, also known as “Ice,” in Randolph County in September 2017.

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.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - Brianna Blackman, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 14 months incarceration for having a drug-involved premises, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Blackman, also known as “BB,” age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises” in October 2017. Blackman admitted to maintaining an apartment in Rhea Terrace in Fairmont in Marion County, West Virginia for the purpose of distributing oxycodone. The crime occurred from May until December 2016.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigation. The Task Force consists of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, Morgantown Police Department, the Star City Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia University Police Department, the Granville Police Department, and the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

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.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Preston Jeffrey Smith, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to his involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Smith, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the False Statement in Connection with the Acquisition of a Firearm.” Smith admitted to making a false statement to purchase a 5.56 mm caliber pistol in May 2018 in Monongalia County. 

Smith 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting 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 United States Marshal Service assisted.

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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – John David Davisson, of Weston, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 123 months incarceration for firearms and methamphetamine distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Davisson, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Carry a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime” in October 2018. Davisson admitted to possessing a .45-caliber pistol and two 9mm pistols while possessing crystal methamphetamine, also known as ice, in October 2017 in Lewis County. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon David Fout, of Oil Fields, West Virginia, was sentenced today to five years probation for his role in a heroin distribution ring, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced. 

Fout, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Interstate Travel in Furtherance of a Drug Crime” in July 2016. Fout traveled to Maryland from West Virginia to assist in the distribution of heroin in June 2015. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia State Police Criminal Bureau of Investigations, and the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 
 
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided. 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Rocky Douglas Idleman, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to life plus 60 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution and firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Idleman, age 39, was found guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute More Than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” two counts of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm,” and one count of “Carry a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime” after a three-day trial in October 2018. Idleman committed the crimes from March 2016 to September 2017 in Upshur County and elsewhere. 

“Methamphetamine is an ever-increasing problem in our district and often causes violent behavior.  The addition of firearms further enhances the risk of violence.  The life sentence handed down by the court was just and sends a very strong message about how these crimes will be prosecuted.  We will continue to aggressively prosecute those who flaunt our laws to the detriment of our communities,” said Powell.  

“Drug dealers with guns are violent criminals who pose an increased threat to the safety of our communities,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Stuart Lowrey of the Louisville Field Division. “ATF, strives to be ‘no better partner’ to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Together, we will continue to aggressively investigate, arrest and pursue prosecution of these offenders. Our shared commitment to reducing violent crime continues to make West Virginia safer for everyone.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration;  The Mountain Region Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, composed of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Elkins Police Department, U.S. Forest Service, and Tucker County Sheriff’s Office; the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office; the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office; the Buckhannon Police Department; and the Weston 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. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA –Lauren Hedges, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine near a school, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Hedges, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Hedges admitted to distributing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of Wheeling Central Catholic High School in November 2018. 

Hedges faces not less than 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 Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Megan Leigh Thompson, of Proctor, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Thompson, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Thompson admitted to distributing methamphetamine from January 2017 to September 2018 in Wetzel County. 

Thompson 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; the Marshall County Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Monroe County, Ohio, Sheriff's Department; and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated.

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Leon King, of Steubenville, Ohio, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for distributing heroin and cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

King, age 41, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin and Cocaine” in December 2018. King admitted to selling heroin and cocaine in Hancock County in April 2018.

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.

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kirk Grubler, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to possessing child pornography, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Grubler, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Grubler admitted to having images of child pornography depicting a child under the age of 12 in April 2017 in Ohio County.

Grubler 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 Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darius Dunbar, of Southfield, Michigan, has admitted to his involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Dunbar, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.” Dunbar admitted to selling heroin in July 2017 in Monongalia County. 

Dunbar 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, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jessika Dawn Bishop-Holt, of Anmoore, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Bishop-Holt, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Bishop-Holt admitted to distributing methamphetamine in March 2018 in Harrison County.

Bishop-Holt 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 Traci M. Cook 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.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin Jackson, of Baltimore, Maryland, has admitted to his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Jackson, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Jackson admitted to selling methamphetamine in November 2017 in Harrison 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting 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 United States Marshal Service assisted.

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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Michigan men have admitted to their involvement in a heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Travon Evans, of Detroit, Michigan, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting a False Statement in the Acquisition of a Firearm.”  Evans admitted to distributing heroin in June 2018 in Monongalia County. He also admitted to making a false statement in the attempted purchase of a 5.56 mm caliber pistol in May 2018 in Monongalia County.

Raymond Edison, of Detroit, Michigan, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone within 1,000 feet of Protected Location.” Edison admitted to selling oxycodone near Suncrest Middle School in Monongalia County in October 2017.

Evans 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. Edison faces no less than 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 Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the cases 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 United States Marshal Service assisted.

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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Peggy Louise Farrington and Jacqueline Lee Weigland, both of Galivants Ferry, South Carolina, appeared in federal court this week on drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Farrington, age 54, and Weigland, age 57, were each indicted on March 5, 2019 by a federal grand jury sitting in Clarksburg on one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.” The women are accused of possessing fentanyl in January 2019 in Berkeley County.

Farrington and Weigland each face not less than five 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 Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Martinsburg Police Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon Mays, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Mays, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Mays admitted to distributing methamphetamine in October 2017 in Monongalia County.

Mays 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 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bruno Maurico-Solis and Javier Rosario-Azamar, both citizens of Mexico, have admitted to reentering the country illegally, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Maurico-Solis, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Maurico-Solis admitted to being in Harrison County, West Virginia illegally in December 2018 after being removed twice before from the United States for illegal reentry.

Rosario-Azamar, age 43, pled guilty to one count of :Reentry of Removed Alien.” He admitted to being in Harrison County, West Virginia illegally in December 2018 after being removed once before from the United States.

Maurico-Solis and Rosario-Azamar were sentenced to time served and 12 months of supervised release.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. 

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Solomon Cottrill, of Salem, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Cottrill, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Cottrill admitted to selling methamphetamine in November 2017 in Harrison County.

Cottrill 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury this week has indicted 33 individuals in seven separate indictments involving heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Agents seized 891 grams of different controlled substances, several firearms, ammunition, and more than $33,000 in cash during several raids and searches conducted in West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania in January of 2019 that resulted in the indictments. Those indicted are:

• Leroy Raymond Griffin, 38, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Gregory Ian Polk, Jr., 34, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Jason Lamonte Bryant, 41, of Hagerstown, Maryland
• Tyquil Desmont Griffin, 19, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Courtney Guess, 23, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Jessica Nicholson, also known as “J,” age 23, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Anthony Wayne Harrison, II, also known as “Ant,” 29, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Bruce Scott Nicholson, age 52, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Michael Shavar Payton, 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Brandy Renae Netz, 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Shavon Craig, 34, of Kearneysville, West Virginia
• Devale Montray Jackson, also known as “Devale McNickle,” 58, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Anthony Jones, also known as “Moose,” 42, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Amy Little, also known as “Amy Jackson,” 44, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
• Joshua A. Miller, age 28, of  Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Brianne Katherine Murray, 38, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• David Nathan Huntsberry, 39, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Levar Glenwood Crawford, 41, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Tywonne Crawford, 39, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Todd Jason Erwin, 42, of White Post, Virginia
• Nicholas Wayne Deminds, 30, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Shannon Keiffer, 33, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• James Lamont Brinkley, 32, of Baltimore, Maryland
• Sven Artez Alston, 31, of Baltimore, Maryland
• Armstead William Craig, also known as “Manny” and “Manny Moo,” 39, of Ranson, WV
• Sandra Aramburo, 37, of Ranson, West Virginia
• Jansen V. Carr, 34, of Ranson, West Virginia
• Victor Lamont Carr, 59, of Ranson, West Virginia
• Allen Craig, 56, of Ranson, West Virginia
• Wayne Samuel Ellis Clyburn, 50, of Ranson, West Virginia
• Molly L. Huber, 30, of Ranson, West Virginia
• Hopeton Lee Newman, Jr., 31, of Inwood, West Virginia
• Shawn Kendall Murray, 36, of Loudon County, Virginia

 

“Our resolve is strong.  We will not tolerate those who bring death and violence into our communities.  Our law enforcement and prosecution teams are highly skilled and supremely dedicated to our mission.  Hopefully, those involved in criminal conduct will learn that the potential consequences are not worth the perceived and false reward of their conduct,” said Powell.

"For far too long the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia has been plagued by drugs and violence," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Jones, FBI.  "The arrests highlight the collaborative work of all our law enforcement partners and our continuing commitment to use every resource to protect our citizens and get these dangerous and illegal drugs off the streets."

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 cases 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 United States Marshals assisted in the arrests.

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.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Khourtney Alexandra King, of Canton, Ohio, has admitted to using another person’s passport, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
King, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Misuse of a Passport.” King admitted to giving another person’s passport to her employer as proof of identity and citizenship in November 2017 in Ohio County.

King 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 Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service investigated. 

Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stormetta Hawkins, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Hawkins, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” Hawkins admitted to selling methamphetamine in July 2018 in Harrison County.

Hawkins 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. The United States Marshal Service assisted.

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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG – A federal grand jury today indicted Michael Kennedy, a former West Virginia State Trooper, for using excessive force against an arrestee. Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Bill Powell made the announcement.
 
Kennedy, 29, of Morgantown, West Virginia, is charged with one count of “Deprivation of Rights under Color of Law.” According to the indictment, the defendant is accused of using excessive force resulting in bodily injury during an arrest on Nov. 19, 2018, in Berkeley County.

Kennedy faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. An indictment is merely an accusation. 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.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas and Department of Justice Civil Rights Trial Attorney Christine Siscaretti are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.

 

A federal grand jury today indicted Michael Kennedy, a former West Virginia State Trooper, for using excessive force against an arrestee. Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Bill Powell made the announcement.

Kennedy, 29, of Morgantown, West Virginia, is charged with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. According to the indictment, the defendant is accused of using excessive force resulting in bodily injury during an arrest on Nov. 19, 2018, in Berkeley County.

Kennedy faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000. An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilt

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas and Department of Justice Civil Rights Trial Attorney Christine Siscaretti are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI investigated.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Trey Cardale Campbell, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was indicted today on drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.
 
Campbell, age 26, is charged with one count of “Distribution of Heroin” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Furanyl Fentanyl, Heroin, and Fentanyl.” Campbell is accused of distributing heroin, furanyl fentanyl and fentanyl in May 2017 in Berkeley County.

Campbell 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 Timothy D. Helman is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle 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.