Northern District of West Virginia

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Quashad Maurante Pugh, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Pugh, also known as “Q” and “Quavo,” age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Pugh distributed cocaine near Jensen Playground in October 2017 in Ohio County. 

Pugh 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 Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, are investigating. 
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Robert Lee Sutter, IV, of Keyser, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 10 months incarceration for distributing heroin, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Sutter, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” in October 2017. Sutter admitted to conspiring with others to distributing heroin in Mineral County and elsewhere from November 2010 to September 2016.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated. 
 
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Chasity Chadae Stone, of Brooklyn, Maryland, was sentenced today to 10 months incarceration for heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Stone, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” in November 2017. Stone admitted to being in possession of heroin with the intent of distributing in May 2015 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 
 
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Anthony McIntosh, also known as “Lo,” and “Polo,” of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 120 months incarceration for selling cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

McIntosh, age 47, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” in October 2017. Anthony admitted to selling crack cocaine in Berkeley County in November 2013. 

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Martinsburg, West Virginia men were sentenced today for heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Christopher Deshaun Walker, age 28, was sentenced to five years probation. Walker pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in November 2017. Walker admitted to selling heroin in October 2015 in Berkeley County, West Virginia.

Henry Aaron Shepherd, age 36, was sentenced to five years probation. Shepherd pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin” in November 2017.  Shepherd admitted to aiding another in selling heroin in November 2015 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drugs & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 

Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
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MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandy May, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years probation  for her role in a heroin distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

May, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” in October 2017. She admitted to conspiring with others to distribute heroin in Berkeley County in February and March 2017.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecutor’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gregory Everett Mosby, of Inwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months incarceration for heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Mosby, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” in November 2017. Mosby admitted to being in possession of heroin with the intent of distributing in September 2013 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Agency investigated. 
 
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tracey Leroy Boarman, Jr., of Falling Waters, West Virginia was sentenced today to 51 months incarceration for heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Boarman, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” in October 2017. Boarman admitted to distributing more than 100 grams of heroin in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties from October 2015 to March 2017. 

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative investigated. 
 
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Christian Blunt, of Baltimore, Maryland was sentenced today to 151 months incarceration for heroin distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Blunt, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” in October 2017. Blunt admitted to distributing more than 100 grams of heroin in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties from October 2015 to March 2017. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Lydia Lehman, also with the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 
 
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy E. Billups, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to distributing cocaine near a playground, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Billups, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Billups admitted to selling cocaine near the Jensen playground in June 2017 in Ohio County. 

Billups 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 Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Wheeling, West Virginia men have admitted to unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Eban Joseph Keith Beyah, age 45, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Beyah, having previously been convicted of burglary and several drug-related charges in Commons Pleas Court in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, admitted to possessing a 9mm pistol in Ohio County on June 2017. 

Charles C. Ansley, Jr., age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Ansley, having previously been convicted of burglary in Commons Pleas Court in Lucas County, Ohio, admitted to possessing a .22 caliber revolver in Ohio County on August 2017. 

Beyah and Ansley each face 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 Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting both cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated both cases. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anna May Martin, of Westover, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months incarceration for drug distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Martin, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in October 2017. Martin admitted to using a phone to distribute and assist in a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. The crime occurred in Monongalia County in March 2017.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Bunker Hill, West Virginia man has admitted to a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

David Smeltzer, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin.” Smeltzer admitted to selling heroin in Berkeley County in January 2017.

Smeltzer faces up to 20 months 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. 

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 and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Phillip Weir, of Bridgeport, Ohio, was sentenced today to 51 months incarceration for distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Weir, age 32 pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Crack Cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school” in November 2017. Weir admitted to working with another to sell crack cocaine near Madison Elementary School in Wheeling, WV on September 22, 2016.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

U. S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Wintersville, Ohio man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Shaheim Price, age 23, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Price, having previously been convicted of a felony, is accused of possessing a 9mm pistol. The crime is alleged to have occurred in Ohio County in  October 2017.

Price 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 Steven L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Steubenville, Ohio man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on drug and firearm charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Emory Chiles, age 43, was indicted on one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” one count of “Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Offense,” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Chiles is accused of distributing heroin and being in possession of a 9mm pistol in Monongalia County in November 2017. Chiles was previously convicted of a felony in the Northern District of West Virginia

Chiles faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the first count, faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the second count, and faces up to 10 years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the third count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Mingo Junction, Ohio man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on counterfeit currency charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Travis Knight, age 32, was indicted on one count of “Uttering Counterfeit Currency,” and one count of “Attempted Uttering of Counterfeit Currency.” Knight is accused of passing counterfeit $50 bills and attempting to pass counterfeit $50 bills in Marion and Monongalia Counties in October and November 2017. 

Knight faces up to 20 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service investigated.
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on drug distribution and firearm charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

James Bailey, age 33, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Use of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Offense.” Bailey is accused of selling methamphetamine and being in possession of a firearm during the drug offense in Harrison County in January 2018. 

Bailey faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the first count and faces up to five years incarceration and a fine of up to $250,000 for the second count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Greater Harrison 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.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A New Cumberland, West Virginia woman admitted today making a false statement when applying to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced. 

Nichole P. Northcraft, 44, pled guilty to one count of “False Official Writings.” Northcraft, as a minority, made a false claim about business ownership to benefit from the SBA’s program. 

The Small Business Administration operates programs to assist socially or economically disadvantaged business operators. The businesses must be unconditionally owned and controlled by the qualifying individuals in order to comply with federal law.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Columbus, Ohio man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Jason R. Smoot, age 30, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” Smoot is accused of selling cocaine near the Jensen Playground in Wheeling in June 2017. 

Smoot faces up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for the first count and faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for the second 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 Steven L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ohio Valley 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 – A Martinsburg, West Virginia woman has admitted to her role in a drug distribution operation, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Sarah Jaielyn Carter, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Carter worked with others to distribute heroin in Berkeley County in November 2016.

Carter 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. 

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 and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

LKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Buckhannon, West Virginia residents have admitted today to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced. 

Amanda Mae Bachman, also known as “AB,” age 33, and Steven Larry Harper, also known as “Skip,” age 40, each pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Bachman and Harper admitted to conspiring with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The crime occurred in Upshur County and elsewhere from March 2016 to September 2017. 

Bachman and Harper each face 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 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, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided. 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark Hanshaw, of Jefferson Village, West Virginia has admitted to a firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Hanshaw, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Drug User in Possession of a Firearm – Aiding and Abetting.” Hanshaw admitted to illegally possessing a Taurus 38 Special handgun. The crime occurred in September 2015 in Jefferson County.

Hanshaw faces up to ten 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 Paul T. Camilletti is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Adonai Wilfredo Parada, of El Salvador, has admitted to an illegal re-entry charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Parada, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Parada is in the United States illegally after being removed as an alien in 2015. Parada was found in Ranson, West Virginia on December 7, 2017.

Parada 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 Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
 

MARTISNBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jarius Jovanghn Styles, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Styles, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Styles, having previously been convicted of felonies in Virginia, admitted to illegally possessing a Rock Island Armory 10mm pistol. The crime occurred in June 2017 in Berkeley County.

Styles 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 is investigating. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

MARTISNBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg, West Virginia man has admitted to distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Michael Jacque Severe, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base.” Severe conspired with others to distribute crack cocaine in Berkeley County from April 2015 to February 2017. 

Severe 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 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.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Hollie Jo Exline, of Dellslow, West Virginia, was sentenced today to time served and six months home detention, to be followed by six months of supervised release, for a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Exline, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility” in September 2017. Exline admitted to using a phone to distribute and assist in a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone. The crime occurred in Monongalia County in February 2017.

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - A Wheeling, West Virginia, man has admitted to firearm and drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Peter Hankish, age 43, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” Hankish, having previously been convicted of Theft in the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps General Court, possessed a 7.62 caliber rifle. Hankish admitted to possessing methamphetamine. The crimes occurred in April 2017 in Ohio County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – An Ellamore, West Virginia man has admitted today to his role in a firearms theft and sale scheme, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced. 

Johnny Lee Riley, age 28, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm.” Riley admitted to receiving, possessing, bartering, concealing, or selling 10 firearms in Upshur County in October 2016.

Riley 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the cases 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, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided. 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew Dean Smith, of Great Cacapon, West Virginia, has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Smith, age 39, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.” Smith admitted to possessing an unregistered silencer. The crime took place in Berkeley County in October 2017.

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 Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brittany Brown, of Stonewood, West Virginia, has admitted to a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Brown, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone.” Brown admitted to selling oxycodone in Harrison County in January 2016.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and 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 Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia man has admitted today to illegally purchasing a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced. 

Michael Lewis Woodyard, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “False Statement to Acquire a Firearm.” He admitted to making a false statement when purchasing two pistols in Harrison County in March 2017. 

Woodyard 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 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, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, 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. 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Buckhannon, West Virginia woman has admitted today to maintaining a drug-involved place, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced. 

Cassandra Tahj Riffle, also known as “Cassie Hickman,” age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises.” Riffle admitted to using a place in Buckhannon to distribute and use methamphetamine. The crime occurred in Upshur County in May 2017. 

Riffle 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 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, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided. 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Buckhannon, West Virginia man has admitted today to carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced. 

Bobby Ray Johnson, Jr., age 27, pled guilty to one count of “Carry a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime.” Johnson admitted to having a .40 caliber pistol during a drug trafficking crime in December 2016 in Upshur County. 

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney 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, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided. 
 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Harpers Ferry, West Virginia woman has admitted today to having child pornography, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced. 

Mindy Sue Snyder, age 33, waived her right to have her case presented before a federal grand jury and pled guilty to a one-count information of “Possession of Child Pornography.” Snyder admitted to having a computer disk and other materials that contained child pornography  in Jefferson County in September 2015. 

Snyder 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 is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated. 

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Volga, West Virginia man has admitted today to his role in a firearms theft and sale scheme, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced. 

Aaron Matthew McLain, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm - Aiding and Abetting.” McLain admitted to receiving, possessing, bartering or selling two firearms in Barbour County in October 2016.

McLain 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the cases 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, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, 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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Levar Jermain Matthews, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 84 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Matthews, age 40, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in September 2017. Matthews, having previously been convicted of Distribution of Crack Cocaine Within 1,000 feet of a School in the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, admitted to possessing a .38 special caliber revolver. The crime occurred in April 2017 in Ohio County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated. 

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Rhett D. Gump, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced to 12 months and one day incarceration for a drug distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Gump, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity to a Protected Location” in September 2017. Gump admitted to selling methamphetamine near the Golden Towers in Moundsville on January 5, 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert H. McWilliams, Jr., prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – An Elkridge, Maryland man was arrested and had his initial appearance today in federal court after being indicted by a grand jury sitting in Elkins on December 19, 2017 for drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Robert Lee Wyatt, age 39, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base” and two counts of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base.” 

Also named in the indictment is Xavier Clyde Mann, age 30, of Finksburg, Maryland. Mann was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base,” four counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base,” and two counts of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base.”

Wyatt and Mann are accused of conspiring to distribute cocaine base in Mineral County from March to June 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg, West Virginia man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on a failure to register charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Andrew Reed Cumbie, age 36, was indicted on one count of “Failure to Register.” Cumbie, having been convicted of a sex offense in the Circuit Court of Melheur County, Oregon, is accused of traveling interstate commerce and not registering and updating his registration as a sex offender. The crime is alleged to have 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. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on drug distribution charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Charles Leroy Palmer, III, age 23, was indicted on two counts of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin,” and one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” 

Palmer is accused of distributing heroin and cocaine base in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties in  June 2017.

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 case was investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Martinsburg City Police Department. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Romney, West Virginia man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on a firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Grover Allen White, age 39, was indicted on one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.” White is accused of possessing a stolen .380 caliber pistol. The crime is alleged to have occurred in Hampshire County in June 2016.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – An El Salvador man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on a reentry of a remove alien charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Norman Enrique Rodriguez, age 37, was indicted on one count of “Reentry of a Removed Alien.” Rodriguez, having been removed as an illegal alien from the United States in 2011, is accused of being in Jefferson County, West Virginia on January 12, 2018. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – An Antelope, California man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on firearms and drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Patrick Wayne Grady, age 34, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,” one count of “Possessing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime,” one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.”

Grady, having previously been convicted of several felonies, is accused of possessing a 9mm pistol, as well as possessing methamphetamine and heroin with the intent of distributing the drugs. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in Berkeley County in  February 2016.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Keon DeAngelo Parker, of Martinsburg, West Virginia was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Parker, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in September 2017. Parker admitted to distributing cocaine near Berkeley Heights Elementary School in Berkeley County on December 21, 2015.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Lichtman, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration for mail fraud, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Lichtman, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “Mail Fraud” in September 2017.  Lichtman admitted to filing false insurance claims totaling $354,552.26. The crime happened November 2013 in Berkeley County.

Lichtman was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $354,552.26.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Blake Ramsey Viands, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months incarceration for distributing heroin, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Viands, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of a Heroin” in September 2017. Viands admitted to distributing heroin in November 2016 in Jefferson County, West Virginia.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Agency and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ricardo Lewis, Jr., aka BOLO, of Ranson, West Virginia was sentenced today to five years probation for distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Lewis, age 34, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance” in September 2017. The crime occurred from August 2015 to July 2016 in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties. 

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Albert Slonaker, of Augusta, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Slonaker, age 49, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearms” in September 2017. Slonaker, having previously been convicted in the Circuit Court of Frederick County, Virginia, admitted to having a .22 caliber revolver, a .357 magnum revolver, two .22 caliber rifles, a .30-06 caliber rifle, and a Rossi firearm frame/receiver. The crime occurred in January 2017 in Hampshire County. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara K. Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, West Virginia Probation, and West Virginia State Police investigated. 

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - Richard Alan Millette, of Winchester, Virginia, was sentenced today to three years probation for the sale of government property, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Millette, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Unauthorized Sale, Conveyance, and Disposition of Government Property” in September 2017. From 2011 to May 2017, Millette was a government contractor with the U.S. Department of State (DOS). At DOS, Millette worked as a special skills tactics instructor at the DOS Diplomatic Security Interim Training Facility, located at Summit Point, Jefferson County, West Virginia.

Millette admitted to acquiring unlawfully ballistic vests and combat helmets valued at more than $16,000. He was accused of selling them online and trading them for other items. The crime occurred from March 2016 to March 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski and U.S. Department of Justice Attorney Jennifer Ballantyne prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Department of State Office of Inspector General, led by Steve A. Linick, investigated this matter.   

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