Northern District of West Virginia

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Parsons, West Virginia man and woman have admitted to firearms charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Jamie Huffman, age 35, pled guilty to two counts of “Theft of Firearm from Federal Firearm Licensee.” Huffman admitted to stealing several firearms from B.F. Long & Co, a Federal Firearm Licensee, including a .38 caliber revolver, and a 40 caliber Glock pistol, and a 9mm pistol. The crimes occurred in July and August 2016 in Tucker County.

Christopher C. Earnest, age 35, pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm - Aiding and Abetting” and two counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Earnest admitted to possessing three stolen firearms. Earnest, having previously been convicted of distributing methamphetamine in United States District Court in the Northern District of West Virginia, admitted to possessing a 12-gauge shotgun, a .38-caliber pistol, and .40 caliber Glock pistol. The crimes occurred in June and August 2016 in Randolph and Tucker Counties. 

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. 

U.S. District Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Mill Creek, West Virginia, man has admitted to failing to update his sex offender registry, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Daniel Lee Vance, age 22, pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.” Vance admitted to moving from West Virginia to Ohio and failing to update his sex offender registration. The crime occurred from July to October 2017 in Marion County.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshal Service investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dale Wesley Jenkins, Jr., of St. Marys, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 21 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Jenkins, also known as Buddy, age 56, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” in August 2017. Jenkins admitted to selling methamphetamine in November 2016 in Pleasants County, West Virginia. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Pleasants County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Taylor Michelle Syslo, of Lost Creek, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 180 months incarceration for distributing fentanyl, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Syslo, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Fentanyl” in July 2017.  As a part of the binding plea agreement, Syslo admitted to distributing the fentanyl that resulted in the death of a Marion County man. The crime occurred in September 2016 in Marion County.

Syslo was also ordered to pay $1,728.44 to cover funeral expenses for the victim in this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins and Assistant U.S Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated, with the assistance of the 3 Rivers Task Force and White Hall Police Department. 
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia, man has admitted to a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

David Leon Turner, age 30, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Turner, having previously being convicted of three felonies, is also accused of possessing a 9mm caliber pistol. The crime is alleged to have occurred in Harrison County in May 2017.

Turner 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 is investigating. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Marquette Bellinger, a federal inmate at the U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, was sentenced today to life in prison for murdering another inmate, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Bellinger, 36, formerly of Washington, D.C., was found guilty of one count of murder by a federal prisoner serving a life sentence and one count of second degree murder in a federal facility for his role in the Oct. 7, 2007, murder of fellow inmate Jesse Harris by a jury in August 2017. 

Bellinger and fellow inmate, Patrick Andrews, stabbed Harris to death with homemade knives in an orchestrated attack.  According to evidence introduced during Bellinger’s trial, while a group of inmates were being moved from the recreation yard back to their cells, Andrews and Bellinger confronted Harris and repeatedly stabbed him.  In less than a minute, a correctional officer approached and the attackers fled.  Officers apprehended Andrews after reviewing surveillance footage, which showed Andrews and Bellinger engaged in a verbal confrontation with Harris, followed by the two attackers wielding weapons and assaulting Harris, who was unarmed and backing away from them.  Harris ultimately died from multiple stab wounds sustained during the attack.

At the time of the murder, Bellinger was serving a sentence of 15 years to life for an assault with intent to kill that took place in 2000.

Bellinger was convicted in this case by a federal jury on June 16, 2014 and sentenced to life in prison. That conviction was overturned on appeal in June 2016.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Cogar and Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. This case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.  

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Wali “Black” Murphy, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for drug trafficking, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Murphy, age 25, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin” in September 2017. Murphy admitted to selling heroin in September 2016 in Monongalia County. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Wellsburg, West Virginia registered nurse has admitted to distributing drugs illegally, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Sharon E. Jackson, age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Outside the Bounds of Professional Medical Practice.” Jackson admitted to conspiring with others to illegally distribute suboxone, subutex, and buprenorphine, controlled substances used to treat opioid addiction. Jackson admitted to committing the crime while operating at an opioid addiction treatment center, Advance Healthcare, Inc., in Weirton, West Virginia from 2007 until 2017.

Jackson faces up to 10 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. Attorneys Sarah E. Wagner and Robert H. McWilliams, Jr. and are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Roger Dale Doehring, of St. Marys, West Virginia was sentenced today to 15 months incarceration for a methamphetamine distribution charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Doehring, age 54, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine - Aiding and Abetting” in August 2017. Doehring admitted to selling methamphetamine in December 2016 in Pleasants County, West Virginia. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Pleasants County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Four people from Florida are scheduled to appear next week in court after being indicted by a federal grand jury in Wheeling on December 5, 2017, on fraud charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Each is charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud,” and several other fraud-related charges. They are accused of a conspiracy spanning four states that involved using skimming devices at gas pumps, using technology to upload the account information, and creating fraudulent cards with said accounts to make unauthorized transactions at different businesses in West Virginia and elsewhere.  Those appearing in court and named in the indictment are:

•    Meylan Montalvo Gomez, of Hialeah, Florida, age 27
•    Yarai Fuentes Quinones, of Hialeah, Florida, age 26
•    Naudi Reyes Fernandez, of Miami, Florida, age 36
•    Yosan Pons Sosa, of Miami, Florida, age 28

Lazaro Serrano Diaz , of Miami, Florida, age 27, is also named in the indictment, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred from August 28, 2017 to December 5, 2017 in Monongalia County, West Virginia and elsewhere. The United States is also seeking forfeiture of the following:

• approximately $41,140.00 in United States Currency
• approximately $28,498.00 worth of Western Union money orders
• approximately $10,300.00 worth of MoneyGram money orders
• approximately $29,350.00 in funds previously contained on approximately sixty (60) gift cards seized in Huntington, West Virginia on or about October 23, 2017
• approximately $1,510.73 remaining in TD Bank Account

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, West Virginia State Police and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office are investigating. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Aaron Deshawn Campbell, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 96 months incarceration for selling cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Campbell, also known as “Mike,” age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” in October 2017. Campbell admitted selling crack cocaine in Monongalia County in June 2015. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda E. Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded program, investigated. 

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Morgantown, West Virginia, man has admitted to a firearm charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Roger Dale LaMar, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” 

Lamar, having previously been convicted of second degree murder in Preston County Circuit Court in 2001, admitted to having three firearms in his possession. The crime occurred in February 2017 in Taylor County.

LaMar 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 Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Deandre L. Davis, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Wheeling on drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Davis, age 27, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base,” three counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” Davis is accused of possessing, distributing, and selling cocaine in Ohio County in July 2017.

Davis faces up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for Count 1, and up to 40 years incarceration and a fine of up to $2,000,000 for each of the remaining counts. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HITDA-funding initiative, are investigating. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy E. Billups, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was indicted today by a federal grand jury on drug charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Billups, age 25, 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.” Billups is accused of possessing cocaine, and 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 for Count 1 and up to 20 years incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000,000 for Count 2. 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 is investigating. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher D. Barker, of Columbus, Ohio, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Wheeling on a failure to update a sex offender registration charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Barker, also known as Christopher D. Cooper, age 29, was indicted on one count of “Failure to Update Registration as a Sex Offender - SORNA.” Barker, having previously been convicted as a sex offender, is accused changing addresses without updating his sex offender registration. The crime is alleged to have occurred from August to October 2017 in Ohio County, West Virginia and elsewhere.

Barker 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 Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshal Service is investigating. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Wheeling, West Virginia man was sentenced today to 32 months incarceration for cocaine distribution, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Sylvester “Sly” Walker, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in August 2017. He admitted to distributing cocaine near Luau Manor in Ohio County on January 25, 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Bernard 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.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Ranson, West Virginia woman was sentenced today to five years probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $11,963 for filing a false tax return, First Assistant United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Christina Jacobs, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Filing a False Tax Return” in September 2017. Jacobs admitted to filing an Income Tax Return for her and her husband in 2012, willfully understating her income from 9 West Hair Studio by approximately $32,030.70, resulting in an unpaid tax due.  

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Charles Town, West Virginia man was sentenced today to 12 months and one day incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Darnell Antonio Gardner, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in August 2017. Gardner, having previously been convicted of a felony in Prince George’s County, Maryland, had a .40 caliber pistol in Jefferson County in June 2016. 

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia man was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Joshua Craig Grove, age 37, pled guilty to one count of “False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm” in September 2017. The crime occurred on September 11, 2015 in Jefferson County. 

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – An Inwood, West Virginia woman was sentenced today to five years probation for a firearms charge, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Julie Elizabeth Lipscomb, age 36, pled guilty to one count of “False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm” in September 2017. Lipscomb admitted to making a false statement when purchasing two firearms. The crime occurred in August 2015 in Jefferson County. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lydia Lehman prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bill Powell has taken the formal oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia in a special ceremony today in Martinsburg. U.S. Attorney Powell was nominated by President Donald Trump on August 3, 2017 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on October 3, 2017. Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh administered the oath of office to U.S. Attorney Powell before family, friends and colleagues.

“I am humbled and honored to have been appointed and confirmed as the United States Attorney.  I have a great team of lawyers and staff, and I look forward to working with all of them on the issues facing our district.   I will work as hard as I can to justify the confidence placed in me,” said U.S. Attorney Powell.

The Investiture Ceremony, held at the W. Craig Broadwater Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Martinsburg, was attended by former United States Attorneys, Federal Judges, lawmakers, colleagues, staff, and Powell’s family and friends. Student representatives from Burke Street Elementary School in Martinsburg recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and were invited by U.S. Attorney Powell as honored guests. The ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by U.S. Attorney Powell’s family.

As U.S. Attorney, Powell is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Northern District of West Virginia, which includes offices in Wheeling, Martinsburg, Clarksburg, and Elkins. He oversees a staff of 45 employees, including 21 attorneys and 24 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

U.S. Attorney Powell, a Martinsburg resident, was born in Manhasset, New York in 1960. He most recently served as the Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Jefferson County, West Virginia. He has also held positions as a member attorney at Jackson Kelly, PLLC, and an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

He received his J.D. in 1985 from the West Virginia University College of Law and his B.A. in 1982 from Salem College. He is a past president of the West Virginia Bar Association, past Member of the Board of Governors for the West Virginia State Bar, and has been active in numerous community and professional organizations.

He has been married to his wife, Sharon, for 31 years, and they have raised three boys.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Fairmont, West Virginia woman has admitted today to distributing methamphetamines, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced. 

Cassie Chase Poland, age 18, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine - Aiding and Abetting.” Poland admitted to aiding another in distributing methamphetamine in Randolph County in April 2017.

Poland 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. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided. 

WHEELING – U.S. Attorney Bill Powell is applauding the Attorney General’s commitment to the opioid epidemic.

“Today’s announcement shows a true dedication to battling the opioid epidemic. It’s imperative that we continue to get the drugs off our streets, educate children about their deadly effects, and work together to lessen the long-reaching effects of addiction. The new DEA Field office in Kentucky consolidates the Appalachian region and allows for an even more focused effort from the DEA, our drug task forces, and our office. Opioids have taken enough from our state. We must take our communities back,” said U.S. Attorney Powell.
Attorney General Sessions today announced new resources and stepped up efforts to address the drug and opioid crisis. 

Joined by Acting DEA Administrator Robert Patterson, Attorney General Sessions announced the following efforts during a press conference at the Department of Justice: over $12 million in grant funding to assist law enforcement in combating illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, and prescription opioids; the establishment of a new DEA Field Division in Louisville, Kentucky, which will include Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia, a move meant to better align DEA enforcement efforts within the Appalachian mountain region; and a directive to all U.S. Attorneys to designate an Opioid Coordinator to work closely with prosecutors, and with other federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement to coordinate and optimize federal opioid prosecutions in every district.

“Today we are facing the worst drug crisis in American history, with one American dying of a drug overdose every nine minutes,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions.  “That’s why, under President Trump’s strong leadership, the Department of Justice has been taking action to make our drug law enforcement efforts more effective. Today we announce three new initiatives to do just that.  First, we will invest $12 million in funding for our state and local law enforcement partners to take heroin and methamphetamine off of our streets. Second, we will restructure DEA's Field Divisions for the first time in nearly 20 years. Third, we will require all of our federal prosecutors' offices to designate an Opioid Coordinator who will customize our anti-opioid strategy in every district in America. These steps will make our law enforcement efforts smarter and more effective—and ultimately they will save American lives."

“DEA continually looks for ways to improve operations and interagency cooperation and more efficiently leverage resources,” said Acting DEA Administrator Robert W. Patterson. “By creating a new division in the region, this restructuring places DEA in lockstep with our partners in the area to do just that. This change will produce more effective investigations on heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid trafficking, all of which have a significant impact on the region.”

COPS Anti-Heroin Task Force Grants and Anti-Meth Program

The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office is awarding a total of $7.19 million in FY 2017 funding through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF).  AHTF provides two years of funding directly to law enforcement agencies in states with high per capita levels of primary treatment admissions for heroin and other opioids. This funding will support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the distribution of heroin or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids.

The COPS Office will also award a total of $5.03 million in FY 2017 funding through the COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP).  The state agencies receiving funding today have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. State agencies will be awarded two years of funding through CAMP to support the investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine.

The complete list of Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF) award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here.

The complete list of COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP) award recipients, including funding amounts, can be found here.

Establishment of DEA Louisville Field Division

The DEA will establish the Louisville Field Division – its 22nd division office in the United States – on Jan. 1, 2018.  It will include Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia.  This action converts the existing Louisville District Office into a field division in an effort to enhance DEA enforcement efforts within the Appalachian mountain region and unify drug trafficking investigations under a single Special Agent in Charge.  DEA anticipates that this change will produce more effective investigations on heroin, fentanyl and prescription opioid trafficking, all of which have a significant impact on the region.  The division will also better align DEA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office districts in those areas, similar to current ATF and FBI offices, and also to the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program.

The Louisville Division will be led by Special Agent in Charge D. Christopher Evans, who comes from the Detroit Field Division where he served as Associate Special Agent in Charge.

Designation of Opioid Coordinators

Every U.S. Attorney will designate an Opioid Coordinator by the close of business on Dec. 15, 2017. Each USAO Opioid Coordinator will be responsible for facilitating intake of cases involving prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl;  convening a task force of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to identify opioid cases for federal prosecution, facilitate interdiction efforts, and tailor their district’s response to the needs of the community it serves; providing legal advice and training to AUSAs regarding the prosecution of opioid offenses; maintaining statistics on the opioid prosecutions in  the district; and developing and continually evaluating the effectiveness of the office’s strategy to combat the opioid epidemic.

The Attorney General’s memo to United States Attorneys can be viewed here.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage West Virginia communities and families, United States Attorney Bill Powell and community leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to educate students in the Northern District of West Virginia about the dangerous and deadly consequences of addiction. Next week, former National Basketball Association standout Chris Herren will return to the Ohio Valley to share his powerful story of his struggle with addiction.

On Tuesday, December 5, 2017, Herren will address students in Ohio and Wetzel Counties. First, he will visit Triadelphia Middle School to lead a discussion with students from sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Later, he will visit New Martinsville School in Wetzel County to address middle school students.

After an explosive debut as an All-American basketball star at Durfee High School in Massachusetts, Herren played at Boston College and Fresno State. Capturing the attention of the NBA, Herren was drafted by the Denver Nuggets. He would also play several seasons for the Boston Celtics. Behind the scenes, alcohol, cocaine, and heroin abuse nearly cost Herren his life.

Leveraging his own experience to educate and inspire young people, Herren tours the country speaking about substance abuse and addiction through his Project Purple program. Project Purple is an initiative of the Herren Project, a non-profit organization founded by Herren to break the stigma of addiction, bring awareness to the dangers of substance abuse, and shed light on effective treatment.

Herren’s presentations on December 5, 2017 are not open to the public. For more information on Project Purple, go to thpprojectpurple.org.
 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Buckhannon, West Virginia man has admitted today to distributing methamphetamines, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced. 

Brett Allen Reed, age 23, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine - Aiding and Abetting.” He admitted to aiding another person in distributing methamphetamines in Upshur County in March 2017. 

Reed face ups 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. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided. 
 

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

Fenel Baptiste, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Possession With the Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.” Baptiste admitted to selling crack cocaine in Berkeley County in August 2015.

Baptiste 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 Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Hannah Marie Elwell, 26, of Clarksburg, West Virginia was sentenced today to 35 months incarceration for unlawfully purchasing a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced. 

Elwell pled guilty to one count of “False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm” in December 2016. She admitted to falsely representing that she was the actual buyer of a .40 caliber pistol when she was actually attempting to purchase the firearm on behalf of another person. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted 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. 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Fairmont, West Virginia man has admitted to his role in making methamphetamine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Jesse Nelson Yoho pled guilty to one count of “Possession of Pseudoephedrine to be Used in Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” Yoho admitted to possessing Pseudophedrine with the intent of making methamphetamine in Marion County in April 2015.

Yoho 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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Three Rivers Drug &Violent Crime Task Force investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Bridgeport, Ohio man has admitted to distributing cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

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

Weir 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 David J. Perri is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two men have admitted to illegal re-entry charges, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Edi Alvarez-Sanchez, age 30, of Mexico, pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Alvarez-Sanchez, having been removed from the United States once before, admitted to being in Berkeley County, West Virginia, without consent, in September 2017.

Oscar Ordaz-Rodriguez, age 38, of Mexico, pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Ordaz-Rodriguez, having been removed from the United States three prior times, admitted to being in Berkeley County, West Virginia, without consent, in September 2017.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Daryl “Malik” Walter Hall, of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced today to 100 months incarceration for trafficking heroin and cocaine, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Hall, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base” in September 2017. The crime occurred between August 2016 to April 2017 in Hancock County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock/Brooke/Weirton Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick R. Stamp, Jr., presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew E. Boone, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Bill Powell announced.

Boone, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in June 2017. Boone, having previously been convicted of heroin distribution in United States District Court, and five felonies in Harrison County Circuit Court, admitted to having a 9mm pistol in his possession. The crime occurred in January 2017 in Harrison County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clarksburg Police Department investigated. 
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Chasity Chandae Stone, of Brooklyn, Maryland, has admitted to heroin distribution, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

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

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four men have admitted to illegal re-entry charges, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Benjamin Lopez-Ramirez, age 33, of Mexico, pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Lopez-Ramirez, having been removed from the United States two prior times, and having been convicted of cocaine distribution in the Northern District of West Virginia, admitted to being in Jefferson County, West Virginia, without consent, in September 2017.

Jose Fredy Acosta-Cardona, age 36, of Honduras, pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Acosta-Cardona, having been removed from the United States five prior times, admitted to being in Berkeley County, West Virginia, without consent, in September 2017.

Apolonio Pacheco-Lopez, age 25, of Guatemala, pled guilty to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Pacheco-Lopez, having been removed from the United States once before, admitted in Berkeley County, West Virginia, without consent, in September 2017.

Eostaquio Temoxtle-Panzo, age 29, of Mexico, admitted to one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Temoxtle-Panzo, having been removed from the United States once before, admitted to being in Berkeley County, West Virginia, without consent, in August 2017.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement is investigating.
 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Buckhannon, West Virginia woman has admitted to her participation in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Angela Dawn White, age 46, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine.” White admitted to distributing methamphetamine in Upshur County in March 2017.

White 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. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michelle Green, of East Liverpool, Ohio, was sentenced today to 46 months incarceration for heroin distribution, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Green, age 48, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location” in August 2017. Green admitted to distributing heroin near Allison Elementary School in Hancock County. The crime occurred in March 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock/Brooke/Weirton Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Justin L. Nash, of Moundsville, West Virginia was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for cocaine distribution, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Nash, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” in August 2017. Nash admitted to distributing cocaine in Marshall County on February 7, 2017.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Dillon Menendez-Finch, of Spelter, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 30 months incarceration for a firearms violation, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Menendez-Finch, age 30, pled guilty to “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in July 2017. Menendez-Finch, having previously been convicted of felonies in the Circuit Courts of Taylor and Harrison Counties, admitted to possessing a .357-caliber revolver in February 2017 in Harrison County. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci M. Cook prosecuted 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.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gregory Everett Mosby, of Inwood, West Virginia, has admitted to heroin distribution, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

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

Mosby faces up to twenty years in prison 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 Lara K. Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Belington, West Virginia man has admitted to his participation in a methamphetamine distribution operation, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Austin Jay Robinson, 18, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine-Aiding and Abetting.” Robinson admitted to conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine in Randolph County in April 2017.

Robinson 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. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Mill Creek, West Virginia, man was indicted by a federal grand jury today on a charge of failing to update his sex offender registry, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Daniel Lee Vance, age 22, was indicted on one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.” Vance is accused traveling from West Virginia to Ohio and failing to update his sex offender registration. The crime is alleged to have occurred from July to October 2017 in Marion County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshal Service is investigating. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Fairmont, West Virginia, man was indicted by a federal grand jury today on an illegal firearm charge, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Rocmond Lewis, Sr., age 40, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Lewis, having previously being convicted of a felony in the Circuit Court of Marion County, West Virginia, is accused of possessing a .45 caliber pistol, a 9mm pistol, and a .380 caliber pistol. The crime is alleged to have occurred in March 2017 in Marion County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia, man was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges of health care fraud, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Kenneth Boyles, age 52, was indicted on one count of “Health Care Fraud” and one count of “False Statement Related to Health Care Matter.” Boyles is accused of falsely reporting symptoms related to his service in the United States Army Reserves to the Veterans Health Administration in order to fraudulently collect more than $224,000 in benefits. The crime is alleged to have occurred from 2008 to 2017 in Harrison County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating. 
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia, man was indicted by a federal grand jury today on a charge of methamphetamine distribution and unlawful firearm possession, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

David Leon Turner, age 30, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Turner is accused of selling methamphetamine. Turner, having previously being convicted of three felonies, is also accused of possessing a 9mm caliber pistol. The crime is alleged to have occurred in Harrison County in May 2017.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Mount Storm, West Virginia, residents were sentenced today for heroin distribution, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Amanda Lynn Bow, age 22, was sentenced to 96 months incarceration. Bow pled guilty to a one count information, charging her with “Distribution of Heroin - Aiding and Abetting” in August 2017. Bow admitted to distributing heroin in May 2016 in Grant County, West Virginia. 

Cody Zane Stevenson, age 24, was sentenced to 96 months incarceration. Stevenson pled guilty to a one count information, charging him with “Distribution of Heroin - Aiding and Abetting” in August 2017. Stevenson admitted to distributing heroin in May 2016 in Grant County, West Virginia. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Wagner prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated. 

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Petersburg, West Virginia, man was sentenced today to 60 months incarceration for methamphetamine distribution and illegal possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Joseph Nathaniel Hartman, age 33, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in June 2017.  The crimes occurred in August 2015 in Grant County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated. 
 
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Dylan Lee Hamrick, 24, of Belington, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 108 months incarceration for distributing methamphetamine and possessing an altered firearm, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced. 

Hamrick was found in possession of methamphetamine and a shotgun with a shortened barrel in November 2015 in Randolph County. He pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm with a Shortened Barrel” in April 2016.   

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Elkins Police Department investigated. 

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided. 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Amanda Gifford, 26, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to her role in an oxycodone distribution operation, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Gifford pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility.” She admitted to using a telephone to help distribute oxycodone in March 2017 in Monongalia County. 

Gifford faces up to four years incarceration and a fine of up to a $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, 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. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided. 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Charles Town, West Virginia man was sentenced today to 120 months incarceration for distributing cocaine, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Decoley Jones, also known as Decoley White, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of a Cocaine Base” on June 15. Jones admitted to distributing cocaine in Jefferson County in September 2014. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski 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.

MARTISNBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Amos Crites, of Bloomery, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 78 months incarceration for distributing heroin, United States Attorney William J. Powell announced.

Crites, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance” in June 2017. The crime took place in Hampshire County in July 2015. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

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