Northern District of West Virginia

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia woman pled guilty today to mail fraud, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Chasity Costilow, age 38, pled guilty to one count of “Mail Fraud.” Costilow admitted to taking part in a staged vehicular accident in September 2012 in Marion County. She also admitted to faking injuries from said accident and filing a false insurance claim, from which she received a settlement of approximately $60,000.

Costilow faces up to twenty years and a $250,000 fine. 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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia Insurance Commission Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Duane Jabbar Martin, 32, of Rivesville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 18 months incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Martin, who had previously been convicted of a felony offense in Marion County, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He admitted to possessing a 9mm semi-automatic handgun in April 2016.

Martin pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in January 2017.

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 Marion County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Aaron Stone, 36, currently incarcerated at Federal Correctional Institution Beckley, was sentenced today to 24 months incarceration for aggravated identity theft, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Stone admitted to having social security numbers of people for the intended use of filing false tax returns. Stone pled guilty to two counts of “Aggravated Identity Theft” in March 2017. The sentence is to run consecutively to any previous sentence imposed.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service and the Special Investigative Services Unit of the Bureau of Prisons investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jennifer Y. Lucas, 37, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 10 months incarceration for cocaine distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Lucas pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base” in January 2017. She sold cocaine in Harrison County in March of 2016.

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.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bonnie Bishop of Bloomery, West Virginia, was convicted today of heroin distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Bishop, age 31, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.” Bishop admitted to conspiring with others to distribute heroin in Hampshire County in July 2015.

Bishop 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 defendants.

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.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury indicted three Mexican nationals on charges they reentered the country illegally, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Bonifacio Zarate-Flores, age 27, was indicted on one count of “Reentry of Removed Alien.” Zarate-Flores was removed from the United States in 2015 and 2016. He was then allegedly found in Berkeley County on April 18, 2017.

Eusebio Paulino Lopez-Lopez, age 28, was indicted on one count of “Reentry of a Removed Alien.” Lopez-Lopez was removed from the United States in 2008. He was allegedly found in Berkeley County on April 8, 2017.

Regino Castro-Sanchez, age 45, was indicted on one count of “Reentry of a Removed Alien” and one count of “Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits, and Other Documents.” Castro-Sanchez was removed from the United States in 2003. He was allegedly found in Berkeley County on April 19, 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the Zarate-Flores and Castro-Sanchez cases on behalf of the government. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the Lopez-Lopez case on behalf of the government. The United States Department of Homeland Security Immigrations & Customs Enforcement investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jeffrey Moran, 45, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was convicted today of illegally possessing a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Moran, who had previously been convicted of a felony offenses of drug possession in Ohio County and a misdemeanor conviction of domestic violence, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He admitted to possessing a .22 caliber pistol, a 12-gauge shotgun and a 20-gauge shotgun in Ohio County, West Virginia in December 2016.

Moran pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 years incarceration and a $250,000 fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy A. Yeigh, 28, of Camden on Gauley, West Virginia was sentenced in federal court today to 96 months incarceration for failing to register as a sex offender, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Yeigh admitted to traveling in interstate commerce from West Virginia to Florida and failing to update his registration as a sex offender. He entered a guilty plea to one count of “Failure to Register as a Sex Offender” in December 2016.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah W. Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Alexis McDonald, 19, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced to 37 months incarceration for illegally possessing a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

McDonald, who had previously been convicted of a felony offense in Pennsylvania, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. She admitted to possessing a .9mm caliber pistol in Barbour County, West Virginia in July 2016.

McDonald pled guilty to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm” in January 2017.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Rayshawn L. Ball, 31, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today in federal court to 41 months incarceration for heroin and cocaine trafficking, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced today.

Ball engaged in heroin and cocaine trafficking in Ohio County, West Virginia throughout late 2014 and early 2015. Ball pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I and Schedule II Controlled Substances” in December 2016.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah W. Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg, West Virginia man was indicted today by a federal grand jury on charges he stole money from the government, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Paul A. Bradley, age 52, was indicted on one count of “Theft of Government Money,” and two counts of “Making a Material False Statement.” Bradley allegedly falsely claimed mileage reimbursement for travel to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Martinsburg from a Virginia address. The crimes occurred from November 2010 to July 2015.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Charles Town, West Virginia man was indicted today by a federal grand jury for unlawful possessed a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Darnell Antonio Gardner, age 38, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Gardner, having previously been convicted of a felony in Prince George’s County, Maryland, allegedly had a .40 caliber pistol in Jefferson County in June 2016.

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Roy Thomas Schroeder, 46, of Volga, West Virginia, was sentenced to 18 months incarceration for illegally possessing firearms, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Schroeder admitted to possessing two .22 caliber revolvers and a .22 caliber rifle after a protective order had been issued against him by the Barbour County Magistrate Court. He pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in January 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 West Virginia State Police, and the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Archie Ray Arbogast, of Dunmore, West Virginia, was sentenced today to six months incarceration for illegally possessing a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Arbogast, 40, having previously been convicted of the felony offense “Possession of Material Use in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine” in federal court in the Northern District of West Virginia, admitted to possession of a .22 caliber rifle, in Pendleton County, West Virginia in May 2016.

Arbogast pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm” in April 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Clifton R. Summerfield, 34, of Marlinton, West Virginia, was sentenced today in federal court to 12 months and one day incarceration for failing to update his sex offender registration, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

From February 2016 through November 2016, Summerfield failed to register and update his registration as a sex offender in Pocahontas County, WV. Summerfield is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act by reason of a conviction under state law. He pled guilty to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration” in January 2017.

ssistant U.S. Attorney Sarah W. Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald Ray Pyle, 44, of Bridgeport, Ohio, was sentenced today to five months incarceration for illegally transferring and selling a gun across state lines, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Pyle admitted to transferring, selling and delivering a .22 caliber revolver to an individual in Ohio County, West Virginia on May 23, 2016.

Pyle pled guilty to one count of “Interstate Transfer of a Firearm” in February 2017.

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, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Bruceton Mills, West Virginia man was convicted today of possessing a firearm illegally, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Michael Dee Cline, age 59, pled guilty to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” Cline, who was previously convicted of a felony in Tennessee, admitted to having a .45 caliber pistol in March 2016.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Anthony Francis Silvester, III, 38, of Elkins, West Virginia, was convicted today of making and possessing counterfeit money, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced. 

Silvester pled guilty to one count of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations and Securities.” He admitted to passing a counterfeit bill in August 2016 at a business in in Elkins, West Virginia. 

Silvester faces up to 20 years incarceration and a $250,000 fine.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah W. Montoro is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service, the West Virginia State Police, and the Elkins Police Department are investigating the case.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging five individuals and a Virginia-based company with unlawful cigarette smuggling, Assistant United States Attorney, Criminal Chief Randolph J. Bernard announced today.

Udayappan Subramanian, 40, of Haymarket, Virginia; Joao Jose-Serrara Catarino, 78, of Statesville, North Carolina; Pedro Pablo Reyes-Diaz, 40, of Pembroke Pines, Florida; Alvin Alfonso Contreras , 43, of New Britain, Connecticut; Reynold Matthew Vaz, 35, a fugitive in Canada; and Jaya Company, LLC of Haymarket, Virginia, are alleged to have conspired to profit from the unlawful sale of contraband cigarettes. The indictment charges that the defendants transported large quantities of cigarettes across state lines for redistribution and sale. The cigarettes were acquired in Virginia, where the tax rate for cigarettes is one of the lowest in the nation, and sold in other states, including New York, which has one of the nation’s highest tax rates. The cigarettes were possessed and transported in West Virginia.

Tobacco retailer The Olde Stone Truck Stop, of Clear Brook, Virginia, which was owned by Jaya Company, LLC, owned and operated by defendant Subramanian, was responsible for the acquisition of the contraband. Jaya Company and Subramanian are alleged to have purchased millions of dollars worth of cigarettes from various wholesalers in the region, primarily with cash, before reselling them to out of state smugglers for a profit.

Each of the six defendants is charged with one count of “Conspiracy Involving the Trafficking of Contraband Cigarettes.” Subramanian is further charged with two counts of “Trafficking of Contraband Cigarettes.” Vaz is further charged with two counts of “Trafficking of Contraband Cigarettes.” Contreras, Reyes, and Catarino are further charged with one count each of “Trafficking of Contraband Cigarettes.” Each of the defendants faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on 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. Attorneys Michael Stein and Shawn Adkins are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. Homeland Security Investigations, the Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and the West Virginia State Police led the inquiry.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal jury found Certified Public Accountant Gregory N. Cason, 45, of Morgantown, West Virginia, guilty of tax fraud today, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Cason prepared tax returns for AKA Enterprises, Inc., a business entity operating several business in Morgantown, including a bar and restaurant facility. Cason knowingly underreported income, failed to report expenses paid in cash, and failed to report periodic cash payments to employees.

A federal jury found Cason guilty of two counts of "Aid and Assist in the Preparation and Filing of False Tax Form." He was acquitted of  one count of "Conspiracy to Defraud the Internal Revenue Service and to Aid and Assist in the Preparation and Filing of False Tax Forms" He faces up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 on 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. Attorneys Robert McWilliams and Sarah W. Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Fairmont, West Virginia woman was arraigned today in federal court following an indictment by a grand jury on May 2, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Heather N. Windsor, age 22, was indicted on one count of “False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm” and one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” The crimes are alleged to have occurred in July 2016 in Monongalia County.

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Keith Derwin Freeman, 43, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 15 months incarceration and ordered to pay a $3,000 fine  for distributing heroin, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Freeman pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin” in August 2016. He sold heroin in Berkeley County, West Virginia in September 2015.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Larry Stinson, Jr., 34, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today in federal court to 72 months incarceration for heroin distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Stinson pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin” in January 2017. The crime was committed in March 2016 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and 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 – Terard Ansor, 25, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced to 60 months incarceration today for distributing heroin, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Ansor pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin” in January 2017. He conspired with others to distribute heroin in Berkeley and Jefferson counties from August to November 2015.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and 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 – Danielle Ey, 29, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, was sentenced today in federal court to 24 months incarceration for assisting in heroin distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Ey pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin” in January 2017. The crime occurred in March 2016 in Berkeley County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative investigated. 

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Detroit, Michigan man had his initial appearance today following an indictment by a grand jury on May 2, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Julian Michael-Thomas “Cain” Johnson, age 22, was indicted on two counts of “Distribution of Heroin” and one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.”

The crimes are alleged to have occurred between October and December 2016 in Monongalia County.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia man was arraigned today in federal court, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Casey Love, age 28, was indicted by a grand jury sitting in Elkins on April 18, 2017, for one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Love, having previously been convicted of second degree robbery in Harrison County Circuit Court and being a known user and addict of controlled substances, was alleged to have in his possession a 9mm pistol in Harrison County in November 2016.

Love 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 Traci M. Cook is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg, West Virginia woman pled guilty today to distributing crack cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Ashley Collier, age 29, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of a Controlled Substance.”

Collier admitted to selling crack cocaine in Berkeley County in November 2013.

Collier faces up to twenty years and a $1,000,000 fine. 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 Anna Z. Krasinski 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 – A federal jury convicted Debra Skipper, 60, of Euclid, Ohio, of mail and wire fraud, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Evidence presented at trial indicated that Skipper conspired with her son, Tyree Skipper, to file false tax returns in multiple states using collected names, birth dates and social security numbers of numerous individuals, including federal inmates. The crimes occurred in Gilmer County and elsewhere between December 2012 and May 2013. Tyree Skipper previously pled guilty to two counts of “Wire Fraud” in February 2017.

Following a two-day trial, a jury found Debra Skipper guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud” and two counts of “Wire Fraud.” She faces up to 20 years in prison 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 Andrew R. Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Detroit, Michigan man was indicted by a grand jury today on drug trafficking charges, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Wali “Black” Murphy, age 24, was indicted on four counts of “Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.”

The crimes are alleged to have occurred between September and December 2016 in Monongalia County.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia, man was indicted by a grand jury today on charge of unlawful possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Matthew E. Boone, age 32, was indicted on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.”

Boone, having previously been convicted of heroin distribution in United States District Court, and five felonies in Harrison County Circuit Court, is accused of having a 9mm pistol in his possession. The crime is alleged to have occurred in January 2017 in Harrison County.

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 Clarksburg Police Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Petersburg, West Virginia, man was indicted by a grand jury today on charges of methamphetamine distribution and illegal possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Joseph Nathaniel Hartman, age 33, was indicted on one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine,” one count of “Distribution of Methamphetamine in Proximity of a Protected Location,” and two counts of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.”

The crimes are alleged to have occurred in August and September of 2015 and June of 2016 in Grant County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting 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.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Youngstown men and an East Liverpool woman were indicted by a grand jury sitting in Elkins on April 18, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Daryl “Malik” Walter Hall, age 31, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base,” two counts of “Unlawful Use of Communication Facility,” one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” and one “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.”

Dennis Lee Artis, age 52, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base,” one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.”

Michelle Green, age 48, was indicted on one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Cocaine Base,” two counts of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” and two counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.”

The crimes are alleged to have occurred between August 2016 to April 2017 in Hancock County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen L. Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock/Brooke/Weirton Drug & Violent Crime 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 – Christopher L. Wright, 37, of Glen Easton, West Virginia, was sentenced in federal court yesterday to 30 months incarceration for unlawful possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Wright, who had previously been convicted of a felony offense in Marshall County, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He admitted to possessing a 9mm pistol in July 2016.

Wright pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm” in January 2017.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Danae DeMasi-Lemon prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Moundsville Police Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stacy Michelle Hitt-Snyder, 36, of Bridgeport, West Virginia was sentenced to 15 months incarceration for heroin distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Hitt-Snyder sold heroin near Glen Elk Park in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pled guilty in September 2015 to “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn M. Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative,  investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA –Nicholas Graziano, 53, of Melville, New York, and Stephen Graziano, 25, of Morgantown, West Virginia, were convicted of distributing synthetic marijuana, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

In July 2012 through April 2014, Nicholas and Stephen Graziano, owner and operators of X Hale Hookah Lounge in Morgantown, West Virginia, were allegedly distributing synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as spice, K2, incense, or fake weed. Synthetic cannabinoids are designer drugs that resemble a controlled substance in molecular structure and actual or intended physiological effect.

The Grazianos each pled guilty on March 27, 2017 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Analogue.”

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

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Andrew Christopher Shaver, 23, of Grafton, West Virginia, was sentenced today in federal court to 12 months incarceration for a federal firearms charge, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

In November 2015, Shaver stole a 40 caliber firearm in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in November 2016 to one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.”

Shaver’s sentence is to run consecutively to his current state sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department, and the Veteran Affairs Police Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Davisville, West Virginia woman was convicted today of bank robberies spanning three states, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Christine Joy Martin, 31, was charged in a six-count information filed April 5, 2017. Martin pled guilty to three counts of “Unarmed Bank Robbery.”

Martin admitted to robbing Huntington Bank in Marion County of $2,000 on November 4, 2016. She also admitted to robbing WesBanco Bank in Washington County, Pennsylvania, of $350.00 on December 23, 2016 and admitted to robbing the People’s Bank in Athens County, Ohio of $2,150 on December 27, 2016. Martin has waived venue on the charges in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Martin faces up to 20 years in prison 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 Sarah W. Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Morgantown Police Department and the Fairmont Police Department investigated the bank robbery in West Virginia. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the South Strabane Township Police Department investigated the Pennsylvania robbery. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Athens City Police Department investigated the Ohio robbery.

U. S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Wilbur Reid, Jr., of Roanoke, Virginia, was convicted today of possessing heroin, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Reid, age 42, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” Reid admitted to committing the crime in September 2016 in Berkeley County.

Reid faces up to twenty years and a $1,000,000 fine. 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 Anna Z. Krasinski 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.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyler Moorehead, of Keyser, West Virginia, was convicted today in federal court distributing heroin, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Moorehead, age 26, pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.” Moorehead admitted to conspiring with others to distributing heroin in Mineral County and elsewhere from November 2010 to September 2016.

Moorehead 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 Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Five people have been indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Wheeling on April 4, 2017 on methamphetamine distribution charges, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Indictments were handed down alleging that a group of individuals from West Virginia, Virginia and California conspired with one another to distribute methamphetamine in Grant County, West Virginia from September 2014 to December 2016.

Those named in the 10-count indictment are:

• Cesar Navarro, 38, Los Angeles, California
• June Catherine Blanchek, 37, Petersburg, West Virginia
• John Wayne Crites, 45, Moorefield, West Virginia
• Kevin L. Navarro, 23, Berryville, Virginia
• Gary Smith, 64, Maysville, West Virginia

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Postal Inspection Service and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Cody Tyler Layman of Terra Alta, West Virginia, pled guilty to providing an inmate with marijuana, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Layman, age 32, pled guilty to one count of “Introduction of a Prohibited Object - Marijuana.” Layman admitted to providing an inmate with marijuana at the United States Penitentiary Hazelton on August 27, 2016.

Layman resigned from his position at the USP during the investigation.

Layman faces up to five years 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 Andrew R. Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

UPDATE

The guilty plea entered by defendant Kelvin Johnson was rejected by Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh on August 7, 2017.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kelvin Johnson, of Baltimore, Maryland, was convicted today in federal court distributing heroin, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Johnson, age 24, pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” Kelvin admitted to distributing heroin in Berkeley County on May 28, 2016.

Johnson 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 Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Johnnie William Bateman, III, of Culpepper, Virginia, will be arraigned Tuesday after being indicted by a grand jury sitting in Martinsburg on March 21, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Bateman, age 39, was indicted on one count of “Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct.” Bateman is accused of traveling from Virginia to Berkeley County, West Virginia in August 2016 to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person he believed to be a 15-year-old girl.

Bateman faces up to thirty years 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 Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – David Mallicone, of Weirton, West Virginia, was arraigned today on a charge of illegal possession of firearms, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Mallicone, age 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Wheeling on April 4, 2017 on one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Mallicone, having previously been convicted of possession and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and intent to distribute marijuana in United States District Court, was alleged to have in his possession of three rifles, two revolvers, two pistols, and one shotgun. The crime is alleged to have occurred in January 2017 in Hancock County.

Mallicone faces up to ten years 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Weirton Police Department investigated.

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

CLARSKBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Greenwood, West Virginia man was convicted today of illegal of possession of a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Thomas Charles Goodwine, 23, pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.” Goodwine, having been convicted of two felonies in Pennsylvania, admitted to having in his possession a 9mm caliber pistol. The crime occurred in January 2016 in Harrison County.

Goodwine faces up to ten years 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 Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Buckhannon, West Virginia man was convicted today of a methamphetamine distribution, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Allen White, 38, pled guilty to one count of “Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” White admitted to having the drug in Lewis County in August 2015.

White 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 Stephen D. Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Archie Ray Arbogast, of Dunmore, West Virginia, was convicted for illegally possessing a firearm, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen announced.

Arbogast, 40, having previously been convicted of the felony offense “Possession of Material Use in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine” in federal court in the Northern District of West Virginia, admitted to possession of a .22 caliber rifle, in Pendleton County, West Virginia in May 2016.

Arbogast pled guilty to one count of “Unlawful Possession of Firearm.” He faces up to ten years in prison and a fine 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 Stephen D. Warner is handling the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, and the West Virginia State Police is investigating.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Petersburg, West Virginia man was convicted today of a firearm violation, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Benjamin Wayne Hyre, 37, pled guilty to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” Hyre, having previously been convicted of two separate felonies in Grant County Circuit Court, admitted to having in his possession a .22-250 caliber rifle. The crime occurred in March 2016 in Grant County.

Hyre faces up to ten years in prison 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, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg man was convicted today on a firearm violation, Acting United States Attorney Betsy Steinfeld Jividen, announced.

Michael Eugene Decker, age 37, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, pled guilty to one count of “Possession and Sale of a Stolen Firearm.” The crime occurred on December 1, 2016 in Berkeley County.

Decker faces up to ten years in prison 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 investigated.

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