Northern District of West Virginia

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael P. Lough, 28, of Fairmont, West Virginia, pled guilty today to possession of child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Lough utilized an internet based website to access images of child pornography. In July 2015, using online surveillance and investigatory techniques, authorities discovered Lough to be in possession of various images of child pornography.

Lough pled guilty today to an Information charging him with one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” He faces up to 20 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 Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Alyssa Crow, 27, of Wheeling, pled guilty today to heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Crow sold heroin in November 2014 in Ohio County, West Virginia. She pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.” She faces up to 20 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.

United States Attorney Ihlenfeld prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tricia Renee Thames, 36, a Wheeling, West Virginia native currently residing in Swedesboro, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Thames pled guilty in January 2016 to an Information charging her with one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.”  Thames, who has a felony conviction for “Manslaughter” from the State of Oklahoma, was discovered to be in possession of a .357 caliber revolver and a .22 caliber pistol in Ohio County, West Virginia in 2015.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Daniel Anthony, 21, of Weston, West Virginia, pled guilty today to possessing stolen firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

In August 2015, Anthony stole a .45 caliber pistol, a 12 gauge shotgun, and a 20 gauge shotgun. He then pawned the three firearms at locations in Lewis, Upshur, and Harrison Counties.

Anthony pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearms.” He faces up to 10 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 Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Weston, West Virginia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Debra Moses, 47, of Martinsburg, pled guilty today to mail fraud, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Cassell and Prinz, PLLC, a law firm located in Charles Town, West Virginia, represents clients before the United States Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration mails checks to the firm to compensate the firm’s lawyers for the attorney’s fees associated with successful social security claims handled by the firm. While employed as a legal assistant at Cassell and Prinz, Moses misappropriated in excess of $300,000 by repeatedly depositing these compensation checks, intended for the firm’s lawyers, into her own personal bank account.

Moses pled guilty today to one count of “Mail Fraud.” She faces up to 20 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 Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service and the United States Social Security Administration investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced that a lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of West Virginia today against Gary Walden; the Estate of Tina Walden; Walden Homes LLC, dba Walden Rentals; and 973 Chestnut Ridge Road Inc.  The lawsuit alleges that female tenants in residential rental properties owned and managed by the Waldens have been subjected to egregious sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act. 

The lawsuit alleges that Gary Walden engaged in egregious acts of sexual harassment against multiple female tenants at the residential rental properties that he and his wife – the late Tina Walden – owned and managed in the Morgantown, West Virginia, metropolitan area.  The suit also alleges that Tina Walden failed to take appropriate steps when residents complained about the harassment.  In the complaint, the United States alleges that the harassment by Gary Walden included engaging in unwanted and unwelcome sex acts with female tenants; engaging in unwanted sexual touching and groping; making unwelcome sexual comments and verbal advances; conditioning or offering tangible housing benefits to female tenants in exchange for performance of sex acts on him or his maintenance workers; entering the apartments of female tenants without permission or notice to harass them sexually; and taking adverse actions against female tenants when they refused or objected to his sexual advances or objected to continuing to grant sexual favors.

“We always aggressively advocate for fair housing for everyone, but the allegations in this matter are especially disturbing,” said Ihlenfeld II.  “Making housing contingent upon performing sexual acts will not be tolerated and the landlord in this case will now have to answer for their abhorrent conduct.  We'll stand with the female victims in this case and make sure that their rights are fully protected.”

“No woman should have to suffer sexual harassment in her home or live in fear of retaliation when she reports such heinous acts of discrimination,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “Sexual abuse has no place in a civilized society, and the Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act by safeguarding the rights of tenants and holding perpetrators accountable.”

“When a woman is subjected to unwanted sexual advances in her home, it makes her a victim in the place where she should feel the safest and most secure,” said Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Gustavo Velasquez of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  “HUD will continue to stand with the Justice Department to protect the housing rights of women whenever those rights are violated.”

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties and a court order barring future discrimination.  The complaint is an allegation of unlawful conduct.  The allegations must be proven in federal court.

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status.  More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.  Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment and housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned and/or oper ated by Gary and/or Tina Walden, or elsewhere, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or e-mail the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov.  

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Suhip E. Ebrahim, 26, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, and Ronnell A. Williams, 41, of Wheeling, West Virginia, with oxycodone trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Ebrahim and Williams allegedly conspired to possess and sell oxycodone throughout 2015 and 2016 in Ohio County, West Virginia. Specifically, Williams is alleged to have sold oxycodone on multiple occasions in February 2016. Ebrahim was arrested in Wheeling earlier this month after he was discovered to be in possession of a large quantity of oxycodone pills. Following his arrest, a federal judge ordered that Ebrahim be detained pending trial.

Both defendants are charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Oxycodone.” Ebrahim is further charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone.” Williams is further charged with three counts of “Distribution of Oxycodone.” The defendants each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 on each of the aforementioned 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. Attorneys Robert McWilliams and Jarod Douglas are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, all HIDTA-funded initiatives, are investigating.

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

The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Gary Walden; the Estate of Tina Walden; Walden Homes LLC, dba Walden Rentals; and 973 Chestnut Ridge Road Inc.  The lawsuit alleges that female tenants in residential rental properties owned and managed by the Waldens have been subjected to egregious sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of the Fair Housing Act. 

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, alleges that Gary Walden engaged in egregious acts of sexual harassment against multiple female tenants at the residential rental properties that he and his wife – the late Tina Walden – owned and managed in the Morgantown, West Virginia, metropolitan area.  The suit also alleges that Tina Walden failed to take appropriate steps when residents complained about the harassment.  In the complaint, the United States alleges that the harassment by Gary Walden included engaging in unwanted and unwelcome sex acts with female tenants; engaging in unwanted sexual touching and groping; making unwelcome sexual comments and verbal advances; conditioning or offering tangible housing benefits to female tenants in exchange for performance of sex acts on him or his maintenance workers; entering the apartments of female tenants without permission or notice to harass them sexually; and taking adverse actions against female tenants when they refused or objected to his sexual advances or objected to continuing to grant sexual favors.

“No woman should have to suffer sexual harassment in her home or live in fear of retaliation when she reports such heinous acts of discrimination,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.  “Sexual abuse has no place in a civilized society, and the Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce the Fair Housing Act by safeguarding the rights of tenants and holding perpetrators accountable.”

“We always aggressively advocate for fair housing for everyone, but the allegations in this matter are especially disturbing,” said U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld II of the Northern District of West Virginia.  “Making housing contingent upon performing sexual acts will not be tolerated and the landlords in this case will now have to answer for their abhorrent conduct.  We'll stand with the female victims in this case and make sure that their rights are fully protected.”

“When a woman is subjected to unwanted sexual advances in her home, it makes her a victim in the place where she should feel the safest and most secure,” said Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Gustavo Velasquez of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  “HUD will continue to stand with the Justice Department to protect the housing rights of women whenever those rights are violated.”

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties and a court order barring future discrimination.  The complaint is an allegation of unlawful conduct.  The allegations must be proven in federal court.

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status.  More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.  Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment and housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned and/or operated by Gary and/or Tina Walden, or elsewhere, can contact the Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or e-mail the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov.  

Walden Complaint

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eight individuals were sentenced in federal court in Martinsburg for heroin and cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Six individuals were sentenced for their role in a multi-state heroin trafficking operation led by Brian Alexander Hall, 28, of Baltimore, Maryland. Hall orchestrated a network of associates to transport heroin across state lines for redistribution and sale in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. A 163-count federal indictment targeting 41 defendants interrupted the drug trafficking scheme in June 2015.

Jefferey David Murphy, 34, of Martinsburg, pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession With Intent to Distribute Heroin.” He was sentenced to 48 months in prison on the telephone charge and 51 months in prison on each of the remaining charges. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 51 months in prison. He was also ordered to forfeit his interest in $29,850 in United States currency.

William Lee Wasson, 38, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, pled guilty in September 2015 to one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin,” one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering,” and one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession With Intent to Distribute Heroin.” He was sentenced to 36 months in prison on each count. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 36 months in prison.

Brandon Kidwell, 24, of Great Cacapon, West Virginia, pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” He was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

Robert Hamilton Shanley-Sexton, 24, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, pled guilty in September 2015 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin.” He was sentenced to twelve months and one day in prison.

Cameron Stinebaugh, 28, of Great Cacapon, West Virginia, pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” He was sentenced to probation for a term of five years.

Jared Michael Belanger, 36, of Martinsburg, pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” He was ordered to forfeit his interest in $8,500 in United States currency and sentenced to probation for a term of five years.

In another matter, Ariana Shanae Parker, 24, of District Heights, Maryland, and Theron Eugene Cobb, 32, of Miami, Florida, were sentenced for heroin and cocaine trafficking.

Cobb was as discovered in possession of cocaine in Berkeley County. He pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” He was sentenced to 36 months in prison.

Parker sold heroin in Berkeley County, West Virginia. She pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.” She was sentenced to probation for a term of three years.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Taylor, also of the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted Parker and Cobb on behalf of the government. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Paul Camilletti prosecuted the remaining defendants on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated all of the defendants. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also investigated the multi-state heroin trafficking network.

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

The drug problem in West Virginia is complex with many moving parts and seemingly few concrete solutions.  Enforcement, prevention and treatment are all important but one strategy that deserves additional attention is that of supply-side intervention.  This involves taking steps to reduce the number of prescription painkillers actually prescribed and dispensed in our state.  Researchers have found that when the number of pills distributed declines, the reduced supply does not recover, drug abuse decreases, and public health improves.  Supply-side strategies save lives and are worth pursuing with great vigor in West Virginia.

The excessive prescribing of painkillers began in the mid-1990s as a result of aggressive and misleading marketing by certain manufacturers.  It was during this time that the painkiller OxyContin was promoted as being non-addictive despite being virtually identical to heroin.  Doctors were convinced by this idea and began to write scripts for it and a variety of other painkillers without hesitation.  The number of prescriptions for opioids skyrocketed, and today Americans consume 81 percent of the world's oxycodone and nearly 100 percent of the world's hydrocodone.  This widespread prescribing has led to thousands of annual overdose deaths, millions of pill abusers, and a demand for heroin that has reached epidemic proportions.  Doctors in West Virginia write with a heavy pen, issuing more painkiller prescriptions per capita than all but two states.

What the pharmaceutical industry did in promoting pain pills was not much different than what the tobacco industry did with cigarettes: it lied about the addictive nature of its product and earned billions by deceiving naive consumers.  "Big Pharma", much like "Big Tobacco", left a great deal of damage in its wake, and the costs to clean up the mess are extraordinary.  One of the costs -that of treatment - is one that our state cannot afford.  As a result, many West Virginians who want help for their addiction cannot afford it, cannot find it, or die trying.

There are, however, some actions that if taken will bring us closer to the end of this crisis.  If I could write a prescription for West Virginia, it would look something like this:

1) Conservative prescribing practices. Doctors and hospitals should adopt policies that call for opioids to be prescribed less often, in lower doses, and for shorter durations.  In fact, opioids should be a last resort for pain treatment instead of the first line of defense.  These policies should also discourage the prescribing of opioids (i.e. Percocet) together with benzodiazepines (i.e. Xanax) because it's often a lethal combination.

2) Lower expectations from patients.  Many of us have unreasonable expectations about how our pain should be treated.  We have come to expect a 60-day supply of pain pills when something less will often do.  The answer is not always a Percocet, but instead might be physical therapy, acupuncture, exercise, rest, or the use of non-narcotic pain relievers.

3) Increased accountability for deviant distributors. Wholesale distributors, pharmacies, and practitioners continue to engage in unlawful practices that cause excessive amounts of pain pills to be dispensed in West Virginia.  The price to pay for this crime should be steep, to include prison time, licensure revocation, and large financial penalties.

4) Use of settlements to fund treatment.  When drug companies reach financial settlements with the state or federal government for wrongdoing, a portion of the proceeds should be used to pay for treatment facilities in the affected states.  This might be the only way that a state like ours will ever be able to afford adequate treatment resources.

5) Better use of prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs).  Pharmacies should always check the PDMP (some don’t) and every state’s PDMP should be connected (they’re not) to prevent doctor-shopping and the dispensing of contra-indicated medications.

We’ve still got a long way to go, but a comprehensive and proactive supply-side strategy will help us to navigate through this painkiller-fueled storm.  By keeping the pressure on the pharmaceutical industry, modifying the frequency, dose, and duration of narcotic prescriptions, and lessening our expectations as patients, West Virginia will emerge as a healthier and safer place to live and raise a family.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict today convicting Steve G. Singo, 35, of Weirton, West Virginia, of receiving, possessing, and distributing images of child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Evidence presented at trial indicated that Singo utilized internet-based peer-to-peer file sharing technology to download and share files depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. As the result of online surveillance and investigatory techniques, authorities discovered Singo in possession of various images of child pornography at his residence in Hancock County, West Virginia.

Following a two day trial, a jury found Singo guilty of one count of “Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography,” for which he faces between five and twenty years in prison, and one count of “Possession of Child Pornography,” for which he faces up to twenty years in prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the two 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 Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated. 

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Ratique Wilson, also known as “Montana,” 25, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Wilson sold cocaine base in January 2015 in Marion County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.”

In another matter, Rholan D. Pryor, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to six months in prison for selling heroin in April 2014 in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Heroin – Aiding and Abetting.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted Pryor and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted Wilson on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated both defendants. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, also investigated Pryor.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Richard Cervi, Jr., 31, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for methamphetamine trafficking and unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Cervi, who has a previous felony conviction in state court in Pennsylvania, was discovered in Ohio County, West Virginia in February 2015 in unlawful possession of methamphetamine and a .45 caliber revolver. He was previously convicted of the felony offense of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine” in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

Cervi pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” He was sentenced to 37 months in prison on each count. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 37 months in prison.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four individuals were sentenced today in federal court in Clarksburg for drug trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Daleron K. Stewart, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Darrell Jeffery Mar, 21, of Verona, Pennsylvania, conspired to possess and sell heroin in Harrison and Monongalia Counties throughout 2014. They each pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin.” Stewart was sentenced today to 30 months in prison and Mar was sentenced today to 21 months in prison.
 
Miranda D. Swiger, 21, of Longwood, Florida, was discovered in possession of heroin in January 2015 in Taylor County, West Virginia. She pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin – Aiding and Abetting.” She was sentenced today to 24 months in prison.

James Michael Conley, 38, of Clarksburg, sold morphine in September 2014 near Pierpont Community and Technical College in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Morphine within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” He was sentenced today to 14 months in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn Adkins and Stephen Warner prosecuted Conley, Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted Swiger, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted Mar and Stewart on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated each of the defendants.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Casey Tyler Nagy, 29, originally of Missouri, was convicted of drug trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Nagy distributed lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in June 2015 in Wetzel County, West Virginia.

Nagy pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of LSD.” He faces up to 20 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 David Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Martinsville Police Department investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Convicted sex offender Richard Doman, 47, of Lorain, Ohio, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison after he failed to properly update his registration status, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Doman was convicted in 2003 of “Statutory Sexual Assault” and “Indecent Assault” in the Court of Common Pleas of York County, Pennsylvania. As a result of that conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender. Doman moved from Ohio to West Virginia in 2014 without updating his sex offender registration. He pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.”

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

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Authorities from Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia recovered large quantities of prescription painkillers and United States currency today when they arrested Suhip E. Ebrahim, 26, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Officers from the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, both HIDTA-funded initiatives, allegedly discovered Ebrahim in the Wheeling area in possession of nearly 600 oxycodone pills and in excess of $100,000 in United States currency.

Following his arrest, Ebrahim made an initial appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert. He is currently being held without bond.

Ebrahim is named in a federal criminal complaint charging him with “Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone.” A complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Two other defendants were also arrested today. They are facing charges in state court.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Two individuals were sentenced for drug trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Sharod D. Nickelson, 44, of Detroit, Michigan, conspired with other individuals to possess and sell oxycodone throughout the Ohio Valley. Following an investigation by the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, Nickelson pled guilty in January 2016 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone.” He was sentenced today to 87 months in prison.

Donald William Butler, 57, of Saint Marys, West Virginia, was among six individuals charged in a federal indictment when authorities disrupted a Pleasants County methamphetamine manufacturing operation in June 2015. Specifically, Butler was discovered in possession of materials commonly utilized to manufacture methamphetamine. Following an investigation by the West Virginia State Police and the Pleasants Count Sheriff’s Department, Butler pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Possession of Material Used in the Manufacturing of Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting.” He was sentenced today to 46 months in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McWilliams prosecuted Nickelson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins prosecuted Butler on behalf of the government.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Michael Previtera, 38, of Proctor, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for oxycodone trafficking and bank fraud, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced today.
 
Throughout 2014 and 2015, Previtera conspired with other individuals to possess and distribute oxycodone in Marshall and Wetzel Counties. He also admitted to committing fraud in connection with a loan that he obtained in order to finance the purchase of an automotive services business that he owned.

Previtera pled guilty in June 2015 to one count of “Drug Conspiracy – Oxycodone,” and one count of “Bank Fraud.” He was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for drug trafficking and 57 months in prison for bank fraud. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 57 months in prison.

As part of the sentence imposed today, Previtera was also ordered to forfeit his interest in multiple firearms, $15,070 in United States currency, a 2007 Dodge Ram truck, John Deere lawn care machinery, and various equipment and inventory related to the automotive services business. Previtera was also ordered to pay money a judgment in the amount of $145,000 in the drug trafficking case. He was further ordered to pay a money judgment and restitution in the amount and $84,117.74 in the bank fraud case.
 
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation investigated the bank fraud charges. The West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the drug trafficking charges.
 
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. presided. 

 WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Xian Chen Chen, 39, of Flushing, New York, was convicted and sentenced today for attempting to sell counterfeit goods in the Wheeling, West Virginia and Boston, Massachusetts areas, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
 
Chen attempted to sell counterfeit goods purported to be from Tory Burch, Tiffany  & Co., The  North  Face,  Coach  Services,  Inc.,  Apple,  Inc., Beats Electronics,  Chanel,  Inc.,  Gucci  America,  Inc.,  Louis  Vuitton, Michael  Kors, L.L.C.,  Jimmy  Choo,  Ray  Ban,  Fendi,  Ed  Hardy,  Dooney  & Bourke,  Bvlgari, Hello Kitty, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, Juicy Couture, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Versace, Armani, Burberry, and Oakley.                                       

Chen pled guilty today to an Information charging him with one count of “Entry of Good by Means of False Statements.” Chen also pled guilty to a separate Information charging him with the same offense which was transferred to the Northern District of West Virginia from the District of Massachusetts. He was sentenced today to an 11 month combination of imprisonment and community confinement on each count. The sentences will run concurrently. He was also ordered to pay restitution to the victim companies.
 
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Bernard prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountaineer Highway Interdiction Team (MHIT) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Pittsburgh and Boston Divisions investigated. MHIT is a collaborative effort through the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and is comprised of officers and agents from the West Virginia State Police, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department, the Wheeling Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided over the plea hearing and U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided over the sentencing hearing.
 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bennie Kyle, 60, of Fairmont, West Virginia, pled guilty to cocaine trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Kyle sold cocaine base in June 2015 near Fairmont State University in Marion County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” He faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Three Rivers Drug Task Force investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Marricco Sykes, 36, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Hazelton, with causing the death of a fellow prisoner, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Sykes is alleged to have strangled the fellow prisoner during a physical altercation in late 2015. Following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the USP Hazelton Special Investigative Services Unit, Sykes is charged with one count of “First Degree Murder.” He faces life imprisonment or the death penalty as well as a fine of up to $250,000.

The grand jury also returned indictments charging several other federal inmates within the Northern District of West Virginia with offenses including illegal threats, assault, and unlawful possession of weapons.

Jeremy E. Smith, 36, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Hazelton, is alleged to have written letters threatening to use explosives to destroy government buildings in Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Boston and Washington, D.C. He is further alleged to have written a letter threatening the lives of President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. Following an investigation by the United States Secret Service and the USP Hazelton Special Investigative Services Unit, Smith is charged with one count of “Threat to Damage Buildings by Use of Explosives” for which he faces up to 10 years in prison. He is further charged with one count of “Threats Against the President,” and one count of “Threats Against Member of Immediate Family of Former President.” He faces up to five years in prison on each of these counts.  He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the three counts.

Antonio Lee, 33, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at Hazelton, was allegedly discovered inside the prison in unlawful possession of a handcrafted weapon made from sharpened plastic. Following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the FCI Hazelton Special Investigative Services Unit, Lee is charged with one count of “Possession of Contraband in Prison – Weapon.” He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Arnaldo Martinez-Gomez, 30, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary at Hazelton, is alleged to have assaulted a fellow prison during a physical altercation. Following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the USP Hazelton Special Investigative Services Unit, Gomez is charged with one count of “Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Cause Bodily Harm,” and one count of “Possession of a Prohibited Object – Weapon.” He faces up to 10 years in prison on the assault charge and up to five years in prison on the prohibited object charge. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the two 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 defendants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro is prosecuting Smith, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri is prosecuting Lee, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar is prosecuting Gomez and Sykes on behalf of the government.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher T. Gyorko, 31, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 130 months in prison for orchestrating a multi-state heroin trafficking operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Gyorko coordinated and managed a drug trafficking operation designed to transport heroin across state lines from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania into Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia, as well as locations in Ohio. Authorities disrupted the heroin trafficking scheme in June 2015 when Gyorko, along with five other individuals, were charged in an 18-count federal indictment. One additional defendant was charged in federal court by criminal Information. Six additional defendants were charged in state court in West Virginia.

Gyorko pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin.” As part of the sentenced imposed today, Gyorko was also ordered to forfeit his interest in a 2007 Chrysler 300M vehicle.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

CLARKSBIRG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathaniel Walker, 34, of Miami, Florida, was sentenced today to 36 months in prison for oxycodone trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Walker was discovered in possession of oxycodone in Monongalia County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in September 2015 to an Information charging him with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation led the inquiry.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two individuals were sentenced in federal court for drug trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Khalil Brown, 34, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sold heroin in 2014 near West Virginia University in Monongalia County, West Virginia, as part of an extensive drug trafficking network designed to transport heroin and oxycodone across state lines from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Morgantown, West Virginia for redistribution and sale throughout the region. He pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1000 feet of a Protected Location.” He was sentenced to 92 months in prison.

Harvey Orlando Higgs, 30, of Morgantown, West Virginia, sold cocaine in March 2015 in Monongalia County. He pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine Base.” He was sentenced to 37 months in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joshua Hood, 34, of Clarksburg, was sentenced to 240 months in prison for transmitting images of child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

In August 2015, Hood utilized his smartphone to distribute and transmit images depicting a minor engaged in explicit conduct. Hood pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Transportation of Child Pornography.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Charles A. Marker, 40, of Wellsburg, West Virginia, pled guilty in federal court to methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Throughout 2015, Marker conspired with additional individuals to manufacture, possesses, and distribute methamphetamine in Brooke County, West Virginia.

Marker pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine.” He faces up to 20 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 Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock, Brooke, Weirton Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Dondie Williams, 36, of Wheeling, was sentenced today to 151 months in prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Williams was discovered in possession of cocaine base in late 2014 in Ohio County, West Virginia. He was charged with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.” He pled guilty in January 2016 to a lesser included offense of the aforementioned charge.

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

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal jury returned a guilty verdict yesterday convicting Francisco Gaspar Sanchez, 56, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, of methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Evidence presented at trial indicated that Sanchez conspired with another individual to sell crystal methamphetamine in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Specifically, Sanchez was discovered in possession of methamphetamine in Jefferson County in April 2014.

Following a two day trial, a jury found Sanchez guilty of one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 on each of the two 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. Attorneys Paul Camilletti and Anna Krasinski, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher, also of the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging three Elkins residents with fraudulently using counterfeit money to obtain authentic currency and other goods, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Marc G. Collett, 34, Robert R. Teter, 29, and Jonathan J. Ross, 29, all of Elkins, are alleged to have repeatedly exchanged counterfeit money in order to obtain authentic United States currency, debit cards, and merchandise in Harrison County, West Virginia in late 2014.

All three defendants are charged with one count of “Conspiracy to Utter Counterfeit Obligations or Securities” and two counts of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations or Securities – Aiding and Abetting.” Collett is further charged with three additional counts of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations or Securities – Aiding and Abetting.” Teter is further charged with two additional count of “Uttering Counterfeit Obligations or Securities – Aiding and Abetting.” The defendants each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the aforementioned charges. 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 Montoro is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Secret Service, the Clarksburg, West Virginia Police Department, and the West Virginia State Police are investigating.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jarrud Michael Dixon, 26, of New Market, Maryland, pled guilty in federal court today to providing false information in order to purchase firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Throughout 2013 and 2014, Dixon conspired with other individuals, including a licensed firearms dealer in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, to unlawfully transport firearms across state lines from West Virginia into Maryland. Specifically, Dixon attempted to purchase two firearms in Pocahontas County by falsely stating that the firearms were being purchased for a different individual who could lawfully purchase firearms in West Virginia.

Dixon pled guilty today to one count of “False Statement in Firearms Dealer Records.” He faces up to five 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. Attorneys Stephen Warner and Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Baltimore, Maryland Police Department investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging convicted sex offender Christopher Barker, 27, of Follansbee, West Virginia, with moving across state lines without updating his sex offender registration status, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Barker, also known as Christopher D. Cooper, was previously convicted in Ohio County, West Virginia of “First Degree Sexual Assault Involving a Minor.” As a result of that conviction, Barker is required to register as a sex offender. Barker is alleged to have moved from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Follansbee, West Virginia in late 2015 without updating his sex offender registration status.

Barker is charged with one count of “Failure to Register and Update Registration as a Sex Offender.” He faces up to 10 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 Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Police Department are investigating.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Five individuals pled guilty in federal court to unlawful cigarette smuggling, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Mohamed Abdo Elbarati, 30, of Winchester, Virginia, Farouk Mohamed Aldaylam, 29, of Queens Village, New York, Fahd Hamood Aljahaf, 38, of Bronx, New York, Galal Hameed Kassim, 30, and Muneer Kaid Khaled, 26, both of Brooklyn, New York, collaborated  to facilitate a trafficking network designed profit from the unlawful sale of contraband cigarettes. 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 New York, which has one of the nation’s highest tax rates.  The cigarettes were possessed and transported in West Virginia.

Each of the five defendants pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Traffic in Contraband Cigarettes.” Each of the defendants faces up to five 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 defendants.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Stein and Shawn Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. Homeland Security Investigations, the Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia Office of Attorney General, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the West Virginia State Police, the New York Department of Taxation and Finance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation led the inquiry.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Charles Wade, III, 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was sentenced today to twenty months and nine days in prison for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Wade sold heroin near a Harrison County, West Virginia middle school. He pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zelda Wesley and Stephen Warner along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan 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.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Federal indictments were unsealed today charging 14 people with facilitating a Michigan to Morgantown heroin trafficking operation, according to United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II.
 
A federal grand jury returned three separate indictments alleging that a group of individuals from Detroit traveled to Morgantown to operate a heroin distribution ring in North Central West Virginia. The indictments allege that heroin was repeatedly sold near a variety of protected locations in Monongalia County in 2014 and 2015.

“Today’s operation, highlights the critical role our task forces play in combating heroin and other illegal drug trafficking and the violent criminal enterprises that attempt to take root in our neighborhoods,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott S. Smith of the FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office. “Federal penalties for drug trafficking are severe, and the FBI will continue to work with our local, state and Federal partners to stop the flow of illegal drugs and to dismantle the violent criminal enterprises that facilitate the flow.”

Today, many of the defendants were taken into custody during a coordinated, multi-agency arrest operation in West Virginia and Michigan. Those arrested on heroin trafficking charges today include:

• Draylon Eric Beecham, also known as “Wood,” 40, of Detroit, Michigan, • Keith Antonio Cohens, also known as “Jay,” 34, of Detroit, Michigan, • James Leon Fisher, also known as “D,” 29, of Detroit, Michigan, • Craig S. Coffee, also known as “Mack,” 48, of Detroit, Michigan, • An unidentified individual known as “Mac,” of Detroit, Michigan, • Michaelo Merone, 30, of Miami, Florida, • Daniel Ross Sims, 26, of Morgantown, West Virginia, • Debra Bolden, 45, of Morgantown, West Virginia, and
• Justin Donald Myers, 36, of Morgantown, West Virginia.
 
Two additional drug trafficking suspects not connected with the aforementioned indictments were identified and arrested during today’s operation and are currently facing state charges.

Several individuals have not yet been located, including:   • Darrin Lawrence Broadnax, also known as “Silk,” 48, of Detroit, Michigan, • Romelle DeShaun Stevens, also known as “Bishop,” 26, of Detroit, Michigan, • Jeffrey Allen Motley, also known as “G,” 24, of Detroit, Michigan, • Robert Tucker, also known as “Diego,” 22, of Detroit, Michigan, and
• Ryan Hayworth, 21, of Mullens, West Virginia.
 
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the aforementioned individuals is encouraged to contact the United States Marshals Service at (304) 623-0486.
 
Monongalia County, West Virginia Sheriff Al Kisner applauded the “diligence and hard work of each of the investigating agencies involved in today’s operation. The arrests made today are the direct result of the close working relationship that has been forged among local, state, and federal authorities. This investigation sends a clear message to local residents and to those individuals engaged in criminal activity, that we are committed to responding aggressively and intelligently to perceived drug trafficking threats and that we will not allow those who seek to profit from the sale of illegal drugs to takeroot in our neighborhoods.”
 
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force is leading the investigation. The Mon Metro Drug Task Force is a collaborative, multi-agency initiative comprised of representatives from the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Morgantown Police Department, the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department, the West Virginia University Police Department, the Granville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jennifer Vensel, 38, of Wheeling, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Vensel was discovered in possession of cocaine base in late 2014 in Ohio County, West Virginia. Following an investigation by the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, she pled guilty in May 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eric Donald Wilson, 45, of Ridgeley, West Virginia, pled guilty to unlawful possession of firearms today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Wilson, who has a previous felony conviction in state court in Maryland, was discovered in September 2015 in unlawful possession of nine firearms in Mineral County, West Virginia. He was previously convicted of the felony offense of “Second Degree Assault” in the District Court for Baltimore City, Maryland.

Wilson pled guilty today to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 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 Shawn Adkins prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian K. Dixon, 47, of Clarksburg, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Dixon sold heroin in Harrison County. He pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Heroin.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro 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.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Deonte Spicer, 29, an inmate at the United States Penitentiary Hazelton, was sentenced today to an additional 70 months in prison for assaulting a fellow prisoner, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Following a two day trial in October 2015, a jury found Spicer guilty of one count of “Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm.” Evidence presented at trial indicated that Spicer stabbed a fellow inmate multiple times with a hand crafted weapon during a physical altercation in February 2015.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Special Investigative Services Unit at USP Hazelton investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Harrison County, West Virginia residents were sentenced in federal court today for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Alisha R. O’Dell, 24, of Clarksburg, sold heroin in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pled guilty in September 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin.” She was sentenced today to 15 months in prison.

Shawn Bryant, 33, of Clarksburg, was discovered in possession of heroin in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” He was sentenced today to twelve months and one day in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted Bryant and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn Adkins and Stephen Warner prosecuted O’Dell on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated both defendants.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kalif Briggs, 33, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was convicted in federal court today for his role in a multi-state heroin and oxycodone trafficking operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Briggs participated in a drug trafficking network that cause quantities of heroin and oxycodone to be transported across state lines from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Morgantown, West Virginia for redistribution and sale throughout the region. The operation was disrupted in November 2014 when Briggs, along with 20 other individuals, was charged in a 65-count federal indictment.

Specifically, Briggs sold oxycodone in 2014 in Monongalia County, West Virginia. Briggs pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone.” He faces up to 20 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 Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Eric Brandon Lemasters, 33, of Jacksonburg, West Virginia, pled guilty to unlawful possession of four firearms today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Lemasters, who has a previous felony conviction in state court in Ohio, was discovered in July 2015 in unlawful possession of two rifles, a shotgun, and a pistol in Wetzel County, West Virginia. He was previously convicted of the felony offense of “Grand Theft” in the Court of Common Pleas of Lake County, Ohio.

Lemasters pled guilty today to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 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 Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Amanda Dawn Arth, 35, of Greenwood, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Arth sold heroin in April 2015 near Broadway Playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Vogrin, Andrew Cogar, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan 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.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Ray Morgan, 40, of Paden City, West Virginia, was convicted of unlawful possession of firearms today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Morgan, who has a previous felony conviction in Tyler County, was discovered in unlawful possession of two firearms in October 2015 in Tyler County. Morgan was convicted of “Failure to Appear” in the Circuit Court of Tyler County.

Morgan pled guilty today to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.” He faces up to 10 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 Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Tyler County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brian Alexander Hall, 27, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced today to 100 months in prison for leading a multi-state heroin distribution network, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Hall sold heroin in the Baltimore, Maryland area. A large group of individuals repeatedly travelled across state lines to procure quantities of heroin from Hall in Maryland, and the surrounding region. The individuals then returned to locations in West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania to redistribute the heroin. Hall pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.”

Hall, along with 40 other individuals, was charged in a 163-count federal indictment in June 2015. Three additional defendants involved in the heroin trafficking scheme were also sentenced in federal court today.

Jessica Kesecker, 33, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, pled guilty in August 2015 to one count of “Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” She was sentenced today to 35 months in prison.

Josh Reid, 33, of Martinsburg, pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” He was sentenced today to 30 months in prison.

Bruce Morton Vaudrien, Jr., 46, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin,” and one count of “Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” He was sentenced today to 27 months in prison on each count. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 27 months in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski and Paul Camilletti 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.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Ryan Bobby Schnettler, 25, of Weirton, West Virginia, was convicted of possession of child pornography today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Schnettler was discovered in possession of child pornography in October 2015 in Hancock County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to an Information charging him with “Possession of Child Pornography.”

Schnettler faces up to 20 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 Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four individuals were sentenced in federal court in Martinsburg today for various drug trafficking offenses, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Joseph Perry, 31, of Gerrardstown, West Virginia, attempted to purchase heroin in March 2015 in Berkeley County. He pled guilty in October 2015 to an Information charging him with one count of “Aiding and Abetting Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” He was sentenced today to 32 months in prison.

Earl Ferguson, 46, of Inwood, West Virginia, sold oxycodone in July 2015 in Berkeley County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in November 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone.”  He was sentenced today to 21 months in prison.

Elliot Iwon Reed, 32, of Baltimore, Maryland, sold heroin and cocaine in Berkeley County. He pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine Base and Heroin.” He was sentenced today to 21 months in prison.

Jesus Demas Valencia, 48, of Martinsburg, sold cocaine in Berkeley County. He pled guilty in October 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine.” He was sentenced today to 12 months in prison.

Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Camilletti and Anna Krasinski prosecuted Ferguson, Perry, and Valencia on behalf of the government. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas also prosecuted Valencia on behalf of the government. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Camilletti and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Taylor, also of the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted Reed on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated each of the defendants. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also investigated Ferguson and Perry.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Two individuals were sentenced in federal court today for drug trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Vincent Paul Gibson, 29, of Coalton, West Virginia, was discovered in Randolph County, West Virginia, in possession of materials commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine. Those materials included plastic bottles, batteries, rubber tubing, empty packages of medication containing pseudoephedrine, coffee filters, drain cleaner, mason jars, and instant ice compresses. Following an investigation by the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, he pled guilty in August 2015 to one count of “Possession of Material used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” He was sentenced today to 48 months in prison.

Santos Macedoni Barragan, 31, of Moorefield, West Virginia, sold cocaine near an elementary and secondary school in Hardy County, West Virginia. Following an investigation by the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, he pled guilty in September 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine within 1,000 Feet of a School.” He was sentenced today to 12 months in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Area elementary school students learned the facts about drugs and alcohol today as part of National Drug Facts Week, recognized from January 25 through 31, 2016, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Since 2010, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has coordinated National Drugs and Alcohol Facts Week, an annual series of events and promotional campaigns designed to connect young people with experts and resources to shatter common myths and misperceptions about substance abuse by providing factual, easy to understand information about illicit drugs. This year, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has partnered with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism to incorporate key information related to alcohol.

Today, United States Attorney Ihlenfeld facilitated an interactive presentation and discussion with fifth grade students at Bethlehem Elementary School in Ohio County, West Virginia. Ihlenfeld spoke with the students about a variety of topics, including commonly abused drugs, the impact of illicit substances on the human brain, the science behind substance abuse disorders, and the importance of recognizing and speaking up about the signs of addiction.

“Educating young people is a critical component in the ongoing effort to combat the drug problem facing West Virginia,” said Ihlenfeld. “Children are exposed to information about illegal drugs from a variety of sources and we want to empower them to make informed, healthy decisions based on accurate information.”

Throughout National Drug Facts Week, the United States Attorney’s Office will also utilize its @NDWVnews Twitter account to engage in a social media campaign to highlight important factual information regarding substance abuse and addiction, including the science of addiction, marijuana, prescription painkillers, heroin, and resources available for individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders.

Individuals interested in obtaining additional information about National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week or finding factual information on substance abuse and illegal drugs are encouraged to visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse website at www.drugabuse.gov. Individuals, educators, and other community organizations interested in scheduling substance abuse education initiatives and events in the Northern District of West Virginia are encouraged to contact Tara Tighe at the United States Attorney’s Office at (304) 234-0100.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tricia Renee Thames, 36, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was convicted of unlawful possession of firearms today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Thames pled guilty today to an Information charging her with one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.”  Thames, who has a felony conviction for “Manslaughter” from the State of Oklahoma, was discovered to be in possession of a .357 caliber revolver and a .22 caliber pistol in Ohio County, West Virginia in 2015.

She faces up to 10 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 offense 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 investigated.

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