Northern District of West Virginia

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Three individuals were convicted today of heroin and prescription painkiller trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Sandra Elizabeth Gibbins, 58, of Moorefield, West Virginia, Richard Dean Gibson, 31, of Petersburg, West Virginia, and Autumn Lyn Forbeck, 24, of Cumberland, Maryland, conspired to possess and sell heroin and prescription painkillers in Grant County, West Virginia throughout 2014 and 2015.

Gibbins and Gibson each pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin” and Forbeck pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.” They each face 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 defendants.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Stein prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tracy McWhorter, 35, of Triadelphia, West Virginia, was sentenced in federal court today for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

McWhorter pled guilty in June 2015 to a criminal Information charging her with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” At that time, she further admitted to violations during a period of supervised release stemming from a previous conviction. She was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for the heroin trafficking charge and 12 months in prison for the supervised release violation, for a total of 24 months in prison.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parr prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Wheeling Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

The Justice Department announced today that developer Biafora’s Inc. (Biafora) and several affiliated companies have agreed to pay $205,000 and make substantial retrofits to remove accessibility barriers at multifamily apartment complexes.  This agreement resolves the United States’ claims that Biafora violated the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act by building 23 apartment complexes in West Virginia and Pennsylvania with a variety of features that made them inaccessible to persons with disabilities.

Under the terms of the agreement, which must still be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, Biafora and the other defendants must take extensive actions to make the complexes accessible to persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users.  These corrective actions include replacing excessively sloped portions of sidewalks, installing properly sloped curb walkways to allow persons with disabilities to access units from sidewalks and parking areas, replacing cabinets in bathrooms and kitchens to provide sufficient room for wheelchair users, widening doorways and reducing door threshold heights.  The settlement also requires the defendants to construct a new apartment complex in Morgantown, West Virginia, with 100 accessible units.  The defendants will pay $180,000 to establish a settlement fund for the purpose of compensating individuals with disabilities who have been impacted by the accessibility violations and $25,000 as a civil penalty.

“The Justice Department will use every means at its disposal under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure persons with disabilities can have an equal opportunity to enjoy housing of their choice,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Civil Rights Division.  “This comprehensive settlement will enable persons with disabilities to have equal access to housing in Morgantown and surrounding communities through the removal of accessibility barriers at existing multifamily housing properties and the creation of new accessible housing.  The agreement will also compensate persons injured by the defendants’ failure to provide accessible housing.” 

“Accessible housing is a fundamental protection afforded by the Fair Housing Act,” said U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II of the Northern District of West Virginia.  "The U.S. Attorney's office will continue to work hard to ensure that the housing choices available to West Virginians with disabilities comply with federal laws.  If landlords in Morgantown or other parts of West Virginia fail to meet these standards then they will be held accountable."

The agreement also requires certain employees and agents of the defendants will participate in educational training about requirements of the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act.  The defendants will make information about fair housing and about this settlement available to the public and will report periodically to the Justice Department.  The United States’ lawsuit also named Biafora’s affiliates Falconcrest LLC, Five Star Holdings LLC, Metro Rentals LLC, Metro Rentals II LLC, RDR Properties LLC, RDR Properties II LLC, The Gables LLC, the Woodlands LLC, 3BT LLC and CMC Company LLC.

Individuals who are entitled to share in the settlement fund will be identified through a process established in the settlement.  Notices of the settlement and a list of subject properties will be published in the Dominion Post (Morgantown) and Exponent Telegram (Clarksburg, West Virginia).  Persons who believe they were subjected to unlawful discrimination at one of those properties either when they lived there or considered living there should contact the Justice Department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743 mailbox # 998 or e-mail the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin and disability.  More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt.  Individuals who believe that they have been victims of housing discrimination can call the Housing Discrimination Line at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov.  Such persons may also contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777.

Fair housing enforcement is a priority of the Civil Rights Division.  More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Patricia Marie Sanderson, 49, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was convicted today of failure to pay payroll taxes, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

While acting as a manager of Potomac Consulting Services, LLC, a construction planning and consulting firm in Harpers Ferry, Sanderson approved all payments by the company and controlled the company’s bank accounts. Sanderson and the company failed to pay to the Internal Revenue Service nearly $30,000 in payroll taxes withheld from corporate employees.

Sanderson pled guilty today to a criminal Information charging her with one count of “Failure to Pay Tax.” She 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. Attorney Michael Stein prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations led the inquiry.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Johnny Lee Green Jr., 56, of Elkins, was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

In 1978, Green was convicted of the felony offenses of “First Degree Murder” and “Using a Weapon in Commission of a Felony.” As a result of those convictions, he is prohibited from possessing firearms. He was discovered in July 2014 in unlawful possession of a 9mm pistol.

Green pled guilty in April 2015 to one count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.”

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four individuals, including three Michigan natives, were sentenced today for cocaine and oxycodone trafficking offenses, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Richard Speciale, 53, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was convicted and sentenced today for selling cocaine within the Northern District of West Virginia and the Western District of Pennsylvania. He pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Over Five (5) Kilograms of Cocaine,” following an investigation by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He was sentenced today to 144 months in prison.

Ryan Gardner, 28, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for selling oxycodone in November 2014 in Monongalia County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone,” following an investigation by the Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.

Terrell Moore, 36, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for selling oxycodone in January 2015 in Monongalia County, West Virginia.  He pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone,” following an investigation by the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.

Ronnie Days, 24, of Westland, Michigan, was sentenced today to 41 months in prison for selling oxycodone in August 2014 in Monongalia County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in January 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone,” following an investigation by the Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted Speciale, Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted Moore, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted Gardner and Days on behalf of the government.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Convicted sex offender Bruce Alfonso Robinson, II, 32, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was convicted and sentenced today to 24 months in prison for failing to update his sex offender registration status, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Robinson was convicted of “Solicitation to Commit Second Degree Rape” in 2004 in the Superior Court of Guilford County, North Carolina. As a result of that conviction, he was required to register as a sex offender. He was further convicted of “Failure to Register as a Sex Offender” in the Circuit Court of Marion County, West Virginia in April 2011. Subsequently, Robinson relocated from West Virginia and returned to North Carolina without updating his sex offender registration status.

Robinson pled guilty today to one count of “Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration.”

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.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph H. Frye, 71, of Augusta, West Virginia, was convicted today of filing false corporate tax returns, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Frye pled guilty today to a criminal Information charging him with one count of “Filing False Income Tax Return.” As the founder and majority owner of Jolin Concrete Industries, Inc., a company located in Hampshire County, West Virginia, Frye repeatedly converted corporate profits for his own personal use and understated the company’s taxable income. Specifically, Frye admitted that he filed an income tax return for tax year 2012 that understated the company’s taxable income by $187,322.91.

Frye faces up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. 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 Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Bernie George Baier, 51, of Wheeling, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for possession of child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

An investigation by the Wheeling Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that Baier obtained a wireless Internet password from his neighbor. He then used the neighbor’s wireless Internet connection to download images of child pornography throughout late 2014. Baier, who was previously convicted in 1995 of the felony offense of “Gross Sexual Imposition” in Belmont County, Ohio, pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.”

In another matter, Alex J. Galensky, 32, of, Martins Ferry, Ohio, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison. Galensky was discovered in May 2014 in possession of child pornography involving a minor under the age of 12. He pled guilty in February 2015 to a criminal Information charging him with one count of “Possession of Child Pornography,” following an investigation by the West Virginia State Police.

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

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Rachaelle Marie Weese, 27, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for her role in extorting more than $1,000,000.00 from a former Bethany College employee, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Rachaelle Weese was previously convicted of “Extortion Conspiracy” after she and her husband, Jason Weese, extorted money from a female employee of Bethany College who was embezzling money from the school. Jason Weese exchanged sexually explicit text messages and photographs with the female employee. The couple then threatened to disclose the female employee’s theft as well as the existence of the relationship. They used the messages and photographs along with threats of physical force to coerce the female employee into giving them large amounts of the stolen money. They then used the embezzled funds to purchase automobiles, expensive jewelry, and illicit drugs.

Jason Weese was sentenced last year to 63 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy.

United States Attorney Ihlenfeld prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Brooke County Sheriff’s Department investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Northcraft, 42, of Weirton, West Virginia, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Northcraft was previously convicted in the Circuit Court of Hancock County, West Virginia of the felony offense of “Entering a Building Other than a Dwelling.” As a result of that conviction, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He was discovered in possession of multiple firearms in December 2014, including three pistols, one revolver, two shotguns, and two rifles.

Northcraft pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Brooke County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Grant, 30, and Douglas Dustin Lish, 30, both of Clarksburg, were each sentenced in federal court on heroin trafficking charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced. 

Grant was discovered in possession of heroin and a 9mm pistol in December 2014 near the Clarksburg City Park – Monticello Avenue Playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.” He was sentenced to 46 months in prison on the distribution charge and 60 months in prison on the firearms charge, for a total sentence of 106 months. He was also ordered to forfeit his interest in $1,156.50 in United States currency and the 9mm pistol.

Lish, also known as “D-Fresh,” was discovered in possession of heroin and a 9mm pistol in Harrison County, West Virginia in October 2014. He pled guilty in February 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.” He was sentenced to 18 months in prison on the possession charge and 60 months in prison on the firearms charge, for a total sentence of 78 months. He was further ordered to forfeit his interest in $5,030.95 in United States currency and the 9mm pistol.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and 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.

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

Georgia native Terrence D. Brawner, 33, was sentenced today to 77 months in prison for oxycodone trafficking in Wetzel County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in January 2015 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone,” following an investigation by the West Virginia State Police and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.

Benjamin P. McGee, 30, of Bellaire, Ohio, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for oxycodone trafficking in Wetzel County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in August 2014 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone,” following an investigation by the West Virginia State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Alisha Letts, 31, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years of probation for her role in an oxycodone distribution operation in which prescription pills were shipped from California into Marshall County, West Virginia for redistribution and sale. She pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone,” following an investigation by the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Bernard prosecuted Letts while Robert McWilliams prosecuted McGee and Brawner on behalf of the government.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Roofing and general contractor Stephen J. Gretchen, 45, of McMechen, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and 1 day in prison for failing to report cash payments to his employees and fraudulently collecting insurance benefits for staged damage to his vehicle, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced. 

Gretchen knowingly underreported the wages, tips, and other compensation that he paid to his employees. He paid certain employees in cash “off the books.” He filed quarterly tax returns which failed to report these cash payments and failed to withhold certain tax amounts on behalf of his employees. In the second quarter of 2011, Gretchen reported that he paid no wages, tips, or other compensation to his employees. In fact, he had paid approximately $22,880.00 to his employees.

Gretchen owned a 2011 Coachman Freedom Express camping trailer. An investigation revealed that he paid one of his employees to deliberately and repeatedly crash a dump truck into the trailer, causing damage that totally destroyed the camping trailer for insurance purposes. Gretchen filed a claim with his insurance company, but falsely reported that the damage was caused by a hit-and-run accident. The insurance company sent Gretchen a check for $27,776.85 via FedEx in June 2012.

Gretchen pled guilty in January 2015 to one count of “Filing a False Form 941, Employees’ Quarterly Federal Tax Return,” and one count of “Mail Fraud.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McWilliams prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, Fraud Investigation Unit investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark E. Patterson, 47, of Wellsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for wire fraud.  United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced. 

Patterson used his position as the main vault banker at Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino and Racetrack to steal more than $300,000 which he then deposited into various personal bank accounts. Patterson routinely underreported the daily cash proceeds earned on the casino floor. In turn, the casino they listed these false amounts on their financial reports which were sent to auditors and their parent company in New York. Patterson pled guilty in October 2014 to one count of “Wire Fraud.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McWilliams prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations led the inquiry.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nicholas S. Dubrowski, 27, an oil and gas worker living in Moundsville, West Virginia, was convicted of methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

An investigation by the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, revealed that Dubrowski received shipments of crystal methamphetamine from a source in the southwestern United States. He would then redistribute to fellow oil and gas industry workers in Marshall County, West Virginia.

Dubrowski, also known as “Country,” pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00.  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.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Kessler, 25, of Glen Dale, West Virginia, was convicted of oxycodone trafficking in federal court today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.

An investigation by the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, revealed that Kessler sold oxycodone on multiple occasions in 2013, including a sale in February of 2013 near West Virginia Northern Community College.

Kessler pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.”  He faces up to forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000.00. 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 Randy Bernard prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

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

HEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A diverse group of community leaders from across the Ohio Valley joined United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, today to highlight the progress of the United States Attorney’s Addiction Action Plan.

According to Ihlenfeld, the Action Plan is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to combat drug abuse and overdoses. The Action Plan was formed in the fall of 2014 and community leaders in the Ohio Valley announced their recommendations last December. The Action Plan incorporates eight subcommittees, led by experts from various fields including education and news media, treatment and recovery, and law enforcement and community corrections.

“It has become increasingly clear that a traditional approach to combatting drug abuse, focused on arrests and prosecutions, is not enough,” noted U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Drug dealers have found increasingly entrepreneurial ways to capitalize on the unforgiving grip of addiction. The CDC announced this week that heroin use in the United States has increased by 62% over the last decade. We must respond with new and innovative ideas to reverse this trend. I am thrilled that a diverse group of thought leaders from the Ohio Valley has come together to find creative ways to combat drug abuse and save lives. They have made significant progress in recent months and I look forward to seeing what comes next.”    

The Action Plan subcommittees announced several tangible results achieved to date, including:

News Media and Education. Student leaders from across the Ohio Valley have envisioned and designed an innovative series of viral marketing awareness videos with support from the Education and News Media Subcommittees. These videos will be distributed on social media and displayed at various school and community events. The Wheeling Nailers hockey team will partner with the Action Plan to play these videos at games during the upcoming season. The first video in the #ThisIsHeroin series premiered in early July 2015 and has already gained significant traction on YouTube and social media.

Medical. With support from the Medical Subcommittee, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recently hosted the 2015 West Virginia Prescriber Education Conference to better education physicians and pharmacists on best practices for prescribing and dispensing narcotic medications. Michael Botticelli, the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, delivered the keynote address at the conference. The event was well-attended by substance abuse professionals, physicians, and pharmacists.

Treatment. The Treatment Subcommittee recently launched the drugfreeov.com website which provides a simple roadmap to treatment by providing a comprehensive directory of substance abuse treatment resources in the Ohio Valley. The website has had nearly 1,000 visitors since it launched in March 2015. The Treatment Subcommittee is also partnering with the Wheeling Police Department to develop a crisis intervention training program for the officers. Further, the Treatment Subcommittee has developed a Justice Reinvestment Program that services Marshall and Ohio Counties. The program has already provided substance abuse treatment for 20 individuals diverted from drug and mental health courts, parole, and/or probation.

Community Corrections. In the continued effort to find creative alternatives to traditional criminal prosecutions, the Community Corrections Subcommittee was instrumental in developing and launching the first Federal Drug Court in West Virginia.

Enforcement. Law enforcement officials are also improving how they investigate and prosecute drug trafficking. The U.S. Attorney’s Office provided training to local law enforcement, encouraging the development of standardized best practice for investigating a drug overdose. This has led to an increased emphasis on the investigation and prosecution of interstate drug distribution operations in which drugs are transported across state lines into West Virginia for purely economic gain. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is also developing a national curriculum to improve the investigation and prosecution of fatal drug overdoses.

Anyone interested in additional information on the effort to combat drug abuse is encouraged to contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia at (304) 234-0100. Continuing updates will also be available through the U.S. Attorney’s official Twitter page @NDWVnews.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Whitney M. Golden, 25, and Al-Teric Garrett, 33, both of Clarksburg, West Virginia, were sentenced in federal court today for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Garret was discovered in possession of heroin in December 2014 near the Clarksburg City Park – Broadway Avenue Playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” He was sentenced today to 51 months in prison with credit for time served since December 2014.

Golden was discovered in possession of heroin in December 2014 near the Clarksburg City Park – Monticello Avenue Playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” She was sentenced today to 16 months in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted the cases 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 – Arwen Tinuviel Palmer, 35, and Dustin Lynn Phillips, 33, both of Buckhannon, West Virginia, were convicted today of methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Palmer and Phillips each possessed and distributed methamphetamine in Upshur County, West Virginia throughout 2014.

Both defendants pled guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting.” They each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00. 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 Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office and the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force led the investigation.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Duane David Will, Jr., 33, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was convicted today of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Will repeatedly downloaded images of child pornography in April 2014 while employed as a teacher at John Marshall High School in Marshall County, West Virginia.

Will pled guilty today to 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 Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Dorothy Lawson Jones, 66, of Hendricks, West Virginia, was convicted today of fraudulently collecting spousal death benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Dorothy Lawson was previously married to a veteran who passed away in 1991. Lawson remarried in 1995 and continued to unlawfully collect spousal death benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs until at least 2013. Lawson falsely reported on at least two government forms that she had never remarried.

Jones pled guilty today to one count of “False Statement in Document.” She 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. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Honaker, 21, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for possession of stolen firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Throughout 2014, Honaker possessed, bartered, sold, and disposed of multiple stolen firearms, including three semi-automatic pistols and five revolvers. He pled guilty in February 2015 to a criminal Information charging him with one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Deandre Jones, 29, of Irwin, Pennsylvania, and Robert Pannell, 34, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, were each convicted today of unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

In August 2014, the defendants attempted to purchase a 9mm pistol from a licensed firearms dealer in Harrison County, West Virginia. The defendants intentionally misled the firearms dealer by indicating that the pistol was being purchased for Pannell. In fact, the pistol was being purchased for Jones.

The defendants each pled guilty today to “Aiding and Abetting – ‘Straw Purchase’ of Firearm.” They each face 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 defendants.

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

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Marshall County, West Virginia resident Dennis Ferretti, 37, originally of Wenonah, New Jersey, was convicted today of prescription painkiller trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Throughout 2014 and 2014, Ferretti conspired with other individuals to possess and distribute oxycodone in Wetzel and Marshall Counties in West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Drug Conspiracy - Oxycodone.” He faces between 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 Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the West Virginia State Police let the investigation.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – George N. Sidiropolis, 35, of McMechen, West Virginia, was convicted today of heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Throughout 2014 and 2015, Sidiropolis participated in a drug distribution operation in which heroin was transported across state lines from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania into Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia, as well as locations in Ohio, for redistribution and sale.

Sidiropolis pled guilty today a criminal Information charging him with one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.” 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 Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyree Dupree Williams, 21, of Detroit, Michigan, was convicted today of prescription painkiller trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Williams, also known as “Killa,” sold oxycodone in Monongalia County, West Virginia in September 2014 near the campus of West Virginia University. He pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone 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 Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Keith A. Watson, 36, of Martinsburg, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for selling heroin that led to the death of another individual, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
 
In April 2014, Watson sold heroin in Berkeley County, West Virginia that led to the death of a 37-year-old man.
 
"The U.S. Attorney's office remains committed to the aggressive prosecution of drug dealers, particularly when the drugs sold cause the death of another," said Ihlenfeld.  "We've partnered with law enforcement agencies to enhance the investigation procedures and techniques used to look into drug overdoses. We're also working on a national scale to improve the prosecution of dealers who cause deaths and serious injuries.”
 
Watson pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin.” In executing the plea agreement, Watson agreed to a binding sentence of 10 years in prison.
 
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. 
 
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Alicia D. Duerr, 30, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was convicted today of cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Duerr repeatedly conspired with other individuals to possess and to distribute crack cocaine in Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia. She pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Crack Cocaine.” 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.

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

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Markus Deanthony Franklin, 22, of Detroit, Michigan, was convicted today of prescription painkiller trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Franklin, also known as “Diego,” sold oxycodone in Monongalia County, West Virginia in September 2014. He 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 Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sherri J. Slaven, 50, of Ellenboro, West Virginia, was convicted of health care fraud today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Slaven operated a home health care business and she engaged in a scheme to defraud the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commission Workers’ Compensation Old Fund by repeatedly submitting claims for various health care services that she never performed. She received fraudulent compensation in excess of $100,000 for services that were not provided.

Slaven pled guilty today to one count of "Health Care Fraud." 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

"Health care fraud wastes taxpayer money and drives up health care costs," said Ihlenfeld. "The U.S. Attorney’s Office is now taking more of a data-driven approach to investigating and prosecuting this type of crime by obtaining and analyzing billing data in real-time. This allows us to speed up our investigations and stop these schemes sooner, thereby protecting the programs that help the sick and the injured."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commission Office of Inspector General – Fraud Investigations Unit let the inquiry.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Michael J. Marshall, 64, Brandt Stover, 61, Stephen M. Powell, 52, all of Steubenville, Ohio, and Nicole P. Northcraft, 42, of New Cumberland, West Virginia, with manipulating business development programs facilitated by the United States Small Business Administration to derive unlawful profits of approximately twenty-four million dollars, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

The defendants operated various businesses participating in Small Business Administration programs and are alleged to have submitted false eligibility statements and allowed unauthorized individuals to exercise control over the businesses. In total, the defendants are alleged to have fraudulently sought and received federal agency contracts in excess of one hundred and forty million dollars.

The defendants are each charged with:

• One count of “Conspiracy to Defraud the United States,” for which they each face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, • One count of “Attempt and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.” For which they each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, and
• Three counts of “Wire Fraud.” They each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.

Stover is additionally charged with:

• Two counts of “Conspiracy to Defraud the Government with Respect to Claims.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count, • Four counts of “Willfully Causing the Submission of False, Fictitious and Fraudulent Claims.” He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count, and
• One count “Tampering with a Witness,” for which 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.

According to Ihlenfeld, the Small Business Administration operates programs to assist socially or economically disadvantaged business operators and disabled veterans in competing for government contracts. The businesses must be unconditionally owned and controlled by the qualifying individuals in order to comply with federal law.

"This indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to exploit the Small Business Administration's 8(a) program regulations to defraud the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies," said Craig W. Rupert, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office.  "Through these schemes, the defendants allegedly took U.S. taxpayer dollars from the 8(a) contracts intended to support the U.S. military.  These acts erode public confidence and deny opportunities for honest contractors.  The American taxpayer expects the DoD Office of the Inspector General and DCIS to champion fiscal accountability and acquisition integrity.  DCIS, along with our law enforcement partners, continues to shield America's investment in national defense and to vigorously investigate procurement fraud allegations."

“Our office will continue to pursue justice against those who commit fraud to gain access to SBA’s preferential contracting programs,” said Small Business Administration Inspector General Peggy E. Gustafson.  “The defendants’ actions deprived legitimate disadvantaged companies of federal contracting opportunities.  I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office for its dedication and leadership throughout the investigation.”

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams and Andrew Cogar are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Small Business Administration, the Department of Defense Inspector General, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Labor, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are leading the inquiry.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gary Vincent Whorley, 32, of Martinsburg, was convicted today of selling cocaine near an elementary school, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Whorley, also known as “Tyrone,” sold crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of an elementary school located in Jefferson County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a School.” 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 Paul Camilletti prosecuted 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.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sarah Beth Meckley, 33, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was convicted today of arson, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

In May 2014, Meckley maliciously damaged and destroyed by means of fire and explosive materials the Chateau Royale Apartment Complex in Morgantown.

Meckley pled guilty today to a criminal Information charging her with one count of “Arson of a Building Used in Interstate Commerce.” She faces between five and twenty 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 Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Fire Marshal investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Multiple individuals were arrested today in connection with a multi-state heroin trafficking operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, and Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney Rhonda Wade announced.

Christopher T. Gyorko, 30, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is alleged to have orchestrated and managed a drug trafficking operation in which quantities of heroin were transported across state lines from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania into Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia, as well as locations in the state of Ohio, for redistribution and sale. Gyorko has been named in an 18-count federal indictment, along with Jeff R. Andlinger, 34, of Benwood, West Virginia, John D. McKee, 30, Joseph P. McKee, 25, Doug Nolte, 35, and George L. LaShare, 34, all of Wheeling.

Additionally, George N. Sidiropolis, 35, of McMechen, West Virginia, was charged in a one-count federal Information with “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.” 
All six defendants named in the indictment are charged with “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin.” They each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

Andlinger is further charged with: • Three counts of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin.” He faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count, • One count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” for which he faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000, • One count of “Distribution of Heroin Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” for which he faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000, and
• One count of “Distribution of Heroin,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
Nolte is further charged with: • Two counts of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin.” He faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count, • Two counts of “Distribution of Heroin 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 on each count, and
• One count of “Distribution of Heroin,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
LaShare is further charged with: • Three counts of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin.” He faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count, • Two counts of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin 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 on each count, and
• One count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
McKee is further charged with: • Two counts of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin 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 on each count, and
• One count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
The following individuals have been charged in state court in connection with the heroin trafficking operation: • Jonathan M. Novick, 24, of Glendale, West Virginia faces one count of “Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Heroin,” and one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance,”
• William A. Novick, 33, of McMechen, West Virginia, faces one count of “Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Heroin,” and one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance,”
• Madelyn A. Dziorney, 21, of Moundsville, West Virginia, faces one count of “Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Heroin,”
• Rosa I. Ruskin, 21, of Moundsville, West Virginia, faces one count of “Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Heroin,”
• Steven E. Holmes, 25, of Cameron, West Virginia, faces three counts of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance,” and three counts of “Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Heroin,” and
• Terry P. Davis, 33, of McMechen, West Virginia was previously charged with one count of “Introduction of a Controlled Substance into a Regional Jail – Heroin,” and “Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute – Heroin.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin is prosecuting the defendants charged in federal court. Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney Rhonda Wade is prosecuting the defendants charged in state court. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, is leading the Investigation. The Task Force is comprised of officers and agents from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Moundsville Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The federal and state charges announced today are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MARTINSBURG, Brian Alexander Hall, 27, of Windsor, Maryland, appeared before a federal judge in Martinsburg today on heroin trafficking charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
 
Hall appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble on the following charges:

• One count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000, • One count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin and Cocaine Hydrochloride,” for which he faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000, • Four counts of “Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 on each of the four counts, • Two counts of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin.” He faces  up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 on each of the two counts, • Eleven counts of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 on each of the eleven counts, and
• Three counts of “Causing Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering – Heroin.” He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 on each of the three counts.

Judge Trumble scheduled a jury trial for Hall on August 18, 2015 in federal court in Martinsburg, and appointed a Federal Public Defender to represent him.  Hall was released after the hearing today and is subject to conditions of home confinement and electronic monitoring along with other standard terms and conditions.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Camilletti and Anna Krasinski are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, are leading the investigation.
 
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jamie Alexander Jones, 28, of Pine Grove, West Virginia, was convicted of oxycodone trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Jones was discovered in Wetzel County, West Virginia in possession of oxycodone in late 2014 during the course of an investigation by the West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Jones pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute 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 Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Qaaim Clark, 34, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was convicted of selling heroin near a local university campus, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

An investigation by the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force revealed that Clark was involved in a drug distribution operation in which heroin and prescription painkillers were transported across state lines from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Morgantown, West Virginia for redistribution and sale.

Specifically, Clark sold heroin in April 2014 in Monongalia County, West Virginia near West Virginia University. He pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” He faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000.00. 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.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tracy McWhorter, 35, of Triadelphia, West Virginia, was convicted of heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

McWhorter pled guilty to a criminal Information charging her with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” She further admitted to violations of a period of supervised release stemming from a previous conviction. As a result of the plea agreement executed today, McWhorter will be sentenced to 24 months in prison.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parr prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Wheeling Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Multiple individuals were arrested today pursuant to a 163-count federal indictment charging 41 people with facilitating an extensive, multi-state heroin trafficking operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, West Virginia State Police Colonel Jay Smithers, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Smith, announced.

Maryland resident Brian Alexander Hall, 27, is alleged to have orchestrated a far-reaching heroin distribution network in which a large group of individuals repeatedly travelled across state lines to procure quantities of heroin from Hall in Baltimore, Maryland, and the surrounding region. The individuals then returned to locations in West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania to redistribute the heroin obtained from Hall.  Officers utilized a variety of investigative tools to uncover the communication and interstate travel patterns underlying the drug distribution operation.

"Today's arrests are just one element in a continuing effort to combat the epidemic of drug abuse in our region," noted U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. "It is particularly troubling when drug dealers send their product across state lines and target vulnerable populations for purely economic gain. Federal and local law enforcement officers from multiple jurisdictions leveraged cutting-edge surveillance techniques to conduct a sophisticated and expedient investigation in this case, and I commend them for their efforts."

"These charges and arrests highlight the importance of the 'High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area' designation that Berkeley County received last year through the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA," said West Virginia State Police Colonel Jay Smithers. "The future growth of and participation in HIDTA initiatives will greatly benefit the citizens of the Eastern Panhandle. All those involved in this collaborative effort should be commended for their continued hard work and dedication to combat the illegal drug culture which is destroying our communities and families."

This morning, the indictment was unsealed and 35 of the defendants were taken into custody as part of a coordinated, multi-state arrest operation.  Those arrested today include: • Jared Michael Belanger, 35, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • Lindsay Bohrer, 37, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, • Shawn Blain Bowers, 36, of Braddock Heights, Maryland, • Theresa Brewer, 61, of Braddock Heights, Maryland, • Kenneth Bryan Crowley, 38, of Rockville, Maryland, • James R. Dove, 30, of Keyser, West Virginia, • Veronica Gladden, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • Harmony Hahn, 31, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • Bonnie Hanna, 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • James Francis Hansen, Jr., 48, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, • Javier Lewis Howard, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • James Miner Jenkins, 36, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • Jessica Kesecker, 33, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, • Brandon Kidwell, 23, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, • Darla Kinser, 29, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • Edward Lee Knotts, a.k.a. “Eddie,” 32, of Ranson, West Virginia, • Jeffery David Murphy, a.k.a. “J.D.,” 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • Brandon Lee Odell, 32, of Inwood, West Virginia, • Scott Andrew Ours, a.k.a. “D,” 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • Melissa Portrey, a.k.a. “Missy,” 47, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, • Josh Reid, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia.
• Craig Rhodes, 46, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, • Cassandra Elaine Riggs, a.k.a “Casey Braithwaite,” 25, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • James Michael Ross, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • Cortney Blaire Saylor, a.k.a “C,” 29, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • Megan Saylor, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • Robert Hamilton Shanley-Sexton, a.k.a. “Robbie,” 23, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, • Frederick Smitherman, a.k.a. “Freddy,” 36, of Inwood, West Virginia, • William Thomas Stine, a.k.a. “Tom,” 39, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, • Cameron Steinbaugh, 28, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, • Teddy Edward Threadgill, 46, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, • Veronica Thomas, 24, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, • Bruce Morton Vaudrien, Jr., 45, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, • Michelle Lynn Warnick, 32, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, • William Lee Wasson, a.k.a. “Bill,” 38, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, and
• Sarah Marie Weant, 26, of Kearneysville, West Virginia.

Two defendants are currently in state custody, including: • Clinton Dunlap, a.k.a. “K.D.,” 31, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and
• Steward Eugene Whitehead, Jr., a.k.a. “Geno,” 29, of Inwood, West Virginia.

Several individuals have not yet been located, including: • Roma Michelle Bland, 37, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and
• James Wesley Faircloth, 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the aforementioned individuals is encouraged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (412) 432-4000.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, are leading the investigation. The United States Marshals Service and the Baltimore County Police Department in Maryland are also supporting the investigation.

An indictment is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Raymond James Ripley, Sr., 28, of Newell, West Virginia, was convicted today of heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Ripley conspired with others to possess and sell heroin in Hancock County, West Virginia throughout 2013 and 2014. He pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin,” following an investigation by the Hancock, Brooke, Weirton Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

In another matter, Cornelius Johnson, Jr., 38, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was convicted today of cocaine trafficking. An investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, revealed that Johnson engaged in cocaine trafficking in Ohio County, West Virginia throughout 2014.

Johnson pled guilty today to:

• Four counts of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Cocaine Base.” He faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count, • Four counts 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 on each count, • One count of “Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000, and
• One count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm,” for which 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 prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Richelle D. Blair, 37, of Glen Dale, West Virginia, was convicted today of embezzling money from a local non-profit organization, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Blair was formerly employed by Marshall County Starting Points Center, Inc., a non-profit social services organization in Marshall County, West Virginia. Starting Points receives federal grants from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Blair repeatedly utilized the organization’s funds to purchase items for her own personal use.

Blair pled guilty today to a criminal Information charging her with one count of “Theft from an Organization Receiving Federal Funds.” 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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.

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

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Lee Willard Young, Jr., 34, of Beverly, West Virginia, was convicted in federal court today for his role in manufacturing methamphetamine, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

In April 2014, Young was discovered Randolph County, West Virginia in possession of medication containing pseudoephedrine, an ingredient commonly used to produce methamphetamine.
 
Kimble pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of Pseudoephedrine to be used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” 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 West Virginia State Police investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – John Fitsgerald Kimble, 52, of, Petersburg, West Virginia, was convicted today of unlawfully collecting more than $100,000 in government benefits, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Kimble’s wife passed away in April 2003. Kimble began to collect Title II Social Security and Widow with Child benefits from the Social Security Administration. He was entitled to receive these benefits so long as the couple’s surviving child lived with him. In May 2003, Kimble transferred custody of the child to a relative. As a result, Kimble was no longer entitled to collect the aforementioned government benefits. Between 2003 and 2013, Kimble unlawfully collected $184,814 in social security benefits. 
 
Kimble pled guilty today to one count of “Theft of Government Money.” 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 Michael Stein prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General led the inquiry.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jessie Marie Fox, 22, of Mill Creek, West Virginia, was convicted of oxycodone trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

An investigation by the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force revealed that Fox participated in a drug distribution operation designed to transport heroin and prescription painkillers across state lines from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Morgantown, West Virginia for redistribution and sale.

Fox pled guilty today to one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Oxycodone.” She faces up to 4 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 Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Patrick W. Ganim, 29, of, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, was convicted of traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor female today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Ganim communicated with a minor female residing in the Northern District of West Virginia utilizing a variety of internet resources and online messaging tools. In October 2014, Ganim traveled across state lines from Ohio into West Virginia. He then engaged in illicit sexual conduct with the victim. Following their initial meeting, Ganim continued to utilize online messaging services to communicate with the minor victim, planning a subsequent meeting and sending explicit material to the victim.

Ganim pled guilty today to one count of “Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct,” for which he faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.  The Preston County Sheriff’s Office, the Bainbridge Township, Ohio Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andre J. Anderson, 34, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

An investigation by the Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force revealed that Anderson sold nearly 500 grams of cocaine in Morgantown, West Virginia. Anderson pled guilty in January 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parr prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

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

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Montgomery Joseph Isner, 47, of Capital Heights, Maryland, was convicted of bank fraud in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Isner misrepresented himself as the owner of a parcel of real property in Berkeley County, West Virginia in order to fraudulently obtain a loan in the amount of $60,000.

Isner pled guilty to one count of “False Statement on Loan Application.” He faces up to 30 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 Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry. 
 
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Thaddeus Emrys Richardson, 30, of McMechen, West Virginia, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for crack cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Richardson was discovered in possession of crack cocaine in Ohio County, West Virginia in August 2014 during an investigation led by the Wheeling Police Department.

Richardson pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Multiple individuals have been arrested pursuant to a federal indictment stemming from a methamphetamine manufacturing operation based in Pleasants County, West Virginia, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment earlier this week charging Donald William Butler, 56, Bonnie Jean Butler, 54, Garland Samuel Butler, 50, Travis Michael Butler, 21, Samuel Scott Butler, 23, all of Saint Marys, West Virginia, and Kate Lynn Baker, 20, of Friendly, West Virginia, with manufacturing methamphetamine.

The defendants utilized a residence in Pleasants County to manufacture methamphetamine over an extended period of time. They also were repeatedly discovered in possession of medications containing pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in methamphetamine.

All six defendants are charged with one count of “Methamphetamine and Pseudoephedrine Conspiracy,” for which they each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

Donald and Bonnie Butler are each further charged with: • One count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises - Aiding and Abetting,” for which they each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, and
• One count of “Possession of Material used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine - Aiding and Abetting,” for which they each face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Garland and Travis Butler are each further charged with four counts of “Possession of Pseudoephedrine to be Used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” They each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the four counts.

Kate Baker is further charged with four counts of “Possession of Pseudoephedrine to be Used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Attempt to Possess Pseudoephedrine to be Used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the five counts.

Samuel Butler is further charged with three counts of “Possession of Pseudoephedrine to be Used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the three 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 Shawn Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Pleasants Count Sheriff’s Department are investigating.

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