Northern District of West Virginia

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Eleven inmates in the Northern District of West Virginia have been sentenced for smuggling or attempting to smuggle drugs into various prisons.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the inmates were smuggling drugs into Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Hazelton, Secure Female Facility (SFF) Hazelton, and Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Gilmer. Those receiving additional time to the sentences they were already serving include:

• Angela Oxendine, 44, an inmate at SFF Hazelton, sentenced to three months; 
• Angela Woolwine, 35, an inmate at SFF Hazelton, sentenced to 12 months;
• Brittney Hays, 31, an inmate at SFF Hazelton, sentenced to three months;
• Tina Hatterer, 44, an inmate at SFF Hazelton, sentenced to six months;
• Arlene Combs, 39, an inmate at SFF Hazelton, sentenced to six months;
• Kevon Jackson, 31, an inmate at FCI Hazelton, sentenced to six months;
• Christopher Coffey, 55, an inmate at FCI Hazelton inmate, sentenced to six months;
• Joshua Jett, 40, an inmate at FCI Gilmer, sentenced to six months;
• Dayvoughn Ervin, 31, an inmate at FCI Gilmer, sentenced to six months;
• Joseph Sanders, 24, an inmate at FCI Gilmer, sentenced to six months;
• Christopher Gorrell, 41, an inmate at FCI Gilmer, sentenced to three months. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Flower and Will Rhee prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Prisons investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

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MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sean Jarred Davis, 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, has admitted to his role in a fentanyl trafficking organization operating in Hampshire and Mineral Counties.

Davis pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute heroin and fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, Davis was the leader of the drug trafficking organization, supplying large quantities of fentanyl and heroin. Davis would deliver the drugs to others in Hampshire and Mineral Counties to sell on his behalf.

Davis faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigation. The Task Force consists of members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the West Virginia State Police, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardy County Sheriff’s Office, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keyser Police Department.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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

 

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Duncan Currie Canter, age 30, of Glenville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 170 months in federal prison for methamphetamine and firearms convictions.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Canter was working with others to distribute methamphetamine in Gilmer County. A semi-automatic pistol was located in Cantor’s vehicle during a traffic stop. At the time, Canter was on supervised release due to a prior methamphetamine conviction in the Northern District of West Virginia and was prohibited from possessing firearms. After the traffic stop, United States Probation Officers conducted a visit to Cantor’s home and discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Canter has an extensive criminal history, including drug trafficking, which caused him to be classified and sentenced as a career offender.  Canter will also serve 21 months in prison for a violation of his supervised release status at the time of the crime.  He will be on an additional three years of supervised release following this prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Scott David Bixler, 43, of Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to failing to update his sex offender registration.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Bixler, a convicted sex offender, traveled outside of the country last August without notifying the West Virginia State Police as required by his sex offender status. Bixler was arrested in Mexico, where investigators determined that he attempted to purchase a 7-year-old girl. According to court documents and statements made in court, Bixler was in possession of two tranquilizer air guns, methamphetamine, a cell phone jammer, and $5,000 in cash with which to purchase the child.

“It should be a relief to everyone, especially to parents of young children, knowing that someone as dangerous as Scott Bixler has been convicted and will be locked up for a long time,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “I’m grateful for the work of law enforcement to apprehend Bixler and bring him to justice.”

As a result of his guilty plea, Bixler faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government, along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wagner.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Services, and the West Virginia State Police. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shakur Jones, 25, of Detroit, Michigan, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Jones was the supplier of methamphetamine, cocaine base, and fentanyl for a drug trafficking conspiracy in Monongalia County, WV.  As part of the investigation law enforcement officers searched a Morgantown residence and discovered over a kilogram of methamphetamine, and located Jones in one of the bedrooms. During a search of Jones’s phone, a photograph of 10 pounds of prepackaged methamphetamine taken two days before the search was recovered.

Two other defendants, Nolan Eickleberry, 27, of Morgantown, and Dorian Myles, 26, of Detroit, Michigan, have each admitted to their roles in the drug trafficking conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zelda Wesley and Christie Utt are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.

Chief U.S. District Court Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

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MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two drug trafficking organizations, including one with ties to the Sinaloa Drug Cartel, have been dismantled after a federal grand jury indicted twenty-five people.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced charges against individuals who were operating a large-scale fentanyl and cocaine trafficking operation out of an autobody shop in Martinsburg, West Virginia. The group is alleged to have imported significant amounts of drugs from Puerto Rico through the U.S. Postal Service as well as from a source connected to the Sinaloa Cartel. Saul Alexi Padilla-Garcia, age 34, of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and seventeen others have been charged after an investigation that included close coordination with federal law enforcement agents in Chicago and Northern California.

“This case underscores the scope of the threat posed by Mexican drug cartels to the people of West Virginia,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “These transnational organizations will operate anywhere that there is profit to be made, including here in our region. Fortunately, we have one of the best drug task forces in the country to push back against dangerous groups like this one.”

In addition to Padilla-Garcia, those charged include:

• Juan Carlos Suarez-Lugo, age 55, from Martinsburg, West Virginia;
• Victor Jose Canales, 45, hometown unknown;
• Alexis Alvarado, 37, Ranson, West Virginia;
• Mauricio Antonio Alvarado-Flores, age 37, hometown unknown;
• Olvin Luis-Melendez Robles, age unknown, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania;
• Mario Pellot-Acevedo, 58, Martinsburg, West Virginia;
• Eddi Heredia Cruz, 27, Shepherdstown, West Virginia;
• Jose Alberto Camarena Rocha, 30, California;
• Manuel Sanchez Gomez, 37, California;
• Angel Lopez, 43, of Fresno, California;  
• Sergio Rubio Pacheco, 33, Fresno, California;
• Moises Marrero, 39, of Ranson, West Virginia;
• James Reyes, 54, of Martinsburg, West Virginia;
• David Reyes, 60, Hagerstown, Maryland;
• Charles Edward Branson, 53, Martinsburg, West Virginia;              
• Danny William Mendez Delacruz, 41, Martinsburg, West Virginia; and
• Yan Lionel Diaz-Cruz, 27, Ranson, West Virginia.

The arrests are the culmination of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation that began in 2023. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

Law enforcement arrested 16 today and are still searching for Gomez and Melendez-Robles.

In a separate case, seven people are facing charges after investigators seized nearly 40,000 fentanyl pills and 12 firearms earlier this year in Berkeley County. According to the indictment, the individuals involved had a stash house on Shepherdstown Road in Martinsburg where they stored their drugs and guns. Those indicted include:

• Delano Alan Butler, 43, of Martinsburg, West Virginia;
• Faith Elizabeth Small, 22, Hagerstown, Maryland;
• Jwan Martine Smith, 38, Martinsburg, West Virginia;
• Geraldine Lagata Hill, 43, Stephens, Virginia;
• Cody Aaron Ashby, 32, Martinsburg, West Virginia;
• Crystal Lyn Lewis, 34, Martinsburg, West Virginia; and
• Matthew James Elsea, 42, Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Six of the defendants were taken into custody. Officers are still searching for Smith.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.

The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force was the lead investigative unit in each of these cases.

Other investigative agencies that assisted include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including the Pittsburgh, San Francisco, San Juan, and Philadelphia Field Offices; United States Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Postal Service; Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisville and Chicago Divisions; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Martinsburg Police Department; Ranson Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; Berkeley County Sheriff's Office; Jefferson County Sheriff's Office; West Virginia Air National Guard; Mineral County Sheriff's Office; Grant County Sheriff's Office; Hampshire County Sheriff's Department; Keyser Police Department; Northwest Regional Drug Task Force, Virginia; Pennsylvania State Police; Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Pennsylvania; Winchester Police Department, Virginia; Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Virginia; Virginia State Police; Sunnyvale Police Department, California.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – James Matthew Miller, 49, of Camden, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, Miller was on federal supervised release for a wire fraud conviction in the Northern District of West Virginia. United States Probation Officers visited Miller and found a .22 caliber pistol and a rifle. Miller is prohibited from having firearms because of his prior conviction.  

Miller faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Beau Thomas Shores, 42, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, has admitted to the receipt of child pornography.

According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported suspicious activity on a cell phone to law enforcement. The investigation led to Shores and a search of his home, phones, and computers. Officers found thousands of images and videos depicting child pornography, some with children as young as 3 years old.

Shores faces at least 5 and up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

This case was investigated by personnel from the FBI and the Ranson Police Department assigned to the West Virginia Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brandon Michael Reckert, 30, of Purcellville, Virginia, was sentenced to 70 months for possessing and selling privately manufactured and unregistered firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Reckert was advertising and selling privately manufactured firearms, also known as ghost guns, on social media. Reckert’s home and vehicle were searched, where officers found multiple firearms, firearms parts, ammunition., and tools believed to be used in the manufacturing of the ghost guns. 

Reckert was ordered to forfeit dozens of firearms, firearms parts, rounds of ammunition, and tools.

Reckert will serve three years of supervised release once released from prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the West Virginia State Police; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; and the Loudon County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office investigated.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel R. Grossi, 70, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced to 77 months in prison for fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Grossi was selling fentanyl and methamphetamine in Marshall County. The investigation revealed that Grossi obtained large amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine through the mail.

Grossi will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The case was investigated by the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – William Kevin Glover, 62, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 327 months in prison for fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking.

A federal jury convicted Glover in March 2024 of seven counts of drug trafficking and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises. According to the evidence introduced at trial, Glover was working with others to sell fentanyl and methamphetamine, using his Clarksburg residence as a hub. Investigators searched Glover’s home, seizing fentanyl, various pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, a firearm, drug paraphernalia, and cash.

Glover was previously convicted of murder in Upshur County in 1984. Glover was on parole when he committed the federal offenses. Glover has a long history of criminal convictions dating back to the age of 21, including convictions for grand larceny, drug possession, wanton endangerment, and criminal trespass.

Glover will report for three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Three other Clarksburg residents pled guilty in 2023 to charges related to the operation and were sentenced. They are Stacy Elaine Russell, age 50, sentenced to nine months; Robert Anthony Brockington, age 41 sentenced to six months; and Jerri Rena Lucente, age 35, sentenced to 46 months.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Flower and Christie Utt prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The case was investigated by the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Glen Vance, age 34, of Petersburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for possession of a machine gun and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, as a part of another investigation, West Virginia State Police searched Vance’s home and storage unit, finding several firearms, including an unregistered machine gun, methamphetamine, and cash.

Vance will report for three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has indicted four people on firearms charges.

Todd M. Houston, 35, of Morgantown, West Virginia, and Kayla N. Taylor, 33, of Montrose, West Virginia, are facing charges involving a conspiracy to straw purchase firearms in Monongalia County. Christopher S. Damson, 27, of Kernersville, North Carolina is charged with unlawful possession of ammunition.  According to court documents, Taylor falsified documents to purchase firearms for Houston, who is prohibited from having firearms because of prior robbery and burglary convictions in the Circuit Court of Monongalia County. Damson and Houston were arrested while attempting to pawn boxes of ammunition. Damson is prohibited from having firearms because of a domestic violence protective order issued in Lee County, Florida.

In a separate case, Jonathon Wade Cochran, 42, of Shinnston, West Virginia, has been indicted for the unlawful possession of a firearm. According to the indictment, Cochran was found in Harrison County with a 9mm pistol. Cochran is prohibited from having firearms because of prior methamphetamine, burglary, and firearms convictions in Monongalia, Marion, and Harrison Counties.

Assistant U.S. Attorney William Rhee is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.

Investigative agencies include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen David Seeger, 45, of Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, has been indicted on charges of coercion and enticement of a minor for sex and child pornography.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Seeger was allegedly communicating with a 13-year-old girl online and persuaded her to produce sexually explicit images and videos. Seeger had contact with another victim, a 15-year-old female, from whom he also requested images and videos.

“This case serves as a reminder to parents to be vigilant in monitoring their children’s online activity,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Tonight is a good night to look at your child’s phone and determine if they are in contact with anyone who could cause them harm.”

Seeger was arrested in California and will soon be returned to West Virginia to answer to the charges. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography, and additional prison time for the charges of enticement and possession of child pornography. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine the appropriate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Crockett is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Preston County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kalen Daevon Lee, age 31, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Lee, also known as “Tay,” was involved with a drug trafficking operation in Harrison, Monongalia, and Taylor Counties. Lee was using a motel room in Morgantown to sell narcotics, supplied out of Detroit, Michigan. Investigators searched the hotel room, a storage unit, and conducted a traffic stop, seizing nearly two pounds of fentanyl.

Lee will report for four years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A New Jersey woman pled guilty today to an investment scheme in which victims from West Virginia and elsewhere lost more than $300,000.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Diana Mae Fernandez, age 38, of Bergenfield, New Jersey, admitted to wire fraud.

According to court documents, Fernandez, also known as “Diana Fernandez Koporan,” “Dana Fernandez,” and “Dajana Ko,” operated purported investment firms known as “The Self Made Success” and “Diana Mae K., LLC.” Fernandez used social media and email to solicit investors, claiming she offered “no-risk” and “guaranteed” investment opportunities. Multiple victims, including a victim from Marion County in West Virginia, were defrauded of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Fernandez used the money she stole for her personal benefit and made false claims about why returns on investments could not be provided to her clients.

“We should always approach investment opportunities that promise high returns and no risk with skepticism,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “One way to protect yourself before investing is to use the FINRA BrokerCheck, a valuable tool that’s free and allows you to research the background and experience of financial brokers, advisers, and firms.”

Fernandez faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The FBI investigated the case.

U.S. Magistrate James P. Mazzone presided.

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MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Seventeen people have pled guilty to drug distribution charges following an investigation into a Baltimore-based trafficking organization.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that since an indictment was returned in January against Gary Brown, Jr. and eighty-one others, many of those charged in the conspiracy have admitted to their role in an operation that caused substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to be distributed in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

“Thanks to the excellent work of federal prosecutors and local, state, and federal investigators, numerous defendants in this case have accepted responsibility for their crimes and will be held accountable for endangering our communities through the distribution of illicit drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “There’s more work to be done, but significant progress has been made.”

Those who have entered pleas of guilty thus far are as follows:

• Zachary Thomas Doman, age 24, of Martinsburg;
• Marissa Huntoon-Gregory, 34, of Summit Point;
• Connor James McLaughlin, 31, of Ranson;
• Alyssa Rose McIntyre, 28, of Harpers Ferry;
• Daniel Lee Corbin, Jr., 35, of Martinsburg;
• Eric Lyn Custer, 38, of Charles Town;
• John Wesley Yates, 36, of Bunker Hill;
• Haile Madalynn Speaks, 21, of Charles Town;
• Kimberly Ann Barrett, 44, of Harpers Ferry;
• Brenda Henry, 57, of Charles Town;
• John Ernest LeCluse, 39, of Harpers Ferry;
• Michael Lee Engle, 46, of Harpers Ferry;
• Joshua Paul Barrett, 44, of Harpers Ferry;
• Gregory O’Brien Long, Jr. 26, of Charles Town;
• Jeffrey Scott Main, 53, of Harpers Ferry;
• Eva Louise Ashbaugh, 25, of Harpers Ferry; and
• Kayleigh Nicole Beavers, 38, of Winchester, Virginia.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Trumble has presided over the plea hearings.

The trial for the remaining defendants is scheduled for February 4, 2025, before Judge Gina M. Groh.

Investigative agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Pittsburgh Field Division and Baltimore Field Division); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service;  the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office; Ranson Police Department; Martinsburg Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office;  Stafford County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Maryland); Frederick County Sheriff's Office (Virginia); Winchester Police Department; and the Clarke County Sheriff's Office (Virginia).

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

 

 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Chad Askew, 48, of Wheeling, West Virginia, has admitted to the distribution of cocaine.

According to court documents, Askew was selling cocaine in Wheeling in October 2023.

Askew faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three West Virginia residents have admitted to their roles in an organization that was supplying large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to North Central West Virginia.

Jordan Spadafore, 33, of Morgantown; Stephanie Miller, 47, of Charleston; and Olivia Gibson, 21, of Ona, pled guilty this week to federal drug charges. According to court documents, the three were working with Rodney Johnson, age 46, of Philadelphia, who was allegedly supplying significant quantities of illicit drugs to Monongalia County.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.

This case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; the WVU Police Department; the Granville Police Department; and the Star City Police Department.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

U.S. Magistrate Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Bacarre H. Curtis, age 23, of Eastpointe, Michigan, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Curtis, also known as “TJ,” was transporting methamphetamine from Michigan to Harrison County, West Virginia, and selling it with a network of others. A search of his vehicle yielded methamphetamine and a firearm. The investigation connected 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine to Curtis.

Curtis will serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Travis Bayne, 32, of Brooklyn, New York, has admitted to using counterfeit money at several businesses in Marshall County.

According to court documents, Bayne passed several $20 counterfeit bills for purchases in October 2023.

Bayne faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The United States Secret Service investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nolan Eugene McCray, age 39, of Bay City, Texas, was sentenced today to 87 months for aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, McCray was selling methamphetamine in Wetzel County. A search of the place in which McCray was staying yielded methamphetamine and nearly $15,000 cash.

McCray will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton Reid prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Wetzel County Sheriff’s office investigated.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tanisha Bynoe, 36, of Brooklyn, New York, has admitted to uttering counterfeit obligations.

According to court documents, Bynoe was passing counterfeit bills at businesses in Wetzel County.

Bynoe faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The United States Secret Service investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.

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CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Shawn Allen Burns, 46, of Fairmont, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, Burns, also known as “Shawn Fain,” is prohibited from having firearms because of a prior cocaine conviction in the Northern District of West Virginia. During a supervised release check on another defendant, U.S. Marshals found Burns in possession of a 9mm pistol in Marion County, WV.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the United States Marshals investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two Georgia residents have been charged with causing a Gilmer County business to send them three fraudulent wires totaling over $1 million as part of a business email compromise scheme.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Chisom Okonkwo, age 27, and Prince Boateng Adjei, age 30, both of Lawrenceville, Georgia, have been indicted on 18 counts of wire fraud. According to the indictment, Okonkwo and Adjei created an email address which spoofed that of an employee at a Gilmer County business, causing a vendor to send more than $1 million to a bank account controlled by the defendants in Georgia. Before investigators uncovered the crime, Okonkwo and Adjei are alleged to have expended more than $600,000 of the stolen funds.

“Business email compromise fraud continues to be a problem in West Virginia and throughout the country,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “The good news is that it can be prevented with the training of employees, the implementation of email authentication protocols, and verifying the sender of the email through another form of communication.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The United States Secret Service investigated the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Federal grand jury has indicted 26 people in seven cases for the trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, and methamphetamine.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Quavonte Pugh, also known as “Q,” “Q Man,” and “Brother,” age 28, of Wheeling, West Virginia, and 11 others were named in a 16-count superseding indictment charging them with the operation of a fentanyl, cocaine base, and cocaine trafficking enterprise that spanned from Las Vegas, Nevada to the Ohio Valley. The indictments were the result of a comprehensive investigation that included the execution of five federal search warrants at locations in West Virginia and Ohio on March 29. During the searches, officers seized controlled substances, firearms, and cash.

The others charged in the Pugh indictment are Dalen Cage, 30, of Las Vegas, Nevada; James Galloway, 28, of Bellaire, Ohio; James Kidder, also known as “Jamey,” 47, of Martins Ferry, Ohio; Brady McKinley, 45, of Adena, Ohio; and Maria Cunningham, 46, Quamya Pugh, 25, Steven Aldridge, 26, Caviezz Cunningham, 29, Daryl Smith, 50, Tyrique Anthony Davis, 28, and Matthew Clemont, 31, all of Wheeling.

“The Pugh organization caused significant amounts of illicit drugs to be trafficked throughout the region,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force worked closely with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s office and together they dismantled the group and disrupted the supply of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs to the area.”

According to Ihlenfeld, the same grand jury returned six additional indictments alleging fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking, as follows:

Indictment Two: Rodrican M. Pavlick, also known as “Smooth” and “Rico”, of Cleveland, Ohio, Seanelle P. Whorton, of Benwood, West Virginia, and Josie M. Midcap, of Moundsville, West Virginia, for fentanyl trafficking in Marshall County;

Indictment Three: Lawrence “Larry” Reagan and Jennifer Ann Miller, also known as Jennifer Reagan, both of Colliers, West Virginia, for methamphetamine trafficking in Brooke County and Hancock County;

Indictment Four: Amanda Leigh Bush, James Adam Vipperman, Noah Andrew Blake, and Joseph Lee Wells, all of Moundsville, West Virginia, for methamphetamine trafficking in Marshall County;

Indictment Five: Arrests pending of two individuals for methamphetamine trafficking in Marshall County;

Indictment Six: Arrests pending of two individuals for methamphetamine trafficking in Marshall County;

Indictment Seven: Arrest pending of one individual for methamphetamine trafficking in Wetzel County.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carly Nogay and Clayton Reid and U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld are prosecuting the cases on behalf of the United States.

Investigative agencies include the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Marshall County Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office; the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office; the Wheeling Police Department; the Benwood Police Department; and the Belmont County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Samuel Kristofer Bunner, 51, formerly of Ranson, West Virginia, was sentenced today to a total of 121 months in federal prison for defrauding a Jefferson County man who suffered from dementia.

Bunner pled guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in February 2024. According to court documents, Bunner defrauded the victim of $1,906,229 by selling his real estate, emptying his investment and bank accounts, and opening a credit card in his name. Bunner used the money taken from the victim for his benefit, purchasing homes, campers, cars, and hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of consumer goods.

Bunner was ordered to pay $1,906,229 in restitution to the victim. He will serve 5 years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. 

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. The Jefferson County, WV Prosecutor’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Florida, and FBI-Tampa assisted with the matter.

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

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two West Virginia men have pled guilty to charges involving methamphetamine distribution and illegal possession of a firearm.

John Marshall Jones, III, 37, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, pled guilty today to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. David Allen Starkey, 36, of Flemington, West Virginia, pled guilty today to the unlawful possession of a firearm. Starkey had prior felony convictions in Barbour County, preventing him from having firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, officers were executing an arrest warrant for Jones for a parole violation at a home in Barbour County. Jones and Starkey were hiding inside the home, where officers also found an assault rifle, a handgun, and methamphetamine.

Jones faces at least 5 and up to 40 years in prison. Starkey faces up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the United States Marshals Service; and the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Scott Allen Schafer, 54, of Millersburg, Ohio, pled guilty today to failing to update his sex offender registration.

According to court documents, Schafer is required to register as a sex offender because of a prior conviction involving a minor in Ohio in 2018. Schafer was living in Ritchie County, West Virginia, and failed to update his registration.

Schafer faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Brock Corel Pearson, 42, of Meadowbrook, West Virginia, pled guilty today to the possession of a short-barreled shotgun.

According to court documents, Pearson was found with an unregistered short-barreled shotgun in Harrison County.

Pearson faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - Financial professionals throughout West Virginia will gather next week to learn about the latest trends in economic crimes and how to prevent them from occurring.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld of the Northern District and United States Attorney Will Thompson of the Southern District will host the Mountain State Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering Conference on Tuesday, June 11. Federal prosecutors and agents will make presentations during the day-long event about romance schemes, elder financial abuse, and how drug traffickers and human traffickers launder money.

“Criminals use our nation’s financial systems to move the money generated by their illegal acts,” said United States Attorney Ihlenfeld. “This conference will provide those on the frontlines with the information needed to identify suspicious activity and with guidance on how to respond.”

“West Virginia has one of the nation’s oldest populations per capita and we tend to be trusting and take others at their word. That makes the state a target-rich environment for financial scams,” said United States Attorney Thompson. “This is an excellent opportunity to educate financial professionals so they can recognize fraudulent schemes and financial abuse and help us prevent this form of harm to West Virginians.”

The conference will take place at WesBanco Bank in Wheeling, City National Bank in Charleston, and virtually on WebEx. It is open to all employees of financial institutions subject to the Bank Secrecy Act, including banks, credit unions, casinos, securities dealers, and money service businesses. Registration is required and may be completed by emailing jeana.gattesco@usdoj.gov on or before June 7.

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Todd Eugene Haynes, 48, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, pled guilty today to the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Haynes sold more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Clarksburg in September 2022.

Haynes faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Marcus Deon Longus, age 44, of Hagerstown, Maryland, was sentenced today to 168 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base, and cocaine hydrochloride.

According to the evidence established through court documents and statements made in court, Longus worked with others to distribute the drugs from a Hagerstown, Maryland appliance store named Top 3 Sources.  Longus supplied a number of drug dealers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. As part of the drug enterprise, Longus traveled to New York where he picked up the drugs and transported them back to Hagerstown for redistribution.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The large scale investigation included the following agencies: FBI-Pittsburgh Division; the U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative (which includes the West Virginia State Police, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, the Ranson Police Department, the Charles Town Police Department, and the Martinsburg City Police Department); the West Virginia State Police; Customs and Border Protection; the Hagerstown Police Department; the National Resources Police Department; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; the New York City Police Department; the New Jersey State Police; the Washington County (Maryland) Drug Task Force; the Maryland State Police; the  U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland;  and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

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

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Russell Allen Perry, 44, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, pled guilty today to his role in a firearms trafficking conspiracy.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the scheme involved another defendant purchasing firearms at licensed dealers in Morgan and Berkeley Counties and distributing those firearms for resale. Perry and others assisted in illegally selling nearly 50 firearms.

Perry faces up to 5 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

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

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Timothy Chad Henson, the owner of Clearfiber, Inc., an internet service provider in Monongalia County, has admitted to defrauding the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Henson, 35, of Morgantown, West Virginia, pled guilty today to money laundering. According to court documents and statements made in court, the USDA’s Community Connect Program offered grants to eligible applicants providing broadband services to rural areas. As owner of Clearfiber, Henson applied and was awarded $1.96 million in USDA funding to offer high-speed internet services in Monongalia and Marion Counties. Henson then submitted false invoices to the USDA to receive more than $340,000, transferring $322,900 into another bank account for his personal use.

Henson faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wagner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and the USDA Office of the Inspector General.  

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joseph Herbert Hobbs, 42, of Reynoldsville, West Virginia, was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements in court, an investigation in Harrison County found Hobbs was a major source of methamphetamine in North Central West Virginia. Hobbs worked with a network of distributors to sell methamphetamine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon S. Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

 

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WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld honored 22 public servants and law enforcement officials today for their exceptional work.  The annual United States Attorney Awards were held today in Wheeling to recognize outstanding criminal investigations and community service work in the Northern District of West Virginia. Through their service and dedication, the recipients have made a transformational impact in the communities they serve. 

Those recognized and honored were as follows:

Distinguished Law Enforcement Lifetime Achievement Awards

Scott Smith, Ohio County Prosecuting Attorney, Wheeling, WV,

George Swartwood, Chief (retired), Martinsburg, Police Department, Martinsburg, WV,

Dean Olack, Sergeant (retired), West Virginia State Police, Martinsburg, WV,

U.S. Attorney’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement Leadership

Clayton Amsler, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent, FBI, Clarksburg, WV,

U.S. Attorney’s Champion of Children Award

Wesley Frederick, Deputy U.S. Marshal, United States Marshals Service, Clarksburg, WV,

Outstanding Community Volunteer

Jody Miller, Wheeling WV,

Outstanding Investigative Effort

Ellen Duffy, Special Agent, FBI, Martinsburg, WV,

Outstanding Drug Investigations

Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, Wheeling WV,

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins, Canonsburg, PA,

Marshall County Drug Task Force, Moundsville, WV,

Jeffrey H. Cisar, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent, FBI, Martinsburg, WV,

U.S. Attorney’s Award for Outstanding Performance in Firearms Trafficking Investigations

Seth Cox, Special Agent, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Martinsburg, WV,

Outstanding Identity Theft Investigation

Dale Forrester, Assistant Inspector, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Washington, D.C.,

Salman Farooqui, Special Agent, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles, CA,

Victor Vanacore, Special Agent, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles, CA,

Outstanding Hate Crime Investigation

Matthew Messich, Special Agent, FBI, Wheeling, WV,

Grant Polson, Special Agent, FBI, Pittsburgh, PA,

Madisyn Moore, Special Agent, FBI, Pittsburgh, PA,

Stephanie Sikinger, Intelligence Analyst, FBI, Pittsburgh, PA,

Outstanding Elder Fraud Investigation

Dontuwee Boykin, Supervisory Special Agent, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Bridgeport, WV,

J.W. Smith, Corporal (retired), West Virginia State Police, Clarksburg, WV,

Loretta Phillips, Des Moines, WA.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – The owners of three Inwood, West Virginia businesses have admitted to failing to pay $300,000 in income taxes.

Mark L. Peters, 55, and Aimee Michelle Peters, 52, the owners and operators of Pizza Oven; Dragonfly Health, LLC; and Allied Light and Sound, pled guilty to conspiracy to obstruct or impede the Internal Revenue Service.  According to court documents, Mark and Aimee Peters failed to declare nearly $1.3 million in income to the IRS for four years.

Mark and Aimee Peters each face up to five years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

As a part of their plea agreements, the defendants agreed to pay $672.286.59, which includes the tax loss, penalties, and interest.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

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

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ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald Ray Cantrell, Jr., 48, of Mill Creek, West Virginia, pled guilty today to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Cantrell was on supervised release after serving time for a drug charge. U.S. Probation officers searched Cantrell’s home during a visit and found 220 grams of methamphetamine.

Cantrell faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

 

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Donald McDuffin Williams, age 49, of Baltimore, Maryland, was indicted on federal fentanyl and cocaine charges.

Williams is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. According to court documents, investigators suspected Williams of trafficking drugs in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. They obtained a search warrant for a property where Williams was staying and found fentanyl and cocaine.

Williams faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

This case was investigated by the Eastern Panhandle Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Daniel Eliazar Ramos Rosa, 24, of Manassas, Virginia, has admitted to the coercion and enticement of a 10-year-old Jefferson County girl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Rosa, also known as “Jay,” exchanged over 1,000 messages, photos, and videos with the victim via Snapchat, later traveling to the victim’s Harpers Ferry home and engaging in sexual activity with her. Rosa recorded the encounter on his phone.

Rosa faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley D. Crockett is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The FBI and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department investigated.

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

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Stephen Elbert Boykin, age 52, a federal prisoner at Federal Correctional Institution Gilmer, was sentenced today to an additional 51 months in federal prison for mailing threats directed at government officials and family members.

According to court documents and statements made in court, prison staff intercepted several threatening letters Boykin attempted to mail while incarcerated. In a few of the letters, the threats were directed at President Barrack Obama and Michelle Obama, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Other letters threatened an Assistant U.S. Attorney in South Carolina, where Boykin was last prosecuted.

At the time of the crime, Boykin was serving a 125-month sentence for mailing threatening communications to federal officials.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Wesley Shane Haggerty, 35, of Cabins, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm.  

According to court documents and statements made in court, Pendleton County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a home on a report of a man waiving a gun. When officers arrived, Haggerty fled on foot with a pistol and was arrested after a short chase. Haggerty is prohibited from having firearms because of seven prior felony convictions and two misdemeanor domestic battery convictions.

Haggerty is facing up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sean Christopher Adams, age 35, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 175 months in federal prison for the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, a cooperating individual advised law enforcement officers that Adams was selling methamphetamine. Investigators tasked the individual with making a purchase of drugs from Adams.  The transaction took place in a retail parking lot in Buckhannon while officers provided surveillance. Once the transaction took place, officers intercepted the drugs and arrested Adams, seizing more than $14,000 in cash and a one-pound bag of methamphetamine.

Adams will serve eight years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Dwight Foster, age 50, a federal inmate formerly housed at United States Penitentiary Hazelton in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for assaulting a correctional officer.

After a two-day trial in October 2023, a jury found Foster guilty of assault of a correctional officer involving physical contact and possession of a weapon. According to court documents and statements made in court, during a search of Foster’s cell, officers found a prison-made weapon. When a correctional officer attempted to seize the object, Foster struck the officer with his fist.

Foster will serve three years of supervised release once his prison sentence is complete.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Flower and Christie Utt prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Prisons investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Nicholas Munroe, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, pled guilty today to federal domestic violence charges.

United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced that Munroe pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a person subject to a domestic violence protective order, and interstate violation of a protective order. According to court documents and statements made in court, West Virginia State Police were investigating a shooting that led to Munroe, who had an active domestic violence protective order against him filed in Los Angeles, California. Munroe, prohibited from having firearms, was found in Martinsburg with the person who filed the protective order and a .45 caliber revolver.

“Those who violate protective orders will be held accountable, regardless of where the order was issued,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Due to the excellent work of the West Virginia State Police, Mr. Munroe faces a long prison sentence for violating an order issued on the other side of the country.”

Munroe faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the firearms charge and up to five years for the protective order violation. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was prosecuted as a part of the Northern District of West Virginia’s Domestic Violence Reduction Initiative, formed in early 2023 to protect domestic violence victims, take dangerous criminals off the streets, and enhance community safety.  The program focuses on keeping firearms out of the hands of violent offenders.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

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

 

 

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Nathan Cortez Duncan, age 43, of Highland Park, Michigan, was sentenced today to 117 months for the acquisition of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, officers were conducting a search at a home when Duncan fled from a first-story window. When Duncan was apprehended, he was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm pistol. A search of the home also resulted in the seizure of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, additional firearms, ammunition, and cash.

Duncan will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

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CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Rachel Sara Hardesty, age 39, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for the unlawful possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, West Virginia Parole officers were conducting a home visit for Hardesty, who was on parole supervision. A .32 caliber semi-automatic pistol was found during a search. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were also found. Hardesty is prohibited from having firearms because of prior felony convictions.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

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

Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

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MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Derrick Dwayne Myers, age 46, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 150 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Myers was selling controlled substances from a motel in Martinsburg. Investigators searched several rooms at the motel and Myers's vehicle.  During the searches they located and seized fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, eutylone, and cash.

Myers will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.

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

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Anton Demetrius Matthews, age 40, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for wire fraud, cocaine trafficking, and a supervised release violation.

According to United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld, Matthews obtained nearly $50,000 in CARES Act loans after misrepresenting his income and occupation while he was incarcerated. Matthews submitted a loan application in which he claimed to have established a food truck business in Wheeling in January 2019 even though he was in federal prison from November 2016 until October 2020. Following his release from prison in 2020, Matthews sold cocaine both inside and outside of the Third Alarm Bar on Wheeling Island in Ohio County.

“We have noticed an uptick in drug traffickers who are also engaging in white collar crime, committing acts such as COVID fraud or income tax fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Mr. Matthews is a good example of this trend, and he will pay a steep price for committing two serious, but very different, crimes.”

Matthews was ordered to pay $54,999 in restitution and a money judgment of $49,999. He will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennie Conklin and Carly Nogay prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.

The investigations were conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.

U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.