Southern District of West Virginia

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a Michigan man was sentenced on June 17 to one year and four months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute heroin. Ralph Oliver Mayes, Jr., 37, of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, previously pleaded guilty in March.  The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. 

On January 9, 2013, officers with the Barboursville Police Department arrested Mayes for obstructing and possession of Vicodin tablets.  Following his arrest, Mayes was transported to the Barboursville Police Department.  During a custodial search of the defendant, police found two bags containing 33 individually wrapped bags of a substance that field tested positive for heroin.  Each bag contained approximately .1 gram of heroin.  Mayes told police that he intended to sell the heroin.   

The Barboursville Police Department and the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey handled the prosecution. 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A 30-year-old woman pleaded guilty on June 17 in connection with a heroin distribution scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Ashlei Steinbrecher, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin.  

Steinbrecher’s co-conspirator, Alvaro F. Jaime, Jr., 29, of Chesapeake, Ohio, previously pleaded guilty earlier this month to aiding and abetting the distribution of heroin. 

On January 23, 2013, Steinbrecher arranged a heroin transaction between Jaime and with what determined to be a DEA agent working undercover.  Jaime and Steinbrecher met the undercover DEA agent at a predetermined location in Chesapeake, Ohio.  Jaime, who at the time indicated that he did not have enough heroin to complete the transaction, directed Steinbrecher and the undercover DEA agent to a second location in Huntington where they met another heroin source of supply.  After arriving in Huntington, Jaime met the heroin source of supply in the parking lot of a Huntington area restaurant.  The source of supply handed approximately four grams of heroin to Jaime.  Afterward, Jaime gave the heroin to an undercover DEA agent in exchange for $600.  Steinbrecher received $200 in pre-recorded U.S. currency as payment for arranging the transaction.  The transaction was recorded by law enforcement authorities using audio and video surveillance. 

Steinbrecher arranged another heroin transaction on January 29, 2013.  During the transaction, Steinbrecher obtained approximately four grams of heroin from her source of supply in exchange for $670 in pre-recorded funds provided by law enforcement authorities working undercover.  Steinbrecher received $100 for her role in the transaction. 

Steinbrecher also purchased approximately two grams of heroin from the same source of supply in exchange for $350 in February 2013.  The February 2013 heroin transaction was also controlled by undercover DEA agents. 

Steinbrecher faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when she is sentenced on September 16, 2013 by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. 

Jaime faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced in August. 

The DEA and Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecutions. 

Michael Lashawn Johnson admits distributing nearly 2 kilos of crack cocaine

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty on June 17 to drug distribution charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Michael Lashawn Johnson, also known as “Spank,” 34, pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington to conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine.   

Johnson sold crack cocaine during a conspiracy that began as early as 2006.  During the scheme, Johnson obtained crack cocaine or powder cocaine from Columbus and brought it back to Huntington to sell.  Johnson was a frequent source of supply of crack cocaine to other drug dealers in and around Huntington. 

On December 6, 2010, Johnson’s vehicle was stopped along State Route 104 by members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. During the traffic stop, an Ohio Highway Patrol police dog led a search of the defendant’s vehicle.  The vehicle search yielded $33,000 in cash.  On April 13, 2011, members of the Huntington Drug and Violent Crime Task Force used a confidential informant to conduct a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from Johnson.  The defendant later sold the police informant 10.9 grams of crack cocaine in exchange for $700.  On February 7, 2013, an arrest warrant was issued for Johnson.  Members of the Huntington Drug Task Force arrested Johnson at his Huntington residence.  The defendant was in possession of crack cocaine at the time of his arrest.  Police also found items consistent with the production of crack cocaine inside of Johnson’s residence, along with a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.  

The Ohio State Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of the defendant’s vehicle on April 29, 2006, in Jackson County, Ohio.  Ohio law enforcement authorities found 515 grams of cocaine inside of Johnson’s vehicle during the traffic stop.  Johnson and an associate were later convicted of a felony drug violation in the state of Ohio.

In total, Johnson is responsible for distributing approximately two kilograms of crack cocaine. 
Johnson faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 16, 2013 by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case was investigated by the Huntington Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man who sold crack cocaine to a police informant pleaded guilty on June 17 to federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Calvin Lee Boswell, also known as “Boo” and “Big Boy,” 23, pleaded guilty to seven counts of distribution of crack cocaine.  On three separate occasions in October 2011, Boswell sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant working in cooperation with the Special Enforcement Unit of the Charleston Police Department. 

Additionally, Boswell sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant working for the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) on November 26, 2012.  The defendant also completed three crack cocaine transactions in December 2012.  The crack cocaine transactions were completed in and around Charleston.    

Boswell faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine on each count when he is sentenced on September 17, 2013 by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. 

This case was investigated by the Special Enforcement Unit of the Charleston Police Department and MDENT.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. 

U.S. Attorney also debuts video for young people on the dangers of prescription drug abuse 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin today unveiled a comprehensive report and a set of recommendations resulting from the Summit on West Virginia Safe Schools that was held in February. The report was officially announced during the West Virginia Department of Education Office of Healthy Schools 2013 KidStrong Conference held today at theCharleston Civic Center. 

Goodwin convened the statewide Summit on Feb 6, 2013. It brought together educators, law enforcement professionals, parents, mental health professionals, government officials and students to exchange ideas and develop practical steps to prevent and prepare for school violence. 

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “Last December’s horrific mass murder at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, was an unthinkable national tragedy. It was also an urgent call to action on the issue of school safety.”

“This report summarizes the Summit’s most critical lessons. It begins with an immediate agenda for West Virginia safe schools: ten things that we must get to work on right now if we want to make our schools safer,” Goodwin said.

“We owe it to our children and our educators to do everything in our power to keep our schools safe. Anything less is unacceptable,” Goodwin continued.

The report features an agenda of ten items for preparedness and response that should be implemented as soon as possible: 1) Establish a single, locked point of entry for every school, where a school official can see and identify would-be visitors before they enter. 2) Install classroom doors that lock quickly from inside the classroom – or keep doors locked all the time. 3) Install emergency buttons that sound a school-wide alarm and automatically call the police. 4) Explore the use of shatter-resistant materials on glass windows and door panels in schools (a requirement that the West Virginia School Building Authority recently adopted for all new schools built in the state). 5) Establish a Prevention Resource Officer Corps to place more law enforcement officers---including retired police officers and military veterans---in schools as prevention resource officers. 6) Bring together local police and educators to develop closer ties between law enforcement and schools. 7) Conduct active-shooter drills in every school at least annually, with full participation from law enforcement. 8) Develop a statewide program to identify potentially violent students early and intervene immediately. 9) Introduce a proven anti-bullying program in every school. 10) Implement a communication system to immediately disseminate information about violent or disruptive incidents to parents, other schools and child care facilities.  

The report also features a section that focuses on preventing violence. The report’s prevention strategies include developing a concerted effort to address bullying; identifying and intervening with troubled children early; placing a greater emphasis on school climate; developing a system to comprehensively collect information about students with behavior issues; and expanding the number and role of school counselors and prevention resource officers.    

In addition to unveiling the school safety report, Goodwin debuted a newly created video on prescription drug abuse. The video, developed through a partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia and the Huntington Police Department, and funded by a grant from the West Virginia Division of Justice and Community Services, is designed as an educational tool for young people to illustrate the harmful effects of abusing prescription drugs.

Click here to view the Report and Recommendations on West Virginia Safe Schools

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced that a Huntington woman was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison for selling powerful prescription painkiller pills to a police informant.  Shena Rena Turner, 26, previously pleaded guilty in March to distribution of oxycodone.  On November 19, 2012, Turner agreed to sell 100 30-milligram oxycodone tablets to a confidential informant working at the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  Turner received a total of 77 30-milligram oxycodone pills from an associate that she later distributed to the police informant in exchange for $2,800.  Turner was arrested by DEA agents on February 4, 2013. 

Turner told law enforcement agents that between the summer of 2012 until November 2012, she distributed a total of 300 30-milligram oxycodone pills.     

The DEA and the Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. 

This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District. 

U.S. Attorney’s initiative to fight child exploitation has surpassed 100 years of total prison time for convicted pedophiles since January 2012

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A 34-year-old Michigan pedophile was sentenced today to 12 years in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for traveling in interstate commerce with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Ashlee C. Liebert, of Whitmore Lake, Mich., previously pleaded guilty in October 2012.  Beginning in November 2011 through March 2012, Liebert established a relationship with a twelve-year-old minor residing in Putnam County, West Virginia.  During that five-month period, Liebert communicated with the minor using e-mail and a cell phone.  The defendant had numerous conversations with the minor that were sexual in nature and also exchanged sexually explicit photos with the child. 

U.S. Attorney Goodwin said, “Pedophiles like Mr. Liebert who target kids and steal their innocence are downright sickening.”

Goodwin continued, “This kind of crime is infuriating. I will continue to spare no effort to make sure that criminals who exploit children are brought to justice.”

On March 10, 2012, Liebert traveled from Michigan to Putnam County, W.Va. to meet the minor.  At the time Liebert traveled from Michigan to Putnam County, he communicated with the minor using his cell phone and told the child that he wanted to have sex.  After arriving in Putnam County, Liebert picked the minor up and drove to a location near Cross Creek Road, in Buffalo, W.Va., and had illegal sexual contact with the minor.  Law enforcement officers from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department discovered Liebert and the minor inside his parked vehicle near Cross Creek Road, in Buffalo.  Law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant for Liebert’s vehicle. 

A Michigan state search warrant was executed on Liebert’s Whitmore Lake residence on March 10, 2012, the same day the defendant was arrested by police in West Virginia.  During the execution of the search warrant, officers seized several computers from Liebert’s residence.  A forensic review of Liebert’s computers revealed more than 600 images and videos of child pornography.  Liebert previously downloaded the images and videos of child pornography using the Internet. 

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, the FBI and the Northfield Michigan Township Police Department conducted the investigation.   Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution.  Today’s sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. 

This case was brought as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia. Since January 2012, twenty-two defendants have been sentenced to a total of more than 108 years (1297 months, to be exact) in federal prison. 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Columbus man was sentenced to five years and ten months in federal prison for distribution of 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Tyree Antonio Spraggins, 25, previously pleaded guilty to crack cocaine distribution in March. The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. 

On October 27, 2010, Spraggins entered the Smokin’ Aces store that was located in Huntington and sold 44.3 grams crack cocaine to an undercover agent working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in exchange for $2,600. 

Spraggins sold a total of 142.8 grams of crack cocaine to undercover agents at the Smokin’ Aces store.

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Huntington Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey handled the prosecution. 

This case was prosecuted as part of a yearlong undercover operation that targeted illegal drug and firearm crimes in the Huntington area. The operation was led by the ATF and assisted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Huntington Police Department, and various other law enforcement agencies. It was announced to the public in March 2011 after a grand jury returned indictments against 55 defendants.

Douglas Jonathan Wesley wounded an individual during a February ’12 shooting on Charleston’s West Side

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man who shot and wounded an individual in February 2012 was sentenced today to the statutory maximum of 10 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.   Douglas Jonathan Wesley Jr., also known as “Dougie” and “Dougie Fresh,” 23, previously pleaded guilty in July 2012 to being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

On February 5, 2012, Wesley shot a known individual near the Kickback Lounge located on Central Avenue in Charleston.  Wesley left the scene of the shooting and returned a few minutes later where he shot the same individual a second time.  The victim was seriously wounded, but survived.  The incident was captured on video surveillance from a neighboring building. 

The Court noted at sentencing that the defendant committed a gravely serious offense, had a disturbingly violent criminal history and was a danger to the community.

Wesley was previously convicted in May 2005 in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County of felony first degree robbery. 

The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Steven Loew handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

Anti-pill sweep continues

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced that 21 individuals have been indicted for selling powerful prescription painkillers.  The indictments were unsealed following the arrest of each defendant and their subsequent initial appearances in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. 

The charges against each defendant have been brought as a part of the Bluefield Pill Initiative, a concerted attack by federal, state, and local government on the illegal distribution of prescription drugs in the southern region of West Virginia.  The initiative was announced by U.S. Attorney Goodwin in June 2011.

"Prescription drug abuse has ravaged families and communities across the country. Southern West Virginia has seen too many people fall victim to this plague," said U.S. Attorney Goodwin.

Goodwin continued, “This round of prosecutions reaffirms our commitment to the Bluefield Pill Initiative and our resolve to put pill pushers out of business."

The following individuals were indicted:

Carolos Renaldo Ivy, 33, of Princeton, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, three counts of distribution of oxycodone and one count of using a telephone to commit a drug crime;

Aaron O. Gamble, 30, of Princeton, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, one count of distribution of oxycodone and one count of using a telephone to commit a drug crime;

Eric Lee Flack, 34, of Bluefield, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, one count of distribution of oxycodone and three counts of using a telephone to commit a drug crime;

Ansel William Ponder, 22, of Bluefield, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, one count of distribution of oxycodone and three counts of using a telephone to commit a drug crime;

Danny Lee Decker, 42, of Mullens, Wyoming County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, two counts of distribution of oxycodone, one count of aiding and abetting the distribution of oxycodone and three counts of using a telephone to commit a drug crime;

Joni Earlene Rash, 42, of Princeton, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, one count of distribution of oxycodone and three counts of using a telephone to commit a drug crime;

Ralph Ray Cantley, 54, of Matheny, Wyoming County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, one count of using a telephone to commit a drug crime and one count of maintaining a place for the purpose of distributing and using oxycodone;

Kathy Burchett, 38, Welch, McDowell County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and three counts of using a telephone to commit a drug crime;

Elizabeth Ann Stewart, 30, 0f Matheny, Wyoming County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and one count of oxycodone;

Tonya Lynn Goode, 35, Matheny, Wyoming County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and one count of distribution of oxycodone;

Anthony Lee Madison, 23, of Bluefield, Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and three counts of using a telephone to commit a drug crime;

Edgar Junior Ponce, 32, of Oceana, Wyoming County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and three counts of using a telephone to commit a drug crime;

Laken Nicole Myers, 25, of Welch, McDowell County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and three counts of using a telephone to commit a drug crime;

Randall Ray Parks, 51, of Welch, McDowell County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and three counts of using a telephone to commit a drug crime;

Lori Megan Falls, 29, of Princeton, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and two counts of using a telephone to commit a drug crime;

Eric M. Tiller, 41, of Princeton, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute oxycodone and three counts of using a telephone to commit a drug crime;

Matthew M. Pigg, 27, of Montcalm, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with possession with intent to distribute hydromorphone, a powerful prescription painkiller commonly known as Dilaudid; 

Jennifer Marie Farley, 29, of Princeton, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with three counts of distribution of hydromorphone;

Kevin Eugene Petty, 36, of Bluefield, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with three counts of distribution of hydromorphone;

Rickey David Coburn, II, 26, of Princeton, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute hydromorphone and five counts of distribution of hydromorphone;

Lakeisha Danell Howze, 27, of Princeton, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with conspiracy to distribute hydromorphone and distribution of hydromorphone. 

An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.  If convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

The Bluefield Pill Initiative is a collaborative, multi-agency regional law enforcement effort designed to halt prescription drug trafficking specifically in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties.  The Bluefield Pill Initiative is led by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force which is made up of the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Sheriffs’ Departments of Mercer, McDowell and Wyoming County, as well as the Bluefield and Princeton Police Departments. 

Click on the links below to view the copies of the indictments:

Indictment 1

Indictment 2

Indictment 3

Indictment 4

Indictment 5

Kimberly Kinder participated in ’09 blaze set at Boone Co. rental duplex

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Logan County woman was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison for her role in an arson conspiracy.  Kimberly Dawn Kinder, 46, of Chapmanville, Logan County, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in June 2012.  In September 2009, Kinder conspired with co-defendant Michael L. White, and her now deceased husband, to burn down a residential rental unit located in Van, Boone County, W.Va.  Kinder was due to receive approximately $4,000 in insurance proceeds for her role in the scheme.  Late in the evening on October 15, 2009, the Kinders arrived at the Van Duplex.  After entering through one of the rental units, Mr. Kinder poured gasoline on a pile of clothes in the living area of one of the units.  Mr. Kinder set fire to the pile of clothes and Mrs. Kinder drove the getaway vehicle.

A federal jury convicted Michael L. White, 58, of Chapmanville, last month in connection with the arson that he arranged in an effort to collect more than $80,000 in insurance claims linked to the property. White was found guilty on all three counts charged against him: conspiracy to commit arson, arson and accessory after the fact.  Evidence at White’s trial revealed that he conspired with the Kinders to set fire to the Van rental unit.

The Van Volunteer Fire Department responded to the incident and extinguished the fire, but the property suffered extensive damage.  On October 19, 2009, White filed an insurance claim with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (“Nationwide”) as a result of the damage. Nationwide in turn paid White $80,716.51.  White later paid the Kinders approximately $2,000 in small increments of the insurance claim as payment for their roles in the scheme. 

White faces up to five years in prison on Count One (conspiracy); five to 20 years on Count Two (arson); and up to two and a half years on Count Three (accessory after the fact) when he is sentenced in August by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ryan handled the prosecution. 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A felon who possessed loaded firearms and heroin at his Huntington residence pleaded guilty today to federal charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Obadiah Pacely, 45, of Huntington, sold heroin to a confidential informant working in cooperation with law enforcement on February 25, 2013.  Following the heroin transaction, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on Pacely’s Huntington residence.  During the execution of the search warrant, Pacely fled the residence.  The defendant was apprehended a short time later by police.  A law enforcement search of Pacely’s residence revealed a loaded pistol, a loaded revolver, one .22 caliber rifle and heroin located in the defendant’s bedroom. 

Pacely was previously convicted in November 1987 in the 31st Circuit Court, St. Clair County, Michigan of felony delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance.  Pacely was also previously convicted in January 2001 in the Court of Common Pleas, Lorain County, Ohio of felony grand theft of an automobile.  He did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored. 

Pacely faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 26, 2013 by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. 

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Huntington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution. 

The matter is being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced that a Cabell County man was sentenced to one year and two months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegal firearm possession.  Kenneth Richard Nance, 43, of Barboursville, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in March to possession of a firearm by a person subject to a domestic violence protection order.  On December 7, 2011, Nance possessed a Raven .25-caliber pistol. 

At the time Nance possessed the firearm, he was subject to a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) issued by the Family Court of Cabell County, West Virginia. Nance knew that the DVPO was in effect at the time he possessed the firearm in December 2011.  The defendant also knew it was illegal to possess a firearm or ammunition while the DVPO was in effect.    

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the ATF, the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.  

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that an Atlanta man pleaded guilty in federal court in Huntington to distribution of crack cocaine.  Jaron Dontae Reed also known as “Ron Ron,” 24, stopped by the Smokin’ Aces store that was located in Huntington and sold crack cocaine to undercover agents working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Reed sold crack cocaine on three separate occasions at the former Smokin’ Aces store in August and September 2010. 

Reed sold a total of 67 grams of crack cocaine to undercover agents who were working at the Smokin’ Aces store.

Reed faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on September 3, 2013 by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. 

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Huntington Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case was prosecuted as part of a yearlong undercover operation that targeted illegal drug and firearm crimes in the Huntington area. The operation was led by the ATF and assisted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Huntington Police Department, and various other law enforcement agencies. It was announced to the public in March 2011 after a grand jury returned indictments against 55 defendants.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who arrived at a Charleston Greyhound Bus Station in February 2012 with a bag of illegal prescription painkillers was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Deangelo Cann, 23, previously pleaded guilty in August 2012 to interstate travel to promote drug activity.  On February 7, 2012, Cann traveled by Greyhound Bus from Detroit to Charleston in possession of oxymorphone, also known as “Opana” and oxycodone pills.  After arriving in Charleston, Cann left the Greyhound bus terminal carrying pills that were hidden inside of a dark gray bag.  As Cann exited the bus station, he was approached by a uniformed police officer.  Upon seeing the approaching officer, Cann immediately began to run with the bag.  During the pursuit, Cann attempted to throw the bag.  The bag of prescription painkillers was later recovered by police and Cann was arrested.  Cann told police that he intended to both use and sell the pills. 

The recovered pills were submitted to the West Virginia State Police lab and proved to contain oxymorphone and oxycodone. 

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney John Frail handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston. 

This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced that a Charleston man pleaded guilty in federal court for failing to register as a sex offender as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”).  Samuel Bailey Jr., 52, of Charleston, pleaded guilty in federal court in Charleston. 

On February 5, 1979, Bailey was convicted in the Supreme Court, Monroe County, New York, of first degree rape.  As a result of this sex offense conviction, Bailey was required to register as a sex offender for life. 

Bailey registered as a sex offender in West Virginia on July 13, 2011.  An investigation revealed that in September 2012, Bailey traveled from West Virginia to Ohio, where he resided in and around Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio until March of 2013.  Following his travel to Ohio, Bailey was required to update his sex offender registration under SORNA.  Bailey failed to register as a sex offender in Ohio for the six months he resided there.  The defendant also failed to update his sex offender status in West Virginia. 

Bailey faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on September 12, 2013 by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston. 

The United States Marshals Service conducted the investigation.  The West Virginia State Police and the City of Columbus Police Department also assisted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is being brought as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.

The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act which is Title I of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-248). SORNA provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man who illegally sold several firearms to a convicted felon in 2012 pleaded guilty on May 28 in Huntington to federal charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Jeffrey Allen Jones, 50, of Chesapeake, Ohio, pleaded guilty to knowingly selling firearms to a convicted felon.  On March 15, 2012, a police informant contacted Jones by telephone and arranged to purchase a .22 caliber pistol.  Afterward, Jones met the informant at a predetermined location in Huntington and sold the pistol in exchange for $150.  Jones knew that prior to conducting the firearm transaction, the informant had been convicted of a felony and was not permitted to possess a firearm.  During the firearm transaction, Jones told the police informant to wipe the firearm down and if anything happened he would report the gun stolen.         

Jones also sold an additional five firearms to the same police informant.  All of the firearm transactions were monitored and recorded by police.   

Jones faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 26, 2013 by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.   

The investigation was conducted by the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –A Huntington felon stopped by police following a May 2012 traffic violation pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegal firearm possession charges.  Sterlyn Avery Hewlett, 30, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Officers with the Huntington Police Department conducted a traffic stop of the defendant’s vehicle on May 12, 2012.  During the traffic stop, police found a loaded Glock 9-millimeter pistol inside of Hewlett’s vehicle.       

Hewlett was previously convicted in April 2009 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia of distribution of a controlled substance.  The defendant did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored. 

Hewlett faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 26, 2013 by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.   

The investigation was conducted by the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Special Assistant United States Attorney Sharon M. Frazier is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is also being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Summers County pill dealer pleaded guilty today in federal court to drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Michael Harshaw Jr., 36, of Hinton, Summers County, W.Va., pleaded guilty in federal court in Beckley to distribution of oxycodone.  On October 3, 2012, Harshaw sold five oxycodone tablets to an individual cooperating with law enforcement authorities.  The pill transaction occurred at Harshaw’s Summers County residence.   

Harshaw faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on October 10, 2013 by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger. 

The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney John File is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two men who attempted to flee police in a vehicle containing illegal drugs and thousands of dollars’ cash in March 2011 were each sentenced to prison on federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Stephen Michael Hopkins, 36, of Huntington, was sentenced on May 23 to 12 years and seven months in prison.  Hopkins’ co-defendant Eddie Daivon Morgan, 32, of Beckley, W.Va., was also sentenced on Wednesday to four years in prison.  Hopkins previously pleaded guilty in January to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute heroin.  Morgan previously pleaded guilty to using a cellular telephone to facilitate the possession with intent to distribute heroin.

On March 16, 2011, officers with the Charleston Police Department responded to a call near the 2600 block of 6th Avenue in Charleston.  Upon arriving at the scene, officers approached Hopkins and Morgan, both of whom were sitting inside of a parked Dodge Charger.  A responding officer ordered Hopkins and Morgan to step out of the vehicle.  Hopkins, who was sitting in the driver’s seat at the time, refused to obey the order given by police and drove away.  Officers pursued the defendants as they fled the scene.  During the police chase, Hopkins lost control of his vehicle and crashed at the intersection of 7th Street and Iowa Street in Charleston.  Hopkins and Morgan attempted to flee on foot, but were apprehended by officers a short time later.  Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and recovered a plastic bag underneath the driver’s seat of the vehicle.  The bag contained $10,920 in cash, suspected heroin, and marijuana.  The suspected heroin was submitted to the West Virginia State Police lab for testing and was found to be heroin weighing 26.6 grams. 

Police also seized a cellular phone that belonged to Morgan.  Text messages on the phone revealed messages that were sent by Morgan, informing various individuals that he had “dog food” for sale.  The term “dog food” was used in reference to the heroin that was seized by police.

The Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecutions.  The sentences were imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that two top senior executives of an employment staffing agency that operated in West Virginia both pleaded guilty to federal employment tax evasion charges.  Daniel Hovis, 60, president of Career Search One, Inc., pleaded guilty today to failure to pay trust fund taxes to the IRS for employees.  The corporation’s vice president, Janice Hensley, 63, also pleaded guilty to failure to pay trust fund taxes to the IRS. 

Hovis and Hensley together failed to pay more than $600,000 in federal employment taxes that were owed to the IRS.   

Career Search One, Inc. specialized in providing employees to client businesses for a fee.  The corporation’s primary bookkeeping offices were based in Charleston and Wheeling, West Virginia.  Hovis and Hensley both worked out of the Charleston location.

From 2004 through the first quarter of 2010, Hovis and Hensley withheld trust fund taxes from many employees’ paychecks.  The trust fund taxes were monies that were owed to the IRS.  Hovis and Hensley each failed to report or pay over trust fund taxes that they had previously withheld from employees’ wages. Trust fund taxes are withheld federal income and Federal Insurance Contribution Act (“FICA”) taxes, which also include Social Security and Medicare taxes.  Career Search One, Inc. failed to pay these taxes. 

From 2004 through the first quarter of 2010, Hovis and Hensley failed to report and pay over approximately $630,158.94 in trust fund taxes to the IRS on behalf of Career Search One, Inc.’s employees.  Hovis and Hensley used the monies to pay personal expenses.  Both executives knew that the corporate funds should have been used for the payment of trust fund taxes.

Hovis and Hensley each face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when they are sentenced on September 4, 2013 by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston. 

The Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigative Division conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Meredith George Thomas is in charge of the prosecutions. 

Task Force agents seized loaded and stolen firearms, cash and illegal drugs during investigation

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A Wood County man was sentenced today to almost six years in federal prison for his role in an illegal crack cocaine distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Samuel Shae White, 26, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.  

White’s two co-defendants, Brandon Mykel Perdew, 21, and Sarah Nichole Miller, 21, both of Parkersburg, were previously sentenced earlier this year to 87 months and 70 months in federal prison, respectively.  Both defendants previously pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine.  

Perdew and Miller admitted that no later than the summer of 2011 until April 2012, they sold crack cocaine in and around Wood County, W.Va.  Perdew and Miller brought crack cocaine from Columbus to Parkersburg and provided it to other sellers, including Samuel White, to distribute in and around Parkersburg.  White took part in the conspiracy in January 2012.

On January 20, 2012, the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force used a confidential informant to purchase 1.09 grams of crack cocaine from Perdew.  On March 13, 2012, the Task Force used an informant to purchase 1.13 grams of crack cocaine from White.  Law enforcement agents also used an informant to buy crack cocaine from Perdew in April 2012.  All of the drug transactions took place at 1330 Staunton Avenue in Parkersburg. 

As part of the scheme, Miller rented the Staunton Avenue residence and knew that it would be used to store and sell crack cocaine. 

Also, on March 8, 2012, Miller drove White to a residence located on Hill Street in Parkersburg where White sold approximately 1.77 grams of crack cocaine to a police informant.  On April 18, 2012, officers observed Miller leave her Staunton Avenue residence in a 2003 Volkswagen Passat.  Officers executed a search warrant on the vehicle and seized approximately 59.4 grams of crack cocaine, two sets of digital scales, and a .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol that contained a loaded magazine with 12 rounds of ammunition.

Members of the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at the 113 Staunton Avenue residence and seized several items including a stolen .22 caliber semiautomatic rifle and a G&P WASR semiautomatic rifle.  Agents arrested Perdew and White at the time the search warrant was executed.  Officers found a door key to the Staunton Avenue residence and $1,005 cash on Perdew’s person at the time of the arrests. 

The sentences were imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

The investigation was conducted by the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks handled the prosecution. 

Police found 17 firearms, hundreds of marijuana plants at defendant’s residence

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Fayette County pill dealer who sold approximately 250 powerful prescription painkillers over a two-year period pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Vernon Peters III, 35, of Kincaid, Fayette County, W.Va., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston to distribution of oxycodone.  On March 20, 2012, Peters sold three 30-milligram oxycodone tablets to a police informant.  The pill transaction occurred at the defendant’s Fayette County residence.   

On March 19, 2012, members of the West Virginia State Police seized approximately 17 firearms and 236 marijuana plants from the defendant’s residence.  A number of firearms at the residence were located in close proximity to the marijuana plants.

In total, Peters illegally sold approximately 250 30-milligram oxycodone pills in and around Fayette County. 

Peters faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine when he is sentenced on August 22, 2013 by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. 

The West Virginia State Police conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney John File is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District. 

Late WV State Police members Corporal Marshall Bailey and Trooper Eric Workman played pivotal role in building case against known meth dealer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Clay County man faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison after a federal jury sitting in Charleston convicted him on May 16 of methamphetamine distribution, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Raymond Hersman, 47, of Wallback, Clay County, W.Va., was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Hersman was charged in a one-count superseding indictment in April. 

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “This is perhaps the last investigation on which the late Trooper Eric Workman and the late Corporal Marshall Bailey worked. The work of these heroes paid off yet again with another bad guy behind bars. It's also worth noting that this is National Police Week--a time to honor all of our men and women in uniform for their sacrifices and to honor those who, like Corporal Bailey and Trooper Workman, made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe.”

Evidence at trial proved that on September 22, 2012, Hersman possessed and intended to distribute approximately 400 grams of actual methamphetamine near Gauley Bridge in Fayette County.  

According to evidence revealed during the three-day trial, law enforcement agents began investigating Hersman’s suspected meth distribution scheme in and around Clay County in August 2012.  At the time, agents were aided in the investigation by West Virginia State Troopers Cpl. Marshall Bailey and Trooper Eric Workman.  Troopers Bailey and Workman, both of whom patrolled the Clay County area, provided essential details to fellow law enforcement agents which outlined Hersman’s methamphetamine operation in August 2012.  The information provided by Bailey and Workman assisted the investigation and culminated with the conviction of Hersman yesterday.

Cpl. Marshall Bailey and Trooper Eric Workman were shot and killed in the line of duty following a traffic stop near Clay County in late August 2012. 

Hersman was previously convicted in April 1993 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

Hersman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced.

The West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorneys Monica D. Coleman and John Frail handled the prosecution. 

Click here to listen to an audio clip provided by U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin

Third pedophile sentenced this week in Southern District of W.Va.

BECKLEY, W.Va. – A 21-year-old Raleigh County pedophile who collected hundreds of images of child pornography was sentenced today to five years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.  Steven Russell Helton, of Beaver, Raleigh County, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty to child pornography charges in January.  Helton’s sentencing was handed down today by United States District Judge Irene C. Berger in Beckley.   

On December 29, 2010, Helton possessed on his computer more than 600 pictures and videos of children having sex or performing sexual acts.  Helton is the third defendant to be sentenced on child pornography charges this week in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.  

In similar federal court cases this week, Tracey E. Cooper, 38, of Giles, Kanawha County, W.Va., was sentenced on Tuesday to three years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for possessing more than 600 images of child pornography and trading the images with other pedophiles over the Internet. Also, 54-year-old Charleston pedophile Jonathan Douglas Layne was sentenced on Wednesday to 10 years in federal prison on child pornography charges.  Layne similarly collected more than 600 pictures and videos of children having sex or performing sexual acts.

Since January 2012, twenty-two defendants have been convicted as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.  Twenty-one defendants have been sentenced to a total of more than 95 years (1153 months, to be exact) in federal prison.  The remaining defendant currently awaits sentencing. 

The West Virginia State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation West Virginia Cyber Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution. 

U.S. Attorney’s initiative to fight child exploitation has surpassed 1,000 months of total prison time for convicted pedophiles since January 2012

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced that a 54-year-old Charleston pedophile was sentenced on May 15 to ten years in federal prison on child pornography charges.  Jonathan Douglas Layne’s prison sentence will be followed by 20 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography.  The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.  Layne previously pleaded guilty in January. 

Layne collected more than 600 pictures and videos of children having sex or performing sexual acts. Layne lived in St. Albans, West Virginia, at the time the crime occurred. 

“Pedophiles who download and share child pornography are exploiting children, plain and simple,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “My office will continue to spare no effort in prosecuting these types of cases.”

In October 1987, Layne committed two or more crimes involving sexual abuse of a minor.  Layne was previously convicted in June 1989 in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, of first degree sexual abuse involving a minor.   

Since January 2012, twenty-two defendants have been convicted as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia. 

Twenty defendants have been sentenced to a total of more than 90 years (1093 months, to be exact) in federal prison.  The remaining two defendants currently await sentencing. 

The U.S. Marshals Service, the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation West Virginia Cyber Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution. 

Kanawha Co. man sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – “We’ve taken another pedophile off the streets.  He is now on his way to prison,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today in the wake of a Kanawha County man’s federal sentencing on child pornography charges.  Tracey E. Cooper, 38, of Giles, Kanawha County, W.Va., was sentenced today to three years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release.  The sentence was handed down today by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.  Cooper previously pleaded guilty in January.  

Cooper collected more than 600 pictures and videos of children having sex or performing sexual acts. The child pornography was found on Cooper’s computer after he downloaded it from the Internet.  Cooper used the peer-to-peer file sharing programs Shareaza and Aires to download, receive and share child pornography.  Cooper possessed more than 600 images of child pornography and traded the images with other pedophiles over the Internet.  

“This kind of crime is downright sickening,” Goodwin said. “Behind every piece of child pornography traded over the Internet, there is a child somewhere who has been exploited in the most heinous way imaginable. People who download and share these pictures encourage that exploitation.  My office will continue to be relentless in prosecuting these cases.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s West Virginia Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Kanawha Bureau of Investigation and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution. 

Cooper entered into a stipulation agreeing to pay $10,000 in restitution to a known victim in the case.  

This case was prosecuted as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.  Since January 2012, twenty-two defendants have been convicted as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.  Seventeen defendants have been sentenced to a total of more than 82 years (987 months, to be exact) in federal prison.  The remaining five defendants currently await sentencing. 

Police Week salutes our heroic members of law enforcement

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - United States Attorney Booth Goodwin today asked West Virginians to join in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.  Peace Officers Memorial Day is a daylong observance held nationwide to honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice of our nation’s police officers.  Peace Officers Memorial Day is held in conjunction with national Police Week, which is observed the entire week of May 12-18, 2013.    

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “The selfless and unsung work that our men and women in uniform do each day is remarkable.  Members of law enforcement give their all – 24 hours a day, seven days a week - to keep us safe.  And, tragically, thousands of brave peace officers throughout our nation’s history have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their fellow citizens. Peace Officers Memorial Day gives us a chance to honor them.”

Goodwin continued, “Police officers do much more than just catch the bad guys and put them in jail. They are community problem solvers. They do it all: whether it’s helping a stranded motorist, apprehending a gun-wielding robbery suspect, stopping drug traffickers from ravaging our communities, or serving as role models to our children. We can always count on them.”

“I encourage all West Virginians: if you see a member of law enforcement on Wednesday or at any time this week, take a few seconds to say ‘thank you.’” 

In accordance with a proclamation issued by the President this week, all United States flags at federal facilities will be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. The presidential proclamation similarly encourages all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on Wednesday.

Click on the links below to listen to audio clips provided byU.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin

Goodwin audio clip part 1

Goodwin audio clip part 2

Goodwin audio clip part 3

Robert Smith sold more than 11,000 oxycodone tablets in and around Huntington

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man who illegally sold thousands of powerful prescription painkillers in and around the Huntington area was sentenced on May 13 to 15 years and eight months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Robert Louis Smith, 40, of Detroit, previously pleaded guilty in February to distribution of oxycodone.

“Every time we put a law-breaking pill dealer out of business, it’s a big step toward getting this problem under control.” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “I hope this conviction sends a clear message: There are consequences when you peddle poison in our communities."

On March 12, 2010, Smith met a confidential informant at a McDonald’s restaurant parking lot located on Hal Greer Boulevard in Huntington to complete a prearranged pill transaction.  After arriving at the location, Smith entered the police informant’s vehicle and distributed 229 80-milligram oxycodone pills and 257 oxycodone 40-milligram oxycodone pills in exchange for cash that was contained in a white paper bag.  Afterward, Smith returned to his vehicle with the bag containing the cash and drove out of the McDonald’s parking lot.  A short time later, Smith’s vehicle was stopped by HPD officers.  Police arrested Smith and recovered the bag of cash that he received from the pill transaction.     

At sentencing, the Court found that Smith had distributed a total of 11,820 80-milligram oxycodone tablets.  The Court also found that the oxycodone tablets were brought to the Huntington area and sold by the defendant between June 2009 and March 2010. 

The Huntington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution. The sentence was imposed by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District. 

Michael White conspired with couple to set fire to Boone rental duplex for insurance payout

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A federal jury sitting in Charleston today found a Logan County man guilty in connection with an October 2009 arson that was organized in an effort to collect more than $80,000 in insurance claims, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  A federal jury found Michael L. White, 58, of Chapmanville, Logan County guilty on all three counts: conspiracy to commit arson, arson and accessory after the fact.  Evidence at trial determined that White conspired with acquaintance, Kimberly Dawn Kinder, and her now deceased husband to set fire to a residential rental unit owned by White that was located in Van, Boone County, W.Va. 

Kimberly Dawn Kinder, 46, of Chapmanville, Logan County, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy in June 2012.  White and the Kinders conspired together to set fire to the duplex in order to collect insurance claims. 

Late in the evening on October 15, 2009, the Kinders arrived at the Van Duplex.  After entering through one of the rental units, Mr. Kinder poured gasoline on a pile of clothes in the living area of one of the units.  Mr. Kinder lit the pile of clothes on fire and Mrs. Kinder drove the getaway vehicle.

The Van Volunteer Fire Department later responded to the incident and extinguished the fire, but the property suffered widespread damage.  Afterward, White filed an insurance claim with Nationwide Insurance Company (“Nationwide”) as a result of the fire. Nationwide in turn paid White $80,716.51.  Evidence at trial determined that White subsequently paid the Kinders a total of approximately $2,000 in small increments as payment for their role in the conspiracy. 

White faces up to five years in prison on Count One (conspiracy); five to 20 years on Count Two (arson); and up to two and a half years on Count Three (accessory after the fact) when he is sentenced in August by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.

Kinder faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced. 

The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Ryan and Larry Ellis handled the prosecution. 

Robert Starcher traded six stolen firearms for an SUV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Roane County man who broke into a camper van and stole several firearms pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of firearms.  Robert Allen Starcher, 29, of Spencer, W.Va., entered into a guilty plea in federal court in Charleston.  On January 1, 2012, Starcher broke into a camper van that was located in Walton, Roane County, W.Va., and took four rifles and two shotguns that were inside. Following the burglary, Starcher took the firearms that he had stolen from the camper, along with other stolen goods, and traded the items for an SUV. 

Starcher was prohibited from possessing firearms because of multiple prior felony convictions.  Starcher was convicted in September 2007 in the Circuit Court of Ritchie County of transferring stolen goods.  Starcher was also convicted in January 2007 in the Circuit Court of Calhoun County of grand larceny.  Starcher also had prior felony convictions in Gilmer and Braxton counties from 2006.  

Starcher faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 15, 2013 by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime. 

Brian Crouse doled out up to 1500 grams of methamphetamine from his residence in Belva, W.Va.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Nicholas County man faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty today to conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Brian Craig Crouse, 50, of Nicholas County, W.Va., sold methamphetamine and other controlled substances from his Belva, Nicholas County residence from at least January 2011until being arrested on January 29, 2013.  Crouse pleaded guilty today in federal court in Charleston.   

During the scheme, Crouse obtained methamphetamine from various suppliers.  Crouse received the methamphetamine “on the front” with the expectation that he would pay his suppliers after the methamphetamine was sold. 

Crouse sold a total of between 500 grams and 1500 grams of methamphetamine during the distribution scheme.

Crouse is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20, 2013 by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.

The Central West Virginia Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. 

Andrew Oldaker collected more than 600 pictures and videos of child pornography

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg pedophile who possessed hundreds of pictures and videos of child pornography was sentenced today to 14 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Andrew Tracy Oldaker, 37, of Parkersburg, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty to the child pornography charges in December 2012. 

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “Pedophiles like Mr. Oldaker are logging into the Internet to steal the innocence of children.  It’s absolutely despicable and it’s infuriating.”

Goodwin continued, “I will continue to spare no effort to make sure that the perpetrators who exploit children are brought to justice.”

Oldaker collected more than 600 pictures and videos of children having sex or performing sexual acts. The child pornography was found on Oldaker’s computer after he downloaded it from the Internet.  Oldaker used the peer-to-peer file sharing program Frostwire to download, receive, and share the child pornography.   

Oldaker was previously convicted in August 1999 in the Circuit Court of Barbour County, West Virginia of first degree sexual abuse.   

The Federal Bureau of Investigation West Virginia Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Nitro Police Department, the Parkersburg Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Charleston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Johnston handled the prosecution.  The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers in Huntington.

Since January 2012, twenty-two defendants have been convicted as part of U.S. Attorney Goodwin’s ongoing initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse in the Southern District of West Virginia.  Sixteen defendants have been sentenced to a total of more than 51 years (819 months, to be exact) in federal prison.  The remaining six defendants currently await sentencing. 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Cabell County man who illegally sold prescription painkillers and several firearms pleaded guilty today to federal charges, announced United States Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Kenneth Lee Sergent, 40, of Huntington, entered a guilty plea to being a felon in possession of a firearm and distribution of oxycodone before Chief U.S. District Judge Robert Chambers. 

On May 18, 2011, Sergent possessed and sold a .22 caliber revolver to a confidential informant working in cooperation with the Huntington Police Department in exchange for $50.  The illegal firearm transaction took place at Sergent’s Huntington residence that was located at 914 27th Street.  Sergent also sold the confidential informant two 30-milligram oxycodone pills in exchange for $60.   
Sergent also illegally sold firearms to a confidential informant on June 5, 2011 and on August 21, 2011.  The two firearms, both .38 caliber revolvers, were possessed and sold by Sergent in exchange for $300 and $125, respectively. Sergent was arrested by officers with the Huntington Police Department on March 21, 2012.   

Sergent was previously convicted in November 1990 in the Circuit Court of Cabell County, West Virginia of grand larceny.  The defendant did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored. 

Sergent faces up to 10 years in prison on Count One (firearm possession), up to 20 years in prison on Count Two (oxycodone distribution) and a $1,250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 5, 2013. 
The Huntington Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is in charge of the prosecution.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by working with existing local programs that target gun crime.

This case is also being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District. 

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – A Mercer County man who allegedly falsified mandatory mine safety reports while employed at several West Virginia mining operations was indicted on April 30 by a federal grand jury sitting in Charleston for violating mine health and safety laws, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin. Craig Belcher, 36, of Bluefield, Mercer County, W.Va., was charged with four counts of providing a false statement, representation and certification in a Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) document. 

In January 2009, Belcher was hired to work as an underground mine foreman at Spartan Mining Company’s Road Fork No. 51 mine located in Wyoming County, W.Va.  Additionally, in February 2009 Belcher was hired to perform mine foreman duties at Frasure Creek’s Mine No. 15 located in Fayette County, W.Va.  Belcher was also hired to perform similar foreman duties in May 2009 at Pay Car’s Mine No. 58 in McDowell County, W.Va., and, in July 2010 at Double Bonus’s Mine No. 65 in Wyoming County, W.Va.

The indictment alleges that between January 27, 2009 and July 13, 2010, Belcher signed pre-shift and on-shift reports, indicating that he had properly examined particular sections at each mining operation.  The indictment further alleges that Belcher was not certified as a foreman when the reports were completed.  Belcher also allegedly falsified foreman’s certificate numbers on the pre-shift and on-shift reports, using foreman’s numbers that did not belong to him.  

Belcher faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count if convicted.   

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Blaire Malkin is in charge of the prosecution.  

Note: The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty

FCI MCDOWELL INMATE FOR ALLEGED ESCAPE FROM CUSTODY

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A federal grand jury sitting in Charleston indicted Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell inmate Milton Rawling, 36, for allegedly escaping federal custody from December 19, 2012 through February 19, 2103.  The indictment returned on April 30 alleges that Rawling failed to report to Hope Village, Inc., a residential reentry center located in Washington, D.C.  Rawling was in custody due to his conviction of a federal felony offense.  Rawling was ordered to report to the reentry center, also known as a halfway house, but failed to do so.   

Rawling faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.   

The investigation was conducted by the United States Marshals Service.  Assistant United States Attorney William King is in charge of the prosecution. 

Note: The charge contained in the indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A federal grand jury sitting in Charleston indicted a Detroit man on Tuesday, April 30 for allegedly possessing heroin. According to the indictment, Jalin Tyref McArn, 19, allegedly possessed with intent to distribute heroin on April 24, 2013 near Huntington, W.Va. 

McArn faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine if convicted. 

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Gregory McVey is in charge of the prosecution. 

Note: The charge contained in the indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

U.S. Attorney’s Office and DEA announce success in sixth Prescription Drug Take-Back Day; over 2 tons of drugs collected

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Resident Agent in Charge John Ryan jointly announced today that as a result of the April 27th Prescription Drug Take-Back event, a total of 4,642 pounds of unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs were collected from citizens and households across West Virginia.  The April 27th collection results surpassed the previous Take-Back record of 4572 pounds collected last year, in April 2012.  

U.S. Attorney Goodwin said, “This year’s record total is another milestone in the fight against prescription drug abuse. West Virginians understand how devastating the prescription drug problem is for our families, and they’re responding in the most effective way they can: by getting rid of potentially dangerous medicine that they don’t need any more.”

DEA Resident Agent in Charge Ryan said, “Prescription drug abuse has plagued so many of our communities.  When people voluntarily take prescriptions out of their homes and dispose of them properly, it truly helps our fight against prescription drug abuse. I commend all of the federal, state and local partners in West Virginia for their assistance, which has made this sixth Take-Back a success.” 

The April Take-Back designated more than 100 sites throughout West Virginia, providing citizens with several locations to drop off expired, unused and unwanted medications. Nationwide, more than 5,100 sites participated.

In the five previous Take-Back events, the Drug Enforcement Administration and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement partners have collected more than 2 million pounds (1,018 tons) of prescription medications nationwide.

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Gabriella Brown, the former Beckley Police Department evidence technician, was sentenced today to four years’ probation for stealing oxycodone pills from the Department’s evidence storage room in August 2012. Brown was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber. Brown, 31, of Beckley, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in December 2012 to obtaining controlled substances by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception and subterfuge.

Brown’s crime prompted the dismissal of a number of drug prosecutions that involved evidence stored in the Beckley Police Department evidence room.

The Drug Enforcement Agency Tactical Diversion Squad was in charge of the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Steven I. Loew handled the prosecution. 

This case was being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District. 

Police seize hundreds of prescription painkillers, more than $35,000 and firearms during search of defendant’s home

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston pill dealer faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty today in federal court to distribution of oxycodone, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  On October 3, 2012, law enforcement officers with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at the Charleston residence belonging to Eric Simmons, 27.  During the search of Simmons’ residence, police seized approximately $35,410 in cash, two rifles, two handguns and 872 30-milligram oxycodone pills. 

Simmons had previously sold 10 30-milligram oxycodone pills to a confidential informant working with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department in exchange for $300.  The illegal pill transaction occurred at the parking lot of the Ivy Motel located on MacCorkle Avenue in Charleston. 

Simmons regularly sold prescription painkillers in and around Charleston for $30 to $35 per pill.  The cash seized from the defendant’s residence was proceeds collected from illegal prescription pill transactions.      

Simmons is scheduled to be sentenced on August 5, 2013 by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston. 

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney John Frail is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, remain committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District. 

Saturday’s event is the sixth national prescription drug collection of its kind

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - United States Attorney Booth Goodwin today asked West Virginians to reach into their home medicine cabinets and pull out any unused, unwanted or expired prescriptions and turn them in at a drop-off site as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Saturday, May 27, 2013.  The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  More than 100 locations across the state will serve as designated drop-off sites for Saturday’s event.   

“Prescription drug abuse remains a terribly serious problem in West Virginia and around the country,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said. “For many people, especially teenagers, the road to addiction starts with pills they find in their parents’ or grandparents’ medicine cabinets.  Worse than that, our region has seen a wave of terrifying home invasions by prescription drug addicts looking for pills or for money to buy pills.”

Goodwin continued, “Our previous Take-Back events have been striking successes.  This ongoing initiative has played an important role in fighting prescription drug abuse.  I urge everyone to clean out their medicine cabinets and drop off unneeded medications at a take-back site on Saturday the 27th.” 
Saturday’s Take-Back event provides an opportunity for people who missed previous events, or who have accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs since the last Take-Back, to safely dispose of those medications. 

In the five previous Take-Back events, the Drug Enforcement Administration and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement partners have collected more than 2 million pounds (1,018 tons) of prescription medications nationwide.

For more information about take-back locations in West Virginia, please visit www.dea.gov and follow the link for National Prescription Take-Back Day.

Second annual ceremony lauds students for exceptional character, commitment to social justice

*Click here to view the group photograph*

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin today recognized 56 high school juniors as U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice during an afternoon ceremony at the Culture Center in Charleston.  The U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice program is an initiative led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. It honors high school juniors who have shown outstanding leadership skills and a commitment to social justice. 

Today’s ceremony marked the second time U.S. Attorney Goodwin has recognized young leaders from high schools in the Southern District of West Virginia as Ambassadors for Justice.    

“I am very pleased to honor the second class of high school juniors from throughout the Southern District as my Ambassadors for Justice,” U.S. Attorney Goodwin said.  “These 56 students have each demonstrated a powerful ethical compass.  They’ve exemplified tremendous leadership.” 
Goodwin continued, “Their ideas and perspectives are invaluable.  These are students who are willing to step forward and do something if one of their peers makes a self-destructive decision or bullies someone else.”

Goodwin said that his office is deeply concerned about problems facing young people in his district.  “This isn't just an award or a title. This is an ongoing mission for me, my office, our schools, our communities, and for each of these Ambassadors for Justice, so that together we can exert positive influences in our schools and communities,” said Goodwin.

The U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice program was created by U.S. Attorney Goodwin last year in response to rising school bullying and social media threats involving young people.  The program was also spurred by a February 2012 school shooting at Chardon High School in Chardon, Ohio, in which a student opened fire on his classmates, killing three and wounding two others. Other episodes involving planned violent attacks by young people that were prevented due to the swift actions of students and school Prevention Resource Officers here in the Southern District of West Virginia have also encouraged U.S. Attorney Goodwin's initiative.   

Nominations to be U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice are made by school principals and administrative leaders.  Goodwin said that outstanding character, devotion to citizenship, and a commitment to serving others are fundamentals for nomination.  This year, 56 out of 59 high schools in the 23-county Southern District of West Virginia nominated outstanding students to be Ambassadors for Justice.    

The 2013 U.S. Attorney’s Ambassadors for Justice are as follows (by student name/high school/county)

Please note: Individual photos of each student are available here.

Boone County
Sydney Burdette, Sherman High School (Boone Co.)
Haleigh Foxx, Van Jr./Sr. High School (Boone)       
Kendyl Ryan, Scott High School (Boone Co.)         

Cabell County
Anthony Jaime, Huntington High School (Cabell Co.)         
Jaime Schussler, Cabell Midland High School (Cabell Co.)  

Clay County
Elizabeth Remias, Clay County High School (Clay Co.)      

Fayette County
Bradley Higginbotham, Valley High School (Fayette Co.)   
Jonathan Hildebrand, Midland Trail High School (Fayette Co.)      
Felicia  Pomeroy, Meadow Bridge High School (Fayette Co.)
Hali Zink, Oak Hill High School (Fayette Co.)                     

Greenbrier County
Taylor  Gilkeson, Greenbrier West High School (Greenbrier Co.)    
Heather Vallandingham, Greenbrier East High School (Greenbrier Co.)      

Jackson County
Talia Martinez, Ravenswood High School (Jackson Co.)
Nathan Tucker, Ripley High School (Jackson Co.)   

Kanawha County
Hunter Chandler, Herbert Hoover High School (Kanawha Co.)       
Camden Elliott, George Washington High School (Kanawha Co.)  
Matt Jarvis, Nitro High School (Kanawha Co.)
Dakota Kelly, St. Albans High School (Kanawha Co.)                    
Morgan King, Capital High School (Kanawha Co.)
Derek Nelson, South Charleston High School (Kanawha Co.)         
Cody Taylor, Sissonville High School (Kanawha Co.)         

Logan County
Joey Buchanon, Man High School (Logan Co.)        
McGinnis Dalton, Logan Senior High School (Logan Co.)  

Lincoln County
Logan Miller, Lincoln County High School (Lincoln Co.)    

Mason County
Ayla Edwards, Point Pleasant Jr./Sr. High School Point (Mason Co.)         
Wynston Lloyd, Hannan Jr./Sr. High School (Mason Co.)
Paige Stanhope, Wahama Jr./Sr. High School (Mason Co.)              

McDowell County
Ryan Blankenship, River View High School (McDowell Co.)         

Mercer County
Vaughn Campbell, Pike View High School (Mercer Co.)
Will Hickman, Princeton Senior High School (Mercer Co.)              
Molly Lovern, Bluefield High School (Mercer Co.)
Robert Punturi III, Montcalm High School (Mercer Co.)     

Mingo County
Julius Hatcher, Mingo Central High School (Mingo Co.)
David  Runyon, Tug Valley High School (Mingo Co.)                     

Monroe County
Elliott Judy, James Monroe High School (Monroe Co.)        

Nicholas County
Jesse Borrell, Nicholas County High School (Nicholas Co.) 
Benjamin Weber, Richwood High School (Nicholas Co.)    

Putnam County
Cory Hoshor, Buffalo High School (Putnam Co.)
Carla Haikal, Winfield High School (Putnam Co.)               
Sarah Lawrence, Hurricane High School (Putnam Co.)
Kyle McClanahan, Poca High School (Putnam Co.)

Raleigh County
Adam Pack, Independence High School (Raleigh Co.)
Luke Stover, Liberty High School (Raleigh Co.)      
McKenna Williamson, Shady Spring High School (Raleigh Co.)
Aniket Zinzuwadia, Woodrow Wilson High School (Raleigh Co.)              

Roane County
Kennedy Roberts, Roane County High School (Roane Co.)

Summers County
Lindsay Ryan, Summers County High School (Summers Co.)         

Wayne County
Payton Fetty, Wayne High School (Wayne Co.)       
Kristen Griffith, Tolsia High School (Wayne Co.) 
Meredith Hall, Spring Valley High School (Wayne Co.)      

Wirt County
Leah Haines, Wirt County High School (Wirt Co.)  

Wood County

Shalin Gandhi, Parkersburg High School (Wood Co.)

Allison Walker, Parkersburg South High School (Wood Co.)

Matthew Zlatkind, Williamstown High School (Wood Co.)

Wyoming County

Anna Davis, Westside High School (Wyoming Co.)

Savannah Lusk, Wyoming East High School (Wyoming Co.)          

Shaun Linko opened fire at a Lynn Street residence in Parkersburg

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin today announced that a Wood County man who opened fire at a Parkersburg residence in September 2012 pleaded guilty in court to a federal firearm violation.  Shaun Michael Linko, 25, of Parkersburg, W.Va., pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

On September 19, 2012, police in Parkersburg responded to a report of shots fired in the vicinity of 1122 Lynn Street.  Upon their arrival, officers with the Parkersburg Police Department observed a large quantity of spent shell casings from a semi-automatic rifle in the street, along with apparent bullet holes in the exterior of the residence at 1122 Lynn Street.  A short time later, Wood County deputy sheriffs observed a vehicle at the 7th Street Park and Ride, which is located a short distance from Lynn Street.  As deputies approached the vehicle, they observed an ammunition box on the ground beside the driver’s side door.  Police officers ordered the driver, Shaun Michael Linko, and a female passenger to exit the vehicle.  Both individuals informed police that they were on Lynn Street earlier that same day. 

Linko, who was arrested, told police he shot at the 1122 Lynn Street residence using his rifle.  Officers recovered an assault rifle and loose ammunition from the defendant’s vehicle.

Linko was previously convicted in March 2010 in the Circuit Court of Wood County, West Virginia of conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance.  The defendant did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored. 

Linko faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when he is sentenced on August 27, 2013 by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.    

The investigation was conducted by the Parkersburg Police Department, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Hanks is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is also being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

Detectives found a loaded .38 caliber pistol hidden in toddler’s bed at the defendant’s home

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A 40-year-old man who possessed thousands of dollars in cash, hundreds of powerful prescription painkillers, and a loaded firearm inside a toddler’s bed at his South Charleston residence was sentenced today to 27 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Thomas Henry Banks, Jr., also known as “Fat Cat,” 40, of South Charleston, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in June 2012 to possession with intent to distribute oxymorphone hydrochloride, also known as “Opana,” and oxycodone, also known as “Roxicodone”.  Law enforcement agents from the Metro Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) received a tip that the defendant possessed illegal prescription painkillers and went to his South Charleston home to investigate.  At the residence, law enforcement officers found a fully loaded .38 caliber pistol hidden in a toddler’s bed, as well as 165 40-milligram Opana pills and 81 30-milligram oxycodone pills in the defendant’s bedroom. 

The $2,851 in cash seized from the defendant’s bedroom was proceeds from illegal drug transactions.

The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston. 

This case was prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, remain committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District. 

So-called doctor’s office lacked running water, medical equipment; doctor faces up to six years in federal prison

*Audio Clip included*

 CHARLESTON, W.Va. –United States Attorney Booth Goodwin announced today that a Logan County doctor has pleaded guilty to federal drug charges in connection with a Logan County pill mill.  Dr. Fernando Gonzales-Ramos, 47, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose. Gonzales-Ramos was charged earlier this month in a legal filing known as an information.

“Dr. Gonzales-Ramos wasn’t operating a doctor’s office, he was running a drug den,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “His so-called office had no exam table, no running water, and not even so much as a stethoscope. For thousands of dollars in cash, he was pumping out prescriptions for thousands of units of powerful narcotics.”

Gonzales-Ramos traveled from El Paso, Texas to Logan, West Virginia every three months to illegally dispense prescription painkillers from a Logan County office.  Gonzales-Ramos also hired a commercial security guard who was armed with a firearm to protect his makeshift Logan County doctor’s office.
On March 2, 2013, an individual cooperating with the FBI entered the building that the defendant used as an office and paid $450 cash in exchange for a prescription for the painkiller hydrocodone.  Prior to obtaining the prescription, the cooperating individual had not been examined or questioned by anyone.  The cooperating individual obtained the prescription from Gonzales-Ramos’s office in less than three minutes. 

On March 3, 2013, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant on the building located at 2130 Old Logan Road in Logan, W.Va.  During the execution of the warrant, agents found several individuals waiting inside to get written prescriptions for controlled substances from Gonzales-Ramos. 

From September 2011 through March 3, 2013, Gonzales-Ramos ran a cash-only business at the Logan County office where he charged patients $450 for Schedule III controlled substance prescriptions and $500 for Schedule II controlled substance prescriptions.  After collecting the cash payments, Gonzales-Ramos directed a known associate to make cash deposits into his personal bank accounts. 
Gonzales-Ramos faces a minimum of 57 months and up to 71 months in prison when he is sentenced on August 14, 2013 by U.S. District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. 

As part of his plea agreement, Gonzales-Ramos has agreed to surrender his Drug Enforcement Administration Certificate of Registration. 

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the U.S. 119 Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, and the Logan County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Steven Loew is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of an ongoing effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illicit sale and misuse of prescription drugs.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office, joined by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, is committed to aggressively pursuing and shutting down illegal pill trafficking, eliminating open air drug markets, and curtailing the spread of opiate painkillers in communities across the Southern District. 

# # #

Click here listen to an audio clip from U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin

Officials also caution students about posting personal information on the Internet

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin, U.S. Marshal John Foster and West Virginia National Guard Major Gen. James Hoyer today met with faculty members and students from Western Greenbrier Middle School in Greenbrier County, W.Va. and Bluefield Middle School in Mercer County, W.Va., to talk about the dangers of illegal drug abuse, and especially prescription drugs. The three officials also spoke to students and faculty at both schools about safely using the Internet and social media, as well as school bullying. 

Prescription drug abuse is one of the leading causes of crime in the Southern District of West Virginia and the leading cause of death among the nation’s teen population.

Greenbrier and Mercer Counties have been particularly hard-hit by the prescription drug crisis. 

“As a prosecutor, I see hundreds of people every year who’ve thrown away their lives over drugs,” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said. “If we can persuade even one of these kids to stay off that path, it’ll make all the difference in the world to that person’s life. It’s vitally important to get out the message about the tragic consequences of drug abuse.” 

Goodwin continued, “My paramount goal as a prosecutor is to prevent crimes from happening in the first place. Educating students about positive choices is essential to making our communities safer.”

The officials also noted that roughly 60% of school bullies end up in prison by the time they reach their twenties. 

U.S. Marshal John Foster, who spoke to students about the harmful effects of bullying, said, “The point that I continually re-emphasize to students is that choices in life matter.”
Foster continued, "A person being put down or bullied today could very well grow up to work in a position to help others later in life.”

West Virginia National Guard Major Gen. Jim Hoyer said, “The students have to understand the importance of making wise choices.  Making poor choices or getting involved in illegal drugs will most certainly inhibit success and opportunities.”

U.S. Attorney Goodwin, U.S. Marshal Foster and Maj. Gen. Hoyer have visited numerous schools in the 23-county Southern District of West Virginia over the past year as part of ongoing awareness initiative led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to educate faculty and students about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and other issues. 

Brian Koch struck police dog with barrel of his rifle during arrest; suffers gunshot wound 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A Fayette County felon who failed to comply with repeated orders to drop a firearm during the execution of a warrant for his arrest in January 2012 was sentenced today to three years and five months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm.  Brian L. Koch, 31, of Fayette County, W.Va., previously pleaded guilty in February to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  On January 10, 2012, members of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department arrived at a cabin located near Chestnutburg Road in Fayette County to execute an arrest warrant on the defendant. 

After entering the cabin, law enforcement officers discovered Koch holding a rifle.  Law enforcement ordered the defendant to drop the firearm.  At the time, Koch repeatedly failed to comply with orders to drop the firearm and also struck a police dog with the barrel of his rifle.  As Koch turned toward responding officers, a Fayette County Sheriff’s deputy fired two shots, one of which struck the defendant in the arm.  Koch was placed under arrest.         

Officers also found at least seven additional firearms inside of the cabin that belonged to Koch.           
Koch was previously convicted in March 2005 in the Circuit Court of Fayette County, West Virginia of grand larceny.  Koch was also previously convicted in October 2004 in the Circuit Court of Fayette County, West Virginia of uttering. The defendant did not have his rights to possess a firearm restored. 

The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant United States Attorney John File handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston.   

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in the United States by networking existing local programs targeting gun crime.

Starks failed to report more than half a million dollars of income on her taxes

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A former Charleston festival executive director who failed to report more than half a million dollars of income on her taxes was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison on income tax fraud charges, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Deborah S. Starks, 55, of Cross Lanes, W.Va., previously admitted that she filed a false tax return in connection with an embezzlement scheme that drained more than $300,000 from MultiCultural Festival of WV, Inc. (“MultiFest”), a Charleston-based non-profit organization.

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, "Ms. Starks failed to report more than half a million dollars of income on her taxes. More than $300,000 of that unreported income was money she stole from Multifest.”
Goodwin continued, “Stealing $300,000 from a small business or charity could easily put that organization out of business.  That's why my office has focused on investigating and prosecuting cases like these, to protect small businesses and charities and to send a clear message that stealing from them won’t be tolerated."

Starks was the treasurer of MultiFest at the time of the scheme.  MultiFest sponsors a music, arts and crafts, and dance festival held annually in Charleston. As treasurer, Starks was in charge of revenue and expenses for MultiFest and maintained the organization’s bank accounts.   

Starks admitted that beginning in or about 2005 and continuing until 2010, she embezzled approximately $306,000 from MultiFest. She also admitted additional unreported taxable income of approximately $200,000.  Starks further admitted that she wrote personal checks to herself and to other people, withdrew cash in the form of checks, and made ATM transactions from MultiFest bank accounts during the scheme.  Starks also admitted that the embezzled funds were used primarily to support her personal gambling activities. 

In addition to the embezzlement scheme, the defendant admitted that she prepared, signed and filed a joint U.S. Individual Income Tax Return for each of the calendar years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and did not report the embezzled funds as income. 

The Court ordered Starks to pay restitution to MultiFest in the amount of $306,872.04 and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the amount of $128,626.   

The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Cophenhaver, Jr.

This matter was investigated by the IRS. Assistant United States Attorney Eumi L. Choi handled the prosecution.

This case was prosecuted as part of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia’s Small Business Protection Initiative.  U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announced the Small Business Protection Initiative in November 2010.  Small Business Protection is a key initiative of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia that focuses on the prosecution of individuals who defraud small West Virginia businesses located in the Southern District.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A Kanawha County resident who collected more than 600 images of child pornography was sentenced on April 15 to two years in federal prison followed by 15 years of supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.  Michael Lee McCormick, 42, of Winifrede, Kanawha County, W.Va., pleaded guilty in November 2012.  McCormick admitted that he possessed more than 600 images of child pornography.  McCormick also admitted that he downloaded the images on his computer.  McCormick further admitted that he shared the images with other individuals using the Internet.

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said, “Pedophiles like this defendant who download and trade child pornography encourage the abuse and exploitation of children.  Behind every piece of child pornography traded over the Internet, there is a child somewhere who has been exploited in the most heinous way imaginable.  I will continue to spare no effort in prosecuting these crimes against children.”  

Goodwin continued, “This sentencing underscores the fact that sexual exploitation remains a serious problem.” 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation.   Assistant United States Attorney John Frail handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/wvs/PSCpage.html.  For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and follow the link named “Resources.”

Law enforcement vehicles to display “End Sexual Abuse” teal decals throughout the month of April

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Booth Goodwin, members of the law enforcement community, and REACH Rape Crisis Program advocates gathered today at the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse in Charleston to unveil a special magnetic decal in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The ceremony was held in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, which is recognized nationally during the month of April. 

“Sexual assault and rape are terrible crimes that affect people of every age and background,” said U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, “These acts damage the lives of their victims irrevocably.  Entire families can be turned upside down in the blink of an eye.  Victims often spend the rest of their lives trying to pick up the broken pieces.”

During today’s ceremony, U.S. Attorney Goodwin said that the magnetic decals are small, yet enormously symbolic.  “The magnetic decals symbolize our collective commitment to fighting sexual assault.”

According to statistics, nearly 1 in 5 women (18.3%) and 1 in 71 men (1.4%) in the United States have been raped at some time in their lives, representing approximately 22 million women and 1.6 million men.  When all types of sexual violence are included, the number grows to nearly half of all women and one in five men experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime.

Statistics further reveal that child sexual abuse affects over one quarter of the national population. It is estimated that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused by age 18.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia is committed to prosecuting individuals who sexually exploit children, and also works diligently to identify and rescue victims as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. 

U.S. Attorney Goodwin said, “Behind every piece of child pornography traded over the Internet, there is a child somewhere who has been exploited in the most heinous way imaginable. People who download these pictures encourage that exploitation, and I will be relentless in prosecuting them.”

The magnetic decals unveiled at today’s ceremony will be prominently displayed on law enforcement vehicles and cruisers throughout the month of April.  

For more information on the “End Sexual Abuse” magnetic ribbons or how they can be obtained, please contact REACH director Marla Willcox Eddy at: meddy@familycounselingconnection.org or 304-340-3676. 

Photo: U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin led today's unveiling ceremony held at the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse. The teal decal was created in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness month.

Click here to view photo