Southern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Isaiah Levi Creasey, 23, of Charleston, was sentenced today to two years of federal probation, including six months on home detention, for making a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 25, 2025, Creasey purchased a Glock model 19X 9mm pistol from a licensed firearms dealer in South Charleston. As part of his guilty plea, Creasey admitted that he purchased the firearm for a juvenile and falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 that he was the purchaser of the firearm when he knew he was buying it for the juvenile. Creasey further admitted that he intended to deceive the firearms dealer into believing he was the actual buyer of the pistol, and that following the purchase he gave the pistol to the juvenile who was waiting in his vehicle outside of the business.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-9.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Moore Capito will hold a press conference today, Monday, July 27, 2026, with law enforcement partners following the 3:30 p.m.hearing in USA vs. David Elliott Pritt.

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: Monday, July 27, 2026, following 3:30 p.m. preliminary-detention hearing

WHERE: Fifth Floor, Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse, Charleston

*** Cameras and other recording devices are not allowed in the courtroom per U.S. District Court policy. Media will be escorted to and from the fifth floor.  Media are asked to set up in the press conference area in advance of the hearing.  ***

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Boyd Clark, 42, of Beckley, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, to distribution of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 31, 2025, Clark sold approximately 1 gram of fentanyl to a confidential informant at a Beckley hotel where Clark was staying. As part of his guilty plea, Clark admitted to conducting the transaction and further admitted to selling 1-gram quantities of fentanyl on November 5, 2025, and February 24, 2026, also in Beckley to the same confidential informant.  The investigation also revealed that Clark was on federal supervised release at the time the controlled drug buys were made, as result of a previous conviction in the United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. 

Clark is scheduled to be sentenced on November 13, 2026 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beckley Police Department.

United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:26-cr-37.

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A former corrections officer at the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, for his role in a conspiracy in which he and other correctional officers used unreasonable force against inmates, including pretrial detainees, as a form of punishment and retaliation. Nathaniel Pack, 29, of Jumping Branch, pleaded guilty to one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 241.

According to his plea agreement and during the plea hearing, Pack admitted that, beginning in about April 2020, and continuing through on or about March 1, 2022, he and other officers conspired to use unreasonable and unjustified force against inmates they believed or perceived to have engaged in misconduct. As part of this conspiracy, Pack and his co-conspirators would bring the inmates to “blind spots” in the jail – areas that were not captured on surveillance cameras – so that they could assault the inmates without being recorded and thus avoid being held accountable for their actions.

Pack admitted that, during the conspiracy, he and others used unreasonable and unjustified force against inmates in “blind spots” on at least seven different occasions. Among those occasions, in November 2020, he and other co-conspirators responded to an incident in which pretrial detainee J.D.H. had been kicking his cell door. After an initial use of force incident in the cell, the defendant and others handcuffed J.D.H. and brought him to an interview room that was a known “blind spot,” where the defendant and others struck and punched J.D.H. about his body while he was handcuffed and not a threat, causing him to suffer bodily injury. In a July 2021 incident, the defendant and co-conspirators handcuffed pretrial detainee D.W.M., who had not been following officers’ verbal commands. The defendant and others brought D.W.M. to a “blind spot” interview room, where they struck him about the face and body while D.W.M. was handcuffed and not a threat, to unlawfully punish him for not following officers’ commands.

As a result of these actions, D.W.M. suffered lacerations and bleeding about his head. In January 2022, the defendant brought pretrial detainee H.B. to the “blind spot” interview room, where the defendant struck H.B. in the face to punish H.B. for calling another officer a slur. The defendant and a co-conspirator then brought H.B. to a cell that he knew to be another “blind spot,” where the defendant punched H.B. repeatedly about the face and body while he was handcuffed and not a threat, causing H.B. to suffer injuries to his face. In addition, Pack admitted that on or about March 1, 2022, he responded to a call for officer assistance after pretrial detainee Q.B. attempted to push past an officer and leave his assigned pod. The defendant and co-conspirators restrained Q.B., handcuffed him, and escorted Q.B. to the “blind spot” interview room. While the co-conspirators brought Q.B. into the interview room, the defendant went into the medical unit, where he told staff to wait a few minutes before going to the interview room to evaluate Q.B. The defendant told the staff to wait because the defendant wanted to give the co-conspirators time to use unreasonable force against Q.B. inside the interview room.

In addition, Pack admitted that, as part of the conspiracy, he and his co-conspirators prepared false reports in which they denied using unreasonable force and failed to document injuries that inmates sustained during use of force incidents, so that the conspirators would not be investigated or held accountable for their actions.  

Pack pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn. He will be sentenced on Dec. 4. According to his plea agreement, Pack faces a maximum Penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:26-cr-79.

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A former corrections officer at the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, pleaded guilty for his role in a conspiracy in which he and other correctional officers used unreasonable force against inmates, including pretrial detainees, as a form of punishment and retaliation. Nathaniel Pack, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 241.

According to his plea agreement and during the plea hearing, Pack admitted that, beginning in about April 2020, and continuing through on or about March 1, 2022, he and other officers conspired to use unreasonable and unjustified force against inmates they believed or perceived to have engaged in misconduct. As part of this conspiracy, Pack and his co-conspirators would bring the inmates to “blind spots” in the jail – areas that were not captured on surveillance cameras – so that they could assault the inmates without being recorded and thus avoid being held accountable for their actions.

Pack admitted that, during the conspiracy, he and others used unreasonable and unjustified force against inmates in “blind spots” on at least seven different occasions. Among those occasions, in November 2020, he and other co-conspirators responded to an incident in which pretrial detainee J.D.H. had been kicking his cell door. After an initial use of force incident in the cell, the defendant and others handcuffed J.D.H. and brought him to an interview room that was a known “blind spot,” where the defendant and others struck and punched J.D.H. about his body while he was handcuffed and not a threat, causing him to suffer bodily injury. In a July 2021 incident, the defendant and co-conspirators handcuffed pretrial detainee D.W.M., who had not been following officers’ verbal commands. The defendant and others brought D.W.M. to a “blind spot” interview room, where they struck him about the face and body while D.W.M. was handcuffed and not a threat, to unlawfully punish him for not following officers’ commands.

As a result of these actions, D.W.M. suffered lacerations and bleeding about his head. In January 2022, the defendant brought pretrial detainee H.B. to the “blind spot” interview room, where the defendant struck H.B. in the face to punish H.B. for calling another officer a slur. The defendant and a co-conspirator then brought H.B. to a cell that he knew to be another “blind spot,” where the defendant punched H.B. repeatedly about the face and body while he was handcuffed and not a threat, causing H.B. to suffer injuries to his face. In addition, Pack admitted that on or about March 1, 2022, he responded to a call for officer assistance after pretrial detainee Q.B. attempted to push past an officer and leave his assigned pod. The defendant and co-conspirators restrained Q.B., handcuffed him, and escorted Q.B. to the “blind spot” interview room. While the co-conspirators brought Q.B. into the interview room, the defendant went into the medical unit, where he told staff to wait a few minutes before going to the interview room to evaluate Q.B. The defendant told the staff to wait because the defendant wanted to give the co-conspirators time to use unreasonable force against Q.B. inside the interview room.

In addition, Pack admitted that, as part of the conspiracy, he and his co-conspirators prepared false reports in which they denied using unreasonable force and failed to document injuries that inmates sustained during use of force incidents, so that the conspirators would not be investigated or held accountable for their actions.  

Pack pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn. He will be sentenced on Dec. 4. According to his plea agreement, Pack faces a maximum Penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Andre Marvin Marneal Jenkins, also known as “Meech,” 28, of South Charleston, was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Jenkins admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charleston area between June 2024 and May 2025.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Jenkins arranged to distribute fentanyl pills to a co-conspirator who intended to redistribute those pills to a customer. On April 10, 2025, law enforcement officers encountered Jenkins when they executed a search warrant at a Charleston apartment and seized a quantity of fentanyl and a loaded Glock 17 9mm pistol from Jenkins.  He also possessed a key to a storage unit in Dunbar. Officers executed a search warrant on that storage unit and recovered over 5,300 pills containing fentanyl and other substances, along with three additional firearms.  

Jenkins is among nine defendants who pleaded guilty following their indictment on charges alleging they participated in the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charleston area between June 2024 and May 2025. Four additional defendants pleaded guilty in separate cases that resulted from the same federal investigation.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-78.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Steven Mark Hosey, 59, of Poca, was sentenced to three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawfully engaging in the business of dealing in firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least April 2024 through April 10, 2025, Hosey sold firearms without a Federal Firearms License (FFL) in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Hosey admitted that he knew he needed an FFL based on the quantity and regularity with which he was buying and selling firearms. Hosey further admitted that he purchased firearms from FFL licensees with the intent to sell the firearms to other individuals, received requests from individuals for specific firearms that he would purchase to sell to those individuals, purchased firearms without a specific buyer in mind, and advertised the sale of firearms on various social media platforms.

Hosey also admitted that he sold between 40 and 50 firearms for profit during the time period. These firearms included a Glock model 43X 9mm pistol and a Shadow Systems model MR920 9mm pistol on January 25, 2025, a Glock model 40 10mm pistol and a Colt model Anaconda .44 Magnum revolver on February 6, 2025, a Sig Sauer model P320 9mm pistol and a Smith & Wesson model 629 .44 Magnum revolver on February 28, 2025, a Glock model 45 9mm pistol and a FN model FNX-45 Tactical .45-caliber pistol on March 17, 2025, and a Kimber model Tactical Pro II 9mm pistol and a Springfield Armory model Hellcat 9mm pistol on April 8, 2025. Hosey admitted that he conducted the five transactions in the parking lot of an FFL business and sold the firearms to a confidential informant.

On April 10, 2025, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Hosey’s residence and seized 34 firearms. Hosey admitted that he intended to sell some of the seized firearms for profit.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-36.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – After a one-day trial, a federal jury convicted Christian Garrett Thornton, 40, of Cross Lanes, on Monday, July 20, 2026, of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine; being a felon in possession of a firearm; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Evidence at trial showed that on October 29, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Thornton’s Cross Lanes residence. Officers found 662 grams of fentanyl and 162 grams of methamphetamine, having a street value of approximately $50,000, a Taurus model PT709 Slim 9mm pistol, a Taurus model Judge Public Defender Poly .45/,410 revolver, and a Colt model Peacemaker .22-caliber revolver in Thornton’s bedroom.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Thornton knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions on four counts of distribution of a quantity of oxymorphone and one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of oxymorphone in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on March 29, 2017.

Thornton is scheduled to be sentenced on December 3, 2026, and faces a minimum of ten years and a maximum penalty of life in prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; up to 15 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm; and a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hurricane Police Department conducted the investigation. 

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the jury trial. Assistant United States Attorneys D. Keith Randolph and Joshua Hanks are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-38.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marcus Allen Johnson, also known as “Mook,” 42, of Huntington, was sentenced on July 20, 2026, to seven years and eight months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of a quantity of fentanyl and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, Johnson sold approximately 53.76 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl on January 14, 2025, and approximately 56.68 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl on January 28, 2025, each time to a confidential informant in Huntington. As part of his guilty pleas, Johnson admitted that he conducted each transaction and arranged them beforehand. Johnson’s sentence was enhanced based on his role in having threats made to a government witness during the prosecution.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff's Office.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams prosecuted the cases.

This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), an enforcement surge that has sought to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 3:25-cr-96 and 3:25-cr-187.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jonathan Wayne Vickers, 35, of Summersville, was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 13, 2024, a law enforcement officer responded to a reported ATV crash in Nicholas County and encountered emergency responders treating Vickers, the ATV’s operator who was injured in the crash. While Vickers was being treated, a SCCY Industries model CPX-2 9mm pistol fell from his person onto the gurney. As part of his guilty plea, Vickers admitted that he possessed the firearm.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Vickers knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for burglary and grand larceny on February 10, 2021, and conspiracy to commit breaking and entering on March 12, 2015, both in Nicholas County Circuit Court.

Vickers has a criminal history that includes two additional prior felony convictions 

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Nicholas County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the assistance provided by the Nicholas County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney D. Keith Randolph prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-185.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Samuel Jermaine Caples, also known as “EJ,” 25, of Pontiac, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 9, 2026, Caples sold approximately 216.7 grams of 100 percent pure methamphetamine to a confidential informant at a Huntington residence in exchange for $1,600. As part of his guilty plea, Caples admitted that he conducted the transaction after the confidential informant arranged it with another individual.

Caples further admitted that he sold a mixture containing approximately 30.18 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for $450 on December 2, 2025, and sold approximately 7.11 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $800 on January 14, 2026. Each transaction took place in Huntington.

Caples is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff's Office.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams and third-year law student intern Chloe A. Bailey are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-43.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Dylan James Pettyjohn, 21, of Huntington, was sentenced today to one year and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for selling a firearm to a convicted felon.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 23, 2025, Pettyjohn sold a Calwest model J-22 .22-calier pistol to a confidential informant for $150. As part of his guilty plea, Pettyjohn admitted that he conducted the transaction after arranging it beforehand, that the confidential informant told him he was a convicted felon during the transaction, and that the transaction occurred at the Huntington residence of Erin Leigh Keeney.

Pettyjohn further admitted that he sold a Glock model 34 9mm pistol for $600 on May 13, 2025, and a Just Right Carbines model JR Carbine 9mm rifle for $650 on May 22, 2025, to the same confidential informant in Huntington.

Pettyjohn and Keeney are among seven individuals indicted following a federal investigation of drug trafficking in the Huntington area. All seven defendants pleaded guilty. Keeney, 42, of Huntington, is scheduled to be sentenced on September 28, 2026, after pleading guilty to distribution of carfentanil.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Huntington Police Department, and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-158.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Daniel Legette, also known as “Bam,” 50, of Huntington, was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of quantities of fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and violating supervised release.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 21, 2025, Legette sold approximately 0.65 grams of fentanyl and 0.42 grams of crack to a confidential informant in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Legette admitted that he conducted the transaction and arranged it beforehand.

At the time of this offense, Legette was serving a term of supervised release following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute a quantity of crack in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on March 22, 2021. Today’s sentence includes two years in prison for committing a crime while on supervised release.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-186.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, Kelvin Rydele Myles, also known as “D,” 49, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and Kristina Renea Clark, 37, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl. Myles and Clark admitted to their roles in a conspiracy that distributed fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack,” within the Southern District of West Virginia.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 14, 2024, Myles sold approximately 2.9 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant while under a train trestle on Charleston’s West Side. As part of his guilty plea, Myles admitted that he conducted the transaction. Myles further admitted that he conducted multiple additional drug transactions. Myles sold approximately 3.28 grams of fentanyl on March 19, 2024, approximately 3.43 grams of fentanyl on March 22, 2024, and approximately 3.7 grams of fentanyl and 1.2 grams of cocaine on December 8, 2025. Each transaction occurred on Charleston’s West Side. Myles also sold approximately 5.1 grams of fentanyl on December 11, 2025, in South Charleston. All four transactions were with a confidential informant.

On May 3, 2024, Clark sold approximately 3.49 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in the driveway of a residence on Charleston’s West Side. As part of her guilty plea, Clark admitted that she conducted the transaction after a co-conspirator arranged it beforehand. Clark also admitted to additional drug transactions. Clark sold approximately 3.45 grams of fentanyl on April 16, 2024, and approximately 3.48 grams of fentanyl on July 10, 2024. Both transactions occurred on Charleston’s West Side. Each was with a confidential informant and was arranged beforehand by a co-conspirator. On September 17, 2024, Clark worked with two co-conspirators to sell approximately 3.51 grams of fentanyl and 2.81 grams of crack to a confidential informant at a residence on Charleston’s West Side. Clark brought the crack and some of the fentanyl from her residence to complete the transaction after one of her co-conspirators did not have enough of the drugs the confidential informant wanted to purchase.

On October 7, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Clark’s residence on Charleston’s West Side and seized 3.62 kilograms of fentanyl, 562 grams of cocaine, and six firearms from Clark’s bedroom. As part of her guilty plea, Clark admitted that she possessed the seized drugs and intended to distribute them and possessed the seized firearms in connection with her drug distribution intentions.

On December 16, 2025, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop in Hurricane of a vehicle driven by Myles in which Clark was a passenger. Officers searched the vehicle during the traffic stop and seized two vacuum-sealed bags in the vehicle’s trunk that weighed approximately 760 grams and contained fentanyl. As part of their guilty pleas, Myles and Clark each admitted that they knew the fentanyl was in the trunk and that they intended to distribute it within the Southern District of West Virginia.

Myles and Clark are scheduled to be sentenced on October 29, 2026. Each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

Myles and Clark each admitted to participating in the drug conspiracy between February and October 2024. They are among five defendants indicted by a federal grand jury following an investigation of drug trafficking in the Charleston area. The indictment remains pending against the other defendants. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department-Special Enforcement Unit, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department, and the South Charleston Police Department.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin and former Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon have prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-18.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jeffrey Allen Jones, also known as “Ben,” 46, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to seven years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 7, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Jones’ Huntington residence and seized approximately 44 grams of fentanyl, approximately 23 grams of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and a loaded Glock 23 .40-caliber pistol. As part of his guilty plea, Jones admitted that he possessed the seized controlled substances and intended to distribute them, and that he possessed the firearm to protect himself and the seized drugs.

Jones also admitted to selling fentanyl on four occasions between January 2, 2025, and March 5, 2025, in quantities of approximately 1 gram each time to a confidential informant at the Huntington residence and in exchange for $80.

On December 17, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Huntington motel room, where they arrested Jones and seized approximately 15 grams of crack and 5 grams of fentanyl in his possession.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-153.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Robert J. Thomas, 31, of St. Albans, was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 27, 2024, Thomas possessed a Glock Model 27 .40-caliber pistol in the Jefferson area of Kanawha County.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Thomas knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in Putnam County Circuit Court on October 9, 2019.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Charleston Police Department.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel Price and third-year law student intern Jeffrey R. Watkins prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-40.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Tavoyn Billy Morrison, 26, of Huntington, was sentenced today to time served and three years of supervised release for distribution of cocaine base, also known as “crack.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 31, 2025, Morrison sold approximately 3 grams of crack to a confidential informant for $200 at a Huntington residence. As part of his guilty plea, Morrison admitted to conducting the transaction and further admitted that he sold approximately 3 grams of crack to a confidential informant for $200 outside of the Huntington residence on August 14, 2025.

Morrison is among seven individuals who pleaded guilty as the result of an investigation targeting the distribution of controlled substances in the Huntington area.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Huntington Police Department, and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-156.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marrio Adam Kinchen, also known as “Kardi,” 37, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a mixture containing methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 2, 2025, Kinchen sold approximately 27 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at a Huntington address in exchange for $200.

Kinchen is scheduled to be sentenced on October 26, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-20.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Lamarr Anthony Welch, also known as “Joe,” 35, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 11 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for 11 felony drug offenses. Welch admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Huntington area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Welch admitted that he participated in the conspiracy, distributed various quantities of methamphetamine totaling 651 grams on multiple occasions between March 3, 2025, and August 27, 2025, and distributed 4.4 grams fentanyl on August 27, 2025, as part of the DTO. 

On September 10, 2025, law enforcement officers arrested Welch at a trailer in Huntington where the DTO stored drugs for distribution and seized approximately 3.95 kilograms of methamphetamine, 266 grams of fentanyl, and a loaded firearm.

Welch pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count each of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, aiding and abetting the distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, aiding and abetting the distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and distribution of fentanyl.

Welch conducted transactions arranged by or at the direction of three co-defendants: Joshua Willie McCarver, also known as “TJ,” 28, of Detroit; McCarver’s nephew, Darnell Marice McCarver, also known as  “WAP,” 19, of Detroit; and Geon Lavell Henderson, also known as “Money,” 53, of Huntington. 

The three co-defendants and Welch are among six defendants who pleaded guilty following their indictment on charges alleging they participated in the DTO while it operated from in or about January 2025 to in or about August 2025. Darnell Marice McCarver was sentenced on April 13, 2026, to 12 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture. Henderson was sentenced on June 22, 2026, to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl. Joshua Willie McCarver is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2026, after pleading guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The indictment remains pending against three other defendants. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Welch was sentenced as a career offender, with a criminal history that includes two prior convictions for armed robbery. 

“This career criminal flooded Huntington with a staggering amount of dangerous drugs,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito. “Today’s sentence reflects the severity of the harm he inflicted and demonstrates our commitment to bring the full weight of the law down on those who target our communities with this poison.”

Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cabell County Sheriff's Office, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-154.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Della Palestino, 60, of Lexington, South Carolina, pleaded guilty today to aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between August 23, 2024, and September 26, 2024, Palestino visited four financial institutions in the Southern District of West Virginia and used a different individual’s personal identifying information, including a forged signature, to access that individual’s bank account without the individual’s authorization. Palestino withdrew $2,125 in Huntington on August 23, 2024, $21,920 in Spencer on September 19, 2024, $4,200 in Charleston on September 26, 2024, and $9,400 in Gilbert on September 26, 2024. As part of her guilty plea, Palestino admitted that she conducted all four fraudulent transactions and withdrew a total of $37,645 from the bank accounts of the four individuals. Palestina further admitted that she used a counterfeit passport card during one of the fraudulent withdrawals.

Palestino is scheduled to be sentenced on October 26, 2026, and faces a mandatory two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Palestino also owes $37,645 in restitution.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of State-Diplomatic Security Service, the West Virginia State Police, the Huntington Police Department, the Charleston Police Department, and the Gilbert Police Department and the assistance provided by the West Virginia Fusion Center.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer D. Gordon is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-118.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Crystal Renee Severson, 45, of Dixie, was sentenced today to one year of federal probation and ordered to pay $1,855 in restitution for fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents, features, and information.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from March 28, 2016, to March 16, 2022, Severson was employed an administrative assistant at the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists with duties that included receiving applications and application fees from individuals seeking to be licensed as nail technicians.

On or about January 10, 2022, Severson altered a $100 money order submitted by a licensure applicant by removing the payee’s name and address. As part of her plea agreement, Severson admitted that she replaced that information with the name and address of her mother and deposited the money order in her own personal bank account. Severson further admitted that her mother was unaware that she had altered the money order and had not given her permission to use her name on it.

Severson also admitted that she fraudulently deposited 19 other money orders submitted by licensure applicants between August 21, 2019, and November 23, 2021. The 20 money orders fraudulently deposited by Severson totaled $1,855.00. 

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) and the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-26.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Barbara Ferrell, 63, of Seth, pleaded guilty today to theft of government monies. Ferrell admitted that she stole approximately $160,394.02 in veterans and Social Security benefits meant for a family member by abusing her position overseeing those funds.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from October 20, 2021, through March 11, 2024, Ferrell served as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) appointed fiduciary for the family member. Ferrell also served as the Social Security Administration (SSA) representative payee for the family member from approximately August 2021 to November 2024.

As part of her guilty plea, Ferrell admitted that from April 13, 2022, through February 29, 2024, she knowingly and fraudulently took VA fiduciary benefits meant for the family member totaling approximately $114,660.82. Ferrell further admitted that from June 1, 2022, through July 9, 2024, she knowingly and fraudulently took approximately $45,733.20 in SSA benefits that were for the family member’s benefit. Ferrell stole the benefit funds by periodically withdrawing the money once it had been electronically deposited for the family member in a joint checking account. Ferrell admitted that she spent the funds meant to benefit the family member for her own use and enjoyment.

“Stealing from veterans is a particularly disgraceful form of greed,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito. “These are men and women who put on our nation’s uniform and sacrificed in service to this country — and the idea that someone would deliberately prey on them for personal profit is disgusting. Our veterans deserve our gratitude and protection, not to be treated as targets. I commend the dedicated investigators of the VA Office of Inspector General for uncovering this fraud and relentlessly pursuing accountability. Together, we will continue to protect those who served and aggressively prosecute anyone who tries to exploit them.”

Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) and the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG). 

“Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that the VA OIG will vigorously investigate those who steal from vulnerable veterans who are unable to manage their financial affairs,” said Special Agent in Charge Nate Landkammer with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “The VA OIG appreciates the support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts to stop fraud within VA’s Fiduciary Program.” 

“This defendant intentionally exploited a family relationship to steal more than $45,000 in Social Security benefits intended for a relative,” said Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge, Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG), Boston–New York Field-Philadelphia Division. “We remain committed to investigating those who misuse benefits for personal gain and ensuring they are held accountable.”

Ferrell is scheduled to be sentenced on November 16, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Ferrell also owes $160,394.02 in restitution. 

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is prosecuting the case.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-80.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Alphonzo Keith Baker, also known as “KD,” 51, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to three counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with the intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and cocaine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Baker sold 40 grams or more of fentanyl on October 6, 2025, on November 4, 2025, and on December 2, 2025, each time in the Charleston area. Baker possessed quantities of fentanyl and cocaine with the intent to distribute them on December 4, 2025, in the Charleston area.

Baker is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison for each count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.

Baker is among eight individuals indicted following a federal investigation of fentanyl trafficking in the Charleston area. Two defendants pleaded guilty, including Baker. The indictments against the remaining defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department, and the South Charleston Police Department.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-45.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marlon Leftwich, 46, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to production of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about January 1, 2016, Leftwich persuaded a 5-year-old minor female to engage in sexually explicit conduct with him at his Huntington residence while he recorded the conduct using a cell phone. Leftwich then transferred the video file to a memory card.

Leftwich is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Leftwich must also register as a sex offender.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel Price is prosecuting the case.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-132.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – James Burke, 56, of Greenup, Kentucky, was sentenced today to three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $40,011.46 in restitution for embezzlement of assets of a labor union. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, from in or about July 2022 through in or about October 2023, Burke was the financial secretary of a labor organization located in Huntington. Burke admitted that he issued nine unauthorized or altered checks payable to himself and improperly withheld portions of checks payable to the labor organization as cash when he deposited them. Burke also admitted that he diverted six dues checks payable to the labor organization for his personal use. The total amount of money stolen by Burke from the labor organization was $40,011.46.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Department of Labor-Office of Labor-Management Standards.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel Price prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-5.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Joseph Moore, 47, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 11, 2025, Moore sold a mixture containing approximately 2.9 grams of heroin with the presence of fentanyl at his residence to a confidential informant in exchange for $150. As part of his guilty plea, Moore admitted that he conducted the transaction. 

Moore is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-21.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Joshua Willie McCarver, also known as “TJ,” 28, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. McCarver admitted to a leading role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Huntington area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 5, 2025, McCarver sold approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $650 at a Huntington residence. As part of his guilty plea, McCarver admitted that he conducted the transaction, arranged it beforehand by phone with the confidential informant, and directed the confidential informant to the residence where the transaction took place.

McCarver further admitted that between January 2025 and August 2025, he answered phone calls and text message for himself and co-conspirators from drug buyers whom he directed to different co-conspirators to purchase methamphetamine and fentanyl depending on the customers’ prior transactions and location. McCarver also admitted that he received 28 calls during the time period from a confidential informant and completed the sale of drugs to this individual on six occasions in Huntington.

On March 17, 2025, McCarver was traveling in a vehicle from Huntington to Detroit when Ohio law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and found $27,951. Ohio law enforcement officers conducted a separate traffic stop on July 9, 2025, of a vehicle in which McCarver was traveling from Huntington to Detroit and seized approximately $23,453 during a subsequent search of the vehicle. As part of his guilty plea, McCarver admitted that the cash seized during both traffic stops was proceeds from the distribution of fentanyl.

On September 10, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Huntington address and seized approximately 4.29 kilograms of methamphetamine, 337 grams of fentanyl, a loaded .38-caliber pistol, .38-caliber ammunition, and a digital scale. As part of his guilty plea, McCarver admitted that he and other individuals involved in the conspiracy jointly possessed and intended to distribute the seized methamphetamine and fentanyl for money.

McCarver is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million. As part of his guilty plea, McCarver admitted to an aggravating role in the drug trafficking conspiracy for sentencing purposes as an organizer, leader, manager, or supervisor of criminal activity.

McCarver is among six defendants who pleaded guilty following their indictment on charges alleging they participated in the DTO while it operated from in or about January 2025 to in or about August 2025. The indictment remains pending against three other defendants. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

McCarver has a criminal history that includes his prior conviction for distribution of fentanyl in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on December 17, 2018.

“This defendant wasn’t a street-level dealer — he was a leader in a drug trafficking organization that flooded Huntington with methamphetamine while profiting from the addiction and misery of others,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito. “Huntington has already endured more than its share of devastation from the opioid epidemic, and this office will aggressively pursue anyone who thinks they can exploit our communities for a paycheck. We will dismantle drug trafficking organizations from the top down, hold their leaders accountable, and work every day to make our neighborhoods safer.”

Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cabell County Sheriff's Office, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-154.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Joe Claude Schleider, 66, of Charleston, was sentenced today to time served and ordered to pay $1,850 in restitution for willful destruction of government property.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston found Schleider guilty following a one-day bench trial on April 14, 2026. Evidence at trial showed that on May 6, 2025, Schleider repeatedly struck an electric card entry scanner outside a U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations facility in Charleston with a long pole-like object, rendering it inoperable. Surveillance video footage showed Schleider approach the card entry scanner and strike it approximately eight times. The entry scanner had to be replaced at a cost of $1,850.

Schleider has a criminal history that dates to 1979 and includes multiple convictions for offenses including assault, battery, battery on a police officer, and disorderly conduct. Schleider was incarcerated for approximately seven months following his arrest on the current offense.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Federal Protective Service and the Charleston Police Department.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Lesley C. Shamblin and Joshua Hanks prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-173.

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Today, the Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WV DEP) announced a multi-state settlement with The Chemours Company under the Clean Water Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Toxic Substance Control Act, and West Virginia Water Pollution Control Act. The settlement covers four Chemours facilities — located in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey — that use or produce PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are synthetic “forever chemicals” used to make products resistant to water, grease, and stains. Chemours also manufactures PFAS for various industrial and military applications, including those where substitutes are not readily available. This is the first comprehensive settlement by the federal government to resolve enforcement claims over pollution by a manufacturer of forever chemicals.  

Under the agreement, Chemours will pay a civil penalty of $22.5 million for alleged violations and conduct a multi-year, $90 million program to mitigate PFAS discharges. Chemours will also install PFAS pollution controls for surface water discharges and air emissions at its facility in West Virginia, at an estimated cost of $60 million, supply clean drinking water for more than a decade to communities that surround its facilities in West Virginia and New Jersey at an estimated cost of $280 million, and evaluate options and implement corresponding controls to reduce releases of PFAS and other toxic chemicals from its facility in North Carolina. Combined, the cost of the penalty and injunctive relief programs are estimated to exceed $450 million. The settlement allows Chemours to continue manufacturing PFAS for critical commercial and military applications while preventing future contamination and protecting communities from that contamination.

“This landmark settlement shows the Administration’s commitment to protecting the public from harmful pollution,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “Through this commitment, Chemours will better control PFAS at its plants, allowing the company to continue its manufacturing operations while protecting communities in North Carolina, West Virginia, and New Jersey from PFAS exposure. This agreement ensures that the company will manufacture these critical materials in a responsible manner.”

“This first comprehensive federal settlement against a major PFAS manufacturer delivers on the Trump Administration’s promise to make polluters pay and stop PFAS contamination at the source,” said Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “By appropriately employing the full suite of existing legal authorities, we can greatly reduce PFAS contamination of water, land, and air and even begin to mitigate past harm. This settlement brings Chemours into compliance with the law and holds it fully accountable.”

“As Attorney General, my office investigated Chemours and took crucial steps needed to reach this settlement and position the state to reach justice for West Virginians — we will continue to ensure that every company complies with our laws,” said West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey. “This settlement is an encouraging first step, but it addresses only one piece of a much larger issue. We remain actively engaged in discussions to reach a comprehensive resolution for the Washington Works facility that protects our citizens and ensures West Virginia's communities have confidence that these issues are being addressed for the long term. We look forward to continuing those discussions and achieving an outcome that serves the best interests of the Mountain State.”

The complaint alleges that three of the facilities that Chemours operates in West Virginia, North Carolina, and New Jersey discharged PFAS into the Ohio River, Cape Fear River, and Delaware River, in violation of permits required by the Clean Water Act and the West Virginia Water Pollution Control Act. Also, Chemours was allegedly not complying with legal requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act at all four facilities. These alleged violations continued for over a decade. The facilities were previously owned for many decades by DuPont, and today’s settlement does not resolve DuPont’s liability for forever chemicals.

As a result of the alleged violations, people living around these facilities were exposed to illegal PFAS. PFAS are widely used and found around the world, with scientific studies showing that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.

To remedy the alleged violations, the consent decree calls for 14 specified projects to reduce PFAS in wastewater, stormwater, and groundwater from the West Virginia plant, such as treatment systems using granulated activated carbon. And for people drinking water near the plants in West Virginia and New Jersey, Chemours will test the drinking water and provide treated or alternative clean water. Also, Chemours will be required to control releases of the chemical compound GenX — used to aid in making plastics called fluoropolymers — from each facility at an efficiency of at least 99%. Additionally, Chemours will implement controls at its North Carolina facility to mitigate releases of PFAS and other toxics based on recommendations from a third-party engineering firm. These programs will last for 15 years.

Chemours will also implement enhanced Leak Detection and Repair programs to reduce emissions of PFAS. Finally, Chemours must certify compliance with respect to its storage of hazardous waste.

Attorneys with ENRD’s Environmental Enforcement Section lodged the consent decree in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. The consent decree is subject to a public comment period and is available at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.

The EPA investigated the case with assistance from WV DEP. More information on the settlement is available on EPA’s Chemours Settlement Summary – June 2026 webpage.

Senior Counsel Steve O'Rourke and Katherine Abend and Trial Attorneys Sylvia Lam, and Jonah Seligman with ENRD’s Environmental Enforcement Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Bailey for the Southern District of West Virginia are handling this matter. Gracie Pendleton is the lead EPA attorney.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Moore Capito announced criminal charges today alleging Raymond C. Meadows II and his wife Helen Crutcher Meadows conspired to commit wire fraud through their roles at Lifehouse Inc., a nonprofit, long-term, faith-based substance abuse recovery program headquartered in Huntington. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. 

“As alleged in the criminal complaints, these defendants viewed West Virginia’s addiction crisis not as a tragedy, but as an opportunity,” Capito said. “While families buried loved ones, communities fought to save lives, and taxpayers funded efforts to combat substance abuse, they allegedly exploited the system for personal gain. The damage from conduct like this extends far beyond dollars and cents — it robs communities of resources, undermines recovery efforts, and betrays public trust. We will continue to pursue fraudsters who enrich themselves through the misery of others and hold them fully accountable.”

Capito also announced a $120,000 civil settlement that resolves allegations involving claims submitted by West Virginia Sleep Centers LLC, a Beckley sleep laboratory, to Medicaid and the Veterans Administration Community Health program.

The charges and settlement announced today by Capito are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.

Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:  

• Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
• 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
• Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
• 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025. 

The following individuals were charged in the Southern District of West Virginia:

• Raymond “Rocky” Meadows II, 52, of Huntington, West Virginia, was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud [18 U.S.C. § 1349]. As alleged in the complaint, Meadows, was founder and director of Lifehouse, Inc., a non-profit, long-term, faith-based substance abuse recovery program headquartered in Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia. Lifehouse served as a sober living community and received expense reimbursements through both state and federal government grant programs. Meadows conspired with his wife and another individual to falsify and submit timesheets to a testing laboratory for drug testing work not actually performed. The scheme included Meadows’s wife routinely billing 32 hours of overtime each week for months at a time, as well as billing for hours when she was with him on out-of-state vacations. The laboratory issued payments based on the fraudulent billings and subsequently obtained reimbursement from federal and state healthcare programs. The case is being prosecuted by AUSA Jonathan T. Storage of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
• Helen Crutcher Meadows, 49, of Tampa, Florida, was charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud [18 U.S.C. § 1349]. As alleged in the complaint, Meadows was the collector supervisor at Lifehouse, Inc., a non-profit, long-term, faith-based substance abuse recovery program headquartered in Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia. Lifehouse served as a sober living community and received expense reimbursements through both state and federal government grant programs. Meadows was also the wife of Lifehouse founder and director Raymond Meadows. She conspired with her husband and another individual to falsify and submit timesheets to a testing laboratory for drug testing work not actually performed. The scheme consisted of Helen Meadows routinely billing 32 hours of overtime each week for months at a time, as well as billing for hours when she was with her husband, Raymond Meadows, on out-of-state vacations. The laboratory issued payments based on the fraudulent billings and subsequently obtained reimbursement from federal and state healthcare programs. The case is being prosecuted by AUSA Jonathan T. Storage of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. 

The following settlement was announced in the Southern District of West Virginia:

• West Virginia Sleep Centers, LLC, a West Virginia sleep laboratory located in Beckley, West Virginia, reached a civil settlement to pay $120,000 to resolve allegations that the company submitted claims for payment to Medicaid and the Veterans Administration Community Health program for sleep studies and polysomnogram reports that were prepared and signed by unqualified, non-physician staff during the period from January 1, 2016 through January 9, 2020. The case was settled by AUSA Gregory P. Neil of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and the West Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virgina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.

Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.

The Southern District of West Virginia, in particular, worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Takedown: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the West Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Huntington Police Department.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Mark Lewis Cobb, 39, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 1, 2026, Cobb possessed a Polymer80 Inc. 9mm pistol in St. Albans.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Cobb knew he was prohibited from possession a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on February 8. 2017. Cobb was on supervised release for that conviction at the time of his current offense.

Cobb is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the St. Albans Police Department.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney D. Keith Randolph is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-70.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Matthew Robert Hudson, 41, of Huntington, was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 23, 2025, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Hudson in Huntington. Officers searched the vehicle and seized approximately 120 grams of methamphetamine found in the handbag of Hudson’s passenger. As part of his guilty plea, Hudson admitted that he possessed the seized methamphetamine, asked his passenger to hold the methamphetamine for him, and intended to sell the methamphetamine in exchange for money.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-195.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Torriano Arzareus Johnson, 34, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 11, 2026, Johnson was a passenger in a vehicle when it was pulled over by law enforcement officers in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Johnson admitted that once the vehicle stopped, he fled from the vehicle with a backpack that he threw over a fence as he ran from officers. Johnson further admitted that officers captured him and found in his pant leg approximately 29 grams of crack in a bag and $3,000 he obtained from selling drugs. Officers executed a search warrant for the backpack and found it contained a loaded Glock 43x 9mm pistol. Johnson admitted that he possessed the firearm to protect himself, the drugs, and the cash.

Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute crack, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,250,000.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-41.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Geon Lavell Henderson, also known as “Money,” 53, of Huntington, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl. Henderson admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Huntington area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 9, 2025, Henderson sold approximately 110 grams of methamphetamine and 1.9 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Huntington in exchange for $800. As part of his guilty plea, Henderson admitted that he conducted the transaction, that he arranged it beforehand, and that it took place at his residence.

Henderson further admitted to arranging the sale of approximately 111 grams of methamphetamine for $900 and of approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine for $400 on April 17, 2025.  Another individual sold the methamphetamine during both transactions, each time to a confidential informant at a residence in Huntington.

Henderson is among 10 defendants indicted on charges alleging they participated in the DTO while it operated from in or about January 2025 to in or about August 2025. Five defendants pleaded guilty, including Henderson. The indictment against the other defendants remains pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cabell County Sheriff's Office, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney L. Finney and Joseph F. Adams prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-154.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Roger Lee Townson, 57, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 25, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a garage behind Townson’s residence. Officers ordered the residence’s occupants, including Townson, to exit the house and asked Townson if there were any firearms inside. Townson told officers he had a firearm in his bedroom and allowed officers to enter the residence to secure it. Officers found a Glock model 43 9mm pistol in the bedroom.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction or a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Townson knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior convictions for forgery in Cabell County Circuit Court on March 10, 2000, and for domestic battery in Cabell County Magistrate Court on June 14, 2010.

Townson is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. 

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-182.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Roderick Tyrone Boyd, 30, of Vandalia, Ohio, was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl and aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 26, 2025, Boyd aided and abetted another individual in the sale of fentanyl and distributed a quantity of fentanyl on April 26, 2025. Both transactions occurred in Cross Lanes, West Virginia.

Boyd has a criminal history that includes prior convictions for drug offenses, burglary, and attempted domestic violence.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-165.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Karen Shea Radford, 47, of Princeton, pleaded guilty today to theft of government money. Radford admitted to stealing $175,731.31 from a United States Department of Veterans Affairs health care benefits program through a false billing scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from June 29, 2017, through on or about August 14, 2023, Radford executed the fraud scheme while an owner of Healthcare Therapy Services LLC (HCTS), doing business as Medical Massage Therapy in Princeton. Radford submitted false bills to the Civilian Health and Medical Program of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) during the time period for medical services not rendered. 

As part of her guilty plea, Radford admitted that HCTS provided massage services to two CHAMPVA beneficiaries once a week between June 29, 2017, and August 14, 2023, but billed the program $83,619.67 for one of these beneficiaries and $81,323.16 for the other by falsely claiming they received massages multiple days per week including weekends. Radford further admitted that she falsely billed CHAMPVA $10,695.29 for a third beneficiary between May 21, 2018, and May 16, 2022, and $93.19 for a fourth beneficiary between October 4, 2017, and October 11, 2017, all for services never performed.

Radford is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Radford also owes $175,731.31 in restitution.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer D. Gordon is prosecuting the case.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-55.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – – James Terry Lawson Jr., 43, pleaded guilty today to failing to register and update his registration as a sex offender as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) after traveling in interstate commerce and relocating to West Virginia.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about October 1, 2024, through on or about May 1, 2025, Lawson resided in Vienna, West Virginia,  without registering as a sex offender. Lawson was convicted of indecent liberties with children in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, Superior Court on December 3, 2003, and is required to register under SORNA.

Lawson has a criminal history that also includes prior convictions for failing to register as a sex offender on May 27, 2004, September 21, 2009, and July 14, 2017. 

Lawson is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police and the United States Marshals Service (USMS).

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case.

SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. SORNA seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs, in part by requiring registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-3.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Robert Ford, also known as “Jason” and “J,” 44, of Van Buren Township, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Ford admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charleston area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Ford transported several pounds of methamphetamine to West Virginia from Detroit, Michigan, between June 2024 and April 2025. Ford supplied the methamphetamine to co-conspirator Amanda Marie Mace, who re-distributed it to others including co-conspirators Michael Allen Corkhill and Quanda Kiev Wilborne for further distribution. As part of the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine. During one controlled buy, Mace sold a quantity of methamphetamine while Ford sat in a vehicle parked nearby after communicating by phone with Mace during the time leading up to the transaction. 

Ford and Mace, also known as “A,” 43, of South Charleston, are among 16 individuals indicted as the result of the federal investigation on charges alleging they participated in the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charleston area between June 2024 and May 2025. Nine defendants in the main indictment pleaded guilty including Ford, Mace, Corkhill, and Wilbourne. Mace was sentenced on March 9, 2026, to five years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, each for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Corkhill, also known as “Mike” and “Mike Mike,” 31, of Dunbar, and Wilborne, also known as “Quan” and “Queso,” 30, of Charleston, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine

Four additional defendants pleaded guilty in separate cases that resulted from the investigation. The indictment against the remaining defendants is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Ford is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-78.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Destiny Fair Weese, 34, of Elkview, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 30, 2025, Weese sold 225.7 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Charleston after obtaining the controlled substance from her supplier. As part of her guilty pleas, Weese admitted that she conducted the transaction and that she also sold 142.4 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at or near St. Albans, West Virginia, on June 24, 2025, after obtaining methamphetamine from her supplier.

On July 29, 2025, Weese traveled to Los Angeles, California, where she rented a car. Later that day, Weese purchased several items including a backpack in Moreno Valley, California. On July 30, 2025, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of the rental car, in which Weese was a passenger, at or near Ellsworth, Kansas. Officers searched the vehicle and seized 35 bundles of methamphetamine, each weighing approximately 1 pound, with 15 bundles found in the backpack, 10 bundles located in the vehicle’s rear quarter panels, and 10 bundles located in the spare tire well. As part of her guilty pleas, Weese admitted that she and the driver of the rental car possessed the seized methamphetamine and intended to distribute 50 grams or more to others.

Weese is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $20 million.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the West Virginia State Police, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case in coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-1.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Eddie Daivon Morgan, also known as “Gutta,” 45, of Mount Hope, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 30, 2022, law enforcement officers had an active warrant for Morgan’s arrest on a malicious wounding charge when they observed him enter a vehicle in Fayette County. Officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and found Morgan laying in the back seat of the vehicle. Officers seized a loaded Glock model 42 .380-caliber pistol and a loaded SCCY 9mm pistol from Morgan’s person.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Morgan knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on January 24, 2013. 

Morgan has a criminal history that also includes felony convictions for second-degree manslaughter, attempted second-degree murder, malicious assault, wanton endangerment involving a firearm, and use or presentation of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Morgan is scheduled to be sentenced on November 4, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Oak Hill Police Department.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-92.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – James Masters, 38, of Victor, pleaded guilty today to theft of government property.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from in or around October 2025 to in or around February 2026, Masters was employed by the National Park Service when he stole approximately $150 from a donation box at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, part of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in Lansing, Fayette County. As part of his guilty plea, Masters admitted that he used his position to access and remove money from the donation box without permission or authority on several occasions, and covered surveillance cameras to avoid detection.

Masters is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $100,000. Masters also owes $150 in restitution.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the National Park Service.

United States Magistrate Judge Dwane L. Tinsley presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Amy L. McLaughlin and Erik S. Goes are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-60.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Christian Gale Biles, 21, of Vienna, was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 29, 2024, law enforcement officers intercepted a suspicious package that had been shipped from California through the U.S. Mail and addressed to Biles’ residence in Vienna, West Virginia. Officers obtained and executed a search warrant for the package and found it contained approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine. Officers resealed the package and conducted a controlled delivery of about 49 grams of methamphetamine. On March 4, 2024, Biles took possession of the package when it was delivered to the Vienna address. Officers arrested Biles later that day during a traffic stop, obtained and executed a search warrant for his residence, and found the package of methamphetamine on the kitchen counter.

As part of his guilty plea, Biles admitted that he knew the package contained methamphetamine in advance of his receiving it, that he took possession of the methamphetamine contained in the package, and that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine to another individual.

Investigators determined that Biles previously took possession of a package shipped from California to his address that contained approximately 4 pounds of methamphetamine.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney D. Keith Randolph prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-164.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Justin Antonio Jones, 40, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to six years and five months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 29, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in Mingo County, West Virginia. During the traffic stop, officers heard what they believed was the sound of a slide moving on a semi-automatic firearm coming from the area of another vehicle parked nearby. Officers investigated the sound and encountered Jones standing by the other vehicle. Jones ignored officers when they directed him to show his hands and began walking away. Officers saw Jones place an object beneath the passenger side front tire of that vehicle and recovered a Keltec model PF-9 9mm pistol from that spot.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Jones knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance on October 27, 2008, and on May 22, 2012, both in Mingo County Circuit Court. 

Jones has a criminal history that includes four additional felony convictions, also for drug offenses, and was serving a term of probation imposed in Kentucky at the time of his current offense.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Mingo County Sheriff’s Office.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney D. Keith Randolph prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-191.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Stephen D. Nicholas, 31, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 24, 2024, Nicholas sold a substance containing 20.94 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Oak Hill, West Virginia, in exchange for $1,200. As part of his guilty plea, Nicholas admitted to conducting the transaction. Nicholas further admitted to selling a 27.91-gram mixture of fentanyl and heroin in exchange for $1,200 in Oak Hill on April 29, 2024, 10.87 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $600 in Fayetteville on May 2, 2024, and 10.93 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $600 in Fayetteville on May 7, 2024. All three transactions were with a confidential informant.

Nicholas also admitted that he intended to distribute 24.544 grams of fentanyl and 97.04 grams of cocaine seized by law enforcement while executing a search warrant on May 9, 2024, at a residence Nicholas was associated with in Oak Hill. Officers also seized four firearms, assorted ammunition including three loaded AR-15 magazines, and $2,484 including $600 in prerecorded buy money from the controlled purchases during the search.

Nicholas is scheduled to be sentenced on September 17, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-33.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Pablo Dominguez, also known as “Pablo Dominguez Dominguez,” 40, a Honduran national living illegally in Nitro, pleaded guilty today to reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced to time served. Dominguez will be subject to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer for his transfer to ICE administrative custody for removal proceedings.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 16, 2026, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant in Nitro and encountered Dominguez working there. ICE agents confirmed that Dominguez is a citizen of Honduras in the United States illegally and that he had previously been deported from the United States on August 25, 2017, after he was found in Dunbar, West Virginia, on July 18, 2017. Dominguez had no identification documents permitting him legal status in the United States. Dominguez never obtained the express consent of the Secretary of U.S. Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States for either of the prior removals, nor did he seek to reenter the United States through other legal means.

Dominguez is among six illegal aliens indicted following the execution of the January 16, 2026, search warrant, each on charges alleging they were working at the restaurant without legal status. Four of the other defendants pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents and were sentenced to time served with ICE immigration detainers pending.

Restaurant owner Miguel Aguirre-Arello Sr., 65, and his son, manager Miguel Angel Aguirre, 43, both of Nitro, were indicted on charges alleging each harbored aliens, while aiding and abetting each other, and aided and abetted fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents. The indictments against Miguel Aguirre-Arello Sr., Miguel Angel Aguirre, and the remaining illegal alien defendant are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

These cases are the result of Operation Country Roads. The operation was conducted by ICE with state and local law enforcement partners. According to ICE, the January 2026 immigration enforcement operation yielded over 650 arrests throughout West Virginia.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), the Nitro Police Department, and the St. Albans Police Department.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing and imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan T. Storage and Jennifer D. Gordon prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-13.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jacob Thomas Britvec, 34, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to failing to update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).

According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2023, law enforcement officers received information that Britvec was no longer living at the address listed on his sex offender registry. Officers confirmed that Britvec was no longer at the address and obtained a warrant for his arrest. On March 20, 2024, officers arrested Britvec in Maryland. There is no record of Britvec reporting his interstate travel or registering as a sex offender in Maryland as required by SORNA.

Britvec knew he was required to keep his information current as a result of his conviction for third-degree sexual assault on September 19, 2012, and for third-degree sexual assault and soliciting a minor via computer on March 24, 2016, all in Kanawha County Circuit Court.

Britvec is scheduled to be sentenced on September 17, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police and the United States Marshals Service (USMS).

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case.

SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. SORNA seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs, in part by requiring registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-2.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Catra Nelson, also known as “Trey,” 50, of Zanesville, Ohio, was sentenced on Thursday, May 28, 2026, to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least January 2020 to in or around March 2021, Nelson conspired with co-defendant Steven Reger and others to distribute quantities of methamphetamine in the Parkersburg, West Virginia, area. On March 23, 2021, Nelson aided and abetted in the sale of approximately 428.1 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Parkersburg. The Court found Nelson was responsible for over 40 pounds of methamphetamine distributed by him to others.

Nelson has a criminal history that includes prior convictions for trafficking large volumes of cocaine, cocaine base, marijuana, and methamphetamine. A federal grand jury indicted Nelson on the current offenses in October 2022 and he evaded capture on the resulting arrest warrant until May 16, 2024. 

“Despite multiple prior convictions, this criminal flooded our streets with more than 40 pounds of this poison and has been a large-scale drug trafficker for over two decades,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito. “We pursued an appropriately strong penalty in this case, and we will continue to do so to protect our communities from these dangerous drugs.”

Reger, 49, of Morgantown, was sentenced on August 24, 2023, to five years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Parkersburg Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.

United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy B. Wolfe, Joshua Hanks, and Negar M. Kordestani prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:22-cr-196.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Willie Davis McCall III, also known as “Primo” and “Ill Will,” 42, of Warren, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 30, 2025, McCall sold approximately 55.53 grams of a substance containing fentanyl to a confidential informant while in a parked vehicle in Charleston. As part of his guilty plea, McCall admitted that he conducted the transaction, that he was previously convicted of a serious drug offense, distribution of methamphetamine, in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, on July 26, 2017, and that he was sentenced to more than one year in prison for that prior conviction.

McCall further admitted that he distributed or possessed with the intent to distribute between 400 grams and 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl from in or about April 2025 through in or about June 2025. The distributions included the sale of approximately 55.40 grams of fentanyl on April 3, 2025, and of approximately 55.57 grams of fentanyl on June 11, 2025, each time to a confidential informant in Charleston.

On June 17, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the Charleston residence where McCall was living and seized from his bedroom closet approximately 322.16 grams of fentanyl found in six bags and $5,557. McCall admitted that he planned to distribute the seized fentanyl in and around the Southern District of West Virginia, and that the seized cash was drug proceeds.

McCall is scheduled to be sentenced on September 24, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least eight years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $8 million.

United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-192.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Daemien Thompson, 40, of Oak Hill, was sentenced on Thursday, May 28, 2026, to 12 years and 11 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Thompson admitted to conspiring with other individuals to obtain methamphetamine and distribute it within the Southern District of West Virginia from on or about November 27, 2022, until on or about December 6, 2023. More than 3.5 pounds of 100 percent pure methamphetamine was distributed as part of the conspiracy.

On November 27, 2022, Thompson and a co-conspirator sold 446 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $2,600. Thompson admitted to the transaction and further admitted that his co-conspirators sold methamphetamine to the same confidential informant on other occasions, usually in quantities of 1 pound or more, at various locations, including an Oak Hill trailer park. As part of his guilty plea, Thompson admitted to the drug trafficking organization being involved in controlled buys of high-purity methamphetamine on December 5, 2022, December 14, 2022, and February 2, 2023, with a total amount of approximately 2.59 pounds of actual methamphetamine distributed during the transactions.

Thompson is among four individuals indicted by a federal grand jury on charges alleging they participated in the drug trafficking conspiracy. All four pleaded guilty. Phillip Gray, 42, of Oak Hill, was sentenced on October 15, 2025, to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Leondus Whittenburg, 44, of Beckley, was sentenced on August 19, 2025, to seven years and 11 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. John Gray, 40, of Oak Hill and Phillip Gray’s brother, was sentenced on December 2, 2025, to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine.

Thompson has a criminal history that includes prior convictions for third-degree sexual assault, delivery of a controlled substance, and unlawful assault. 

“This successful prosecution disrupted a ruinous drug trafficking conspiracy and secured convictions and prison terms for all four defendants indicted,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito. “The sentence imposed on this defendant underscores our commitment to rid our streets of those who endanger them through the trafficking of dangerous drugs.”

Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.

Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and Brian D. Parsons and former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-31.

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