Southern District of West Virginia

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Christopher D. Spaulding, also known as “Casino,” 32, of Huntington, was sentenced today to 12 years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl. Spaulding admitted to providing controlled substances containing fentanyl to two individuals who overdosed, one of them fatally.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 4, 2019, Spaulding was at an Eighth Street bar in Huntington when two individuals, a man and a woman, approached him and asked if he had cocaine for sale. Spaulding accompanied the individuals from the bar to the woman’s vehicle parked outside. Spaulding admitted that while in the vehicle, he distributed a substance containing cocaine and fentanyl to both individuals.

Spaulding further admitted that shortly after the woman nasally inhaled the substance, she began to exhibit signs of an overdose. Spaulding moved her from the driver’s seat of her vehicle to the passenger seat, and drove her vehicle to multiple locations to meet his friends while the woman was overdosing inside the vehicle.

Hours after leaving the bar, Spaulding drove the woman to Cabell Huntington Hospital in her vehicle. She was not responsive or breathing when they reached the hospital, and hospital staff physically removed her from the vehicle. The woman was later pronounced dead by medical staff.

After leaving the woman at the hospital, Spaulding drove her vehicle into Ohio where he dropped off his friends at a hotel. Spauling eventually left the vehicle in Guyandotte, Ohio, placing its keys in the glove compartment.

Spaulding admitted that he later learned that the man he had distributed the controlled substance to that evening had also exhibited signs of an overdose after nasally inhaling the substance. The man received naloxone from Cabell County Emergency Medical Services. He was transported to Cabell Huntington Hospital where he recovered.

Toxicology testing confirmed that the substance distributed by Spaulding to both individuals contained fentanyl and cocaine. Spaulding admitted that the cause of death of the woman was due to alcohol, fentanyl and cocaine intoxication. Spaulding further admitted that she would not have died but for the fentanyl he distributed to her.

Spaulding has a long criminal history that includes 10 prior convictions. At the time of this offense, Spaulding was on parole following his conviction for attempt to commit a felony in Cabell County Circuit Court on June 9, 2017.

“Mr. Spaulding engaged in an inherently dangerous activity at a time when our communities continue to face an opioid epidemic and the devastating loss of life from overdoses,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “The defendant not only caused a death by distributing fentanyl, but possibly could have prevented that death had he not failed to obtain professional medical treatment when he became aware the woman was overdosing.”

Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department and the West Virginia State Police.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney and 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. 3:23-cr-18.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Arthur Ray Elkins, 59, of Chesapeake, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 6, 2023, Elkins sold 55.5 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Chesapeake.

Elkins is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Samuel D. Marsh 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. 2:24-cr-15. 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Dana Stewart, 30, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, was sentenced today to one year and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 30, 2022, Stewart struck another inmate with a handcrafted weapon, a lock attached to a sock. FCI Beckley staff witnessed the incident and recovered the weapon afterward. Stewart admitted to possessing a prohibited item that was designed and intended to be used as a weapon.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess 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. 5:23-cr-55.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Dana Stewart, 30, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, was sentenced today to one year and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 30, 2022, Stewart struck another inmate with a handcrafted weapon, a lock attached to a sock. FCI Beckley staff witnessed the incident and recovered the weapon afterward. Stewart admitted to possessing a prohibited item that was designed and intended to be used as a weapon.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess 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. 5:23-cr-55.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Lorenzo B. Herbert, 34, of Beckley, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 28, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence near Beckley. Officers found quantities of fentanyl, a substance containing methamphetamine and $8,245. Herbert admitted that he was mixing and preparing fentanyl for distribution in the residence’s kitchen at the time the search warrant was executed. Herbert further admitted that the cash represented proceeds of previous drug trafficking activity.

United States Attorney Will Thompson 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 Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), FBI Chicago, and the Chicago Police Department.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case.

The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

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. 5:22-cr-193.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson will join with Huntington Mayor Steve Williams and other community leaders for a United Against Hate forum on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Marshall Health Network Arena Convention Center. The forum is free and open to the public.

The United Against Hate (UAH) Community Outreach Program is a nationwide initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat unlawful acts of hate. The initiative aims to improve hate crime reporting by teaching community members how to identify, report, and help prevent hate crimes, and by building trust between law enforcement and communities.

UAH shares resources to combat hate and encourages discussion between representatives from law enforcement, community organizations, and members of the public. UAH emphasizes that while some hate-fueled incidents—standing alone—may not be a crime, people should still report those incidents to local law enforcement and the FBI.

“This forum is an excellent opportunity to hear from the community, raise awareness and further education about hate crimes and bias incidents,” Thompson said. “Working together and listening to each other is how we combat violence, threats and other unlawful acts fueled by hate.”

"Huntington is a welcoming community that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, but there are still individuals who want to tear down the progress we have made," Mayor Steve Williams said. "That's why I am eager to partner with the U.S. Attorney Will Thompson and engage our community on this important topic."

U.S. Attorneys from across the country have so far hosted over 50 UAH events since the September 2022 launch of the initiative. The March 19, 2024, forum will include presentations about UAH and federal and West Virginia hate crime laws as well as a panel session featuring community leaders.  

The panel is scheduled to include:

- Charles Meyers: past president, Cabell-Huntington NAACP

- Hoyt Glazer, J.D.: president, Temple B’nai Sholom

- Sue Barazi: vice president, Islamic Association of West Virginia

- Ally Layman: president, Huntington Pride

- Angela Adams: president and CEO, Mountain State Centers for Independent Living

For more information about the forum, contact Tracy Chapman with the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (800) 659-8726, (304) 340-2349 or Tracy.Chapman@usdoj.gov.

WHAT: United Against Hate Community Forum

WHEN: Tuesday, March 19, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Marshall Health Network Arena Convention Center, One Civic Center Plaza, Huntington, W.Va.

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. – Kayla Brooke McCallister, 29, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 17, 2023, McCallister purchased a Alex Pro Firearm (APF) model Guardian 5.56mm rifle at a South Charleston business. McCallister admitted that she falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 that she was the buyer of the firearm when she knew she was purchasing it for someone else.

McCallister further admitted that she bought nine additional firearms at the South Charleston business and another business in Dunbar between April 24, 2023, and May 30, 2023, and falsely certified on the ATF Form 4473 during each purchase that she was the buyer when she was purchasing the firearms for someone else.

McCallister is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

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

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin 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. 2:24-cr-38. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Nicole Leigh Fierbaugh, 44, of Charleston, was sentenced today to one year and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Fierbaugh admitted to her role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between October 2022 and March 22, 2023, Fierbaugh conspired with other individuals to sell quantities of methamphetamine. Fierbaugh admitted to collecting money from customers and using that money to purchase methamphetamine from a co-defendant. Fierbaugh further admitted to delivering methamphetamine to the customers while usually keeping some of the methamphetamine she purchased with their money for her personal use.

On January 30, 2023, Fierbaugh arranged by phone to purchase methamphetamine from a co-defendant, who directed her to a woman who lived at his Charleston residence. Fierbaugh admitted to providing the woman with $160 in exchange for approximately 10.5 grams of methamphetamine.

Fierbaugh is among 32 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash.

Fierbaugh is among 27 defendants who have pleaded guilty. Indictments against the other 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 Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT 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.

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.

The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

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-31. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Nicole Christian Ball, 44, of Jackson, Michigan, was sentenced today to one year in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting the distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 12, 2021, Ball delivered methamphetamine, fentanyl and a cutting agent to mix with the fentanyl and increase the sellable amount to an individual in the Pea Ridge Road area of Oak Hill, West Virginia. Ball admitted that she was acting as a courier for co-defendant Darrell Lamar Holcomb. Ball further admitted she took what she believed to be $60,000 packaged in vacuum-sealed plastic from the individual after he unloaded the drugs and cutting agent from her vehicle and placed them in his vehicle. Law enforcement officers stopped Ball’s vehicle following the transaction and seized the money.

Holcomb, also known as “Smiley,” 32, of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, was sentenced on December 7, 2023, to 10 years and one month in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl and aiding and abetting the distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Central West Virginia Task Force.

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney 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. 2:22-cr-216.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Joshua Lambert, 36, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to steal public money, property or records. Lambert admitted that he fraudulently obtained more than $10,616 in unemployment benefits, including COVID-19 supplementary funds, while in state and federal custody.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Lambert had been receiving legitimate unemployment benefits from June 2020 until on or about September 28, 2020, when he was incarcerated on state and federal charges. Lambert admitted that he conspired with his mother to receive unemployment benefits fraudulently while he was incarcerated. From her residence in St. Albans, Lambert’s mother accessed the WorkForce West Virginia website for 32 consecutive weeks and falsely certified that Lambert was entitled to unemployment benefits. WorkForce West Virginia administers the unemployment compensation program for the State of West Virginia. Lambert admitted that he was not entitled to the benefits because he was incarcerated and unavailable to work.

Lambert was released from incarceration on or about April 8, 2024. Lambert admitted that he fraudulently applied for and received more than $10,616 in unemployment compensation benefits from at least September 2020 through at least May 2022. Lambert further admitted that the unemployment benefits he fraudulently obtained included supplementary funds provided by the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Lambert is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Lambert also owes $10,616 in restitution.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the WorkForce West Virginia Integrity Section and the Litigation Financial Analyst with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Tessman is prosecuting the case.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provided for a temporary emergency increase in unemployment compensation benefits, referred to as the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program (FPUC). Although these benefits were administered by the states, they were funded in part by the federal government.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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. 2:24-cr-39. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jarrod Steven Bennett, 38, of Mt. Nebo, a former Nicholas County deputy sheriff, pleaded guilty today to production of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about March 2, 2023, while employed as a deputy with the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department, Bennett recorded two videos using his cell phone of a minor female sleeping on a couch. Bennett admitted that he knew the girl to be under the age of 12 when he recorded the videos. In both videos, the girl is face down on the couch with a blanket covering her torso and her bare legs exposed. In the first video, Bennett filmed the girl as he walked toward her and zoomed the camera to focus on her buttocks. Bennett admitted that he continued to walk toward her as he recorded the second video and filmed his exposed penis and him masturbating near the sleeping girl.

Bennett further admitted to saving the videos to his Snapchat account, transmitting them over the internet in the process. Bennett has since been terminated as a deputy.

Bennett is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26, 2024, 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 $250,000 fine. Bennett must also register as a sex offender.

“The defendant exploited a minor child under his care and betrayed her and the community he swore to serve and protect with his deplorable actions,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson.

“This was a terrible crime, and that it was committed by someone we considered a brother-in-arms makes it so much worse,” said Nicholas County Sheriff William F. Nunley. “We will never turn a blind eye to anyone sworn to uphold the law in this great State or Country.”

Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the West Virginia State Police-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), and the Beckley Police Department.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald 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. 2:23-cr-144. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Cody Allen Dalton, 31, of Madison, was sentenced today to four years of federal probation, including six months on home detention, and ordered to pay $1,972 in restitution for mail theft.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 1, 2020, Dalton stole a black and white striped sports referee jersey from a post office parcel locker at the Madison Post Office.

Dalton admitted to law enforcement officers that he stole mail including packages, bank statements and deposit slips on multiple occasions from post office boxes at the Madison Post Office from December 2020 to March 2021. Dalton told officers he exchanged the mail items he stole for drugs or money. Dalton also told officers that he conspired with others who stole mail, and allowed these other thieves to use his name to alter stolen checks and name him as their payee.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Madison Police Department.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger 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. 2:23-cr-140.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Michael Allen Roberts Jr., 40, of St. Albans, was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. Roberts admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between November 2022 and March 15, 2023, Roberts conspired with other individuals to distribute quantities of methamphetamine.

On March 14, 2023, Roberts met with co-defendant Todd Tyler Snead at Roberts’ residence in Saint Albans, where he delivered approximately 4 pounds of methamphetamine to Snead.  Law enforcement officers later searched Snead’s vehicle and recovered the methamphetamine. 

Co-defendant Antonio Jeffries had delivered 50 pounds of methamphetamine to Roberts’ residence a couple of weeks prior to March 15, 2023.

On March 15, 2023, law enforcement officers searched a property on Smith Street in St. Albans and seized approximately 44 pounds of methamphetamine. Roberts admitted that he had placed the methamphetamine at the property a day or two before the search.

Snead, 57, of Waynesboro, Virginia, was sentenced on September 6, 2023, to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Roberts and Snead are among 32 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash.

Roberts and Snead are among 27 defendants who have pleaded guilty. Indictments against Jeffries and the other 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 Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT 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.

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.

The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

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-31.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Three Kanawha County women were sentenced today for roles in a fraudulent scheme that used personal identification information stolen through the employment of two of the women with an office cleaning service.

Brittany King, 35, of East Bank, and Tabatha Deavers, 30, of Charleston, were each sentenced to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Amy Deavers, 51, of Glasgow, the mother of Tabatha Deavers, was sentenced to six months of incarceration, which she has already served, and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Amy Deavers and Tabatha Deavers were jointly ordered to pay $4,256.06 in restitution, with additional restitution amounts for Tabatha Deavers and King to be determined.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately December 2020 through at least December 1, 2022, King and Tabatha Deavers unlawfully obtained the personal identification information of multiple individuals through their employment with a business that cleaned local office spaces. King and Tabatha Deavers rerouted the mail of their identity theft victims and opened lines of credit and bank accounts and obtained loans and credit cards in the names of their identity theft victims.

From approximately December 2020 through at least December 1, 2022, King and Tabatha Deavers stole money and property from individuals, companies, lenders, financial institutions and car dealerships with their scheme. King and Tabatha Deavers submitted a fraudulent change of address form to the United States Postal Service to reroute one victim’s mail to their Bridge Road apartment in Charleston on June 7, 2022. Tabatha Deavers attempted to purchase a vehicle from a Charleston area car dealership using the personal identification information of another victim on January 15, 2022. King fraudulently used another victim’s personal identification information to purchase a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu from a Charleston business on September 30, 2022.

King and Tabatha Deavers caused a loss of at least $260,239.19 to more than 10 victims as a result of their fraudulent schemes. Amy Deavers became involved in the wire fraud scheme after King and Tabatha Deavers were arrested and federally charged for their actions on December 5, 2022. King and Tabatha Deavers attempted to transfer $1,000 from one of the scheme’s fraudulent bank accounts to Amy Deavers on December 30, 2022. This account was opened to reroute the Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits of one of the identity theft victims.

On January 30, 2023, Tabatha Deavers was incarcerated at the South Central Regional Jail when she spoke to Amy Deavers during a recorded jail phone call. Tabatha Deavers provided Amy Deavers with information during the call to access and transfer funds from the veteran victim’s fraudulent account.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, the United States Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General,  and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Isabell, Jonathan T. Storage and Kathleen Robeson 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. 2:23-cr-14.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Denise R. Allen, 29, of Bluefield, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 16, 2023, Allen and another individual were apprehended at a gun store in Princeton, West Virginia. Following their arrest, Allen and the other individual consented to a search by law enforcement officers of a truck they had rented using a stolen identity. Officers found 431 grams of methamphetamine, 21 grams of fentanyl and two Glock 9mm semiautomatic handguns during the search of the rental truck. Allen further admitted that she and the other individual possessed the methamphetamine and fentanyl and intended to distribute it.

Allen is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at last three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The task force consists of members of the West Virginia State Police, the Bluefield Police Department, the Princeton Police Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell 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. 1:23-cr-196. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – James Evans Hughes, 51, of Sumerco, pleaded guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 28, 2018, Hughes sold a quantity of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in the South Charleston area of Kanawha County. Hughes admitted to that transaction and further admitted to selling methamphetamine to the confidential informant on seven other occasions between July 2018 and November 2018.

Hughes is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

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

Senior States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin 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. 2:23-cr-83. 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Keniesha Brack, 27, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to false statements made during the purchase of firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 19, 2021, Brack purchased a Glock model 27 GEN5 .40-caliber pistol and a Glock model 30 .45-caliber pistol from a Mount Hope business. Brack admitted that she falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 that she was the buyer of the firearms when she knew she was purchasing them for someone else.

On June 13, 2021, Brack attended the R+R Gun Show at the Beckley Armory in Beckley and purchased a Taurus model G3C 9mm pistol, a Taurus model G2C 9mm pistol and a Glock model 33GEN4 .357-caliber pistol from a Federal Firearm Licensee. Brack admitted that she falsely certified on the ATF Form 4473 that she was the buyer of the firearms when she knew she was purchasing them for someone else.

On June 25, 2021, Brack purchased a Glock model 36 .45-caliber pistol and a Glock model 43X 9mm pistol from a Beckley business. Brack admitted that she falsely certified on the ATF Form 4473 that she was the buyer of the firearms when she knew she was purchasing them for someone else.

Brack is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

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

United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams 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. 5:24-cr-32. 

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Kaleb Merritt, 27, of Princeton, was sentenced today to three 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 October 27, 2022, law enforcement officers arrested Merritt on a Virginia warrant at the Princeton business where he was working. Merritt told the officers that he had a firearm when they asked him if he had any weapons. Officers found a Glock model 43 pistol in Merritt’s pants pocket.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Merritt knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for first-degree arson in Mercer County Circuit Court on June 12, 2015.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Marshals Service and the Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division (CUFFED) Task Force.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess 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. 1:22-cr-206.

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Today, Dailen Isaiah Defoe, 20, of Princeton, pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and Malachi Damonte Cooper, 22, of Princeton, was sentenced to eight years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 8, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Bluefield residence where Defoe and Cooper were staying. Officers found 734 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 130 grams of fentanyl, digital scales, a money counter, a Micro Draco 7.62mm semi-automatic pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol loaded with a 30-round magazine, and over $23,000. Defoe and Cooper admitted that they possessed the controlled substances and intended to distribute them.

Defoe further admitted to selling a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Princeton on August 19, 2021. Defoe also admitted to selling additional quantities of fentanyl to the confidential informant in Princeton on August 23 and August 31, 2021.

On August 31, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence where Defoe was staying in Princeton. Officers found approximately 375 grams of methamphetamine, 774 grams of fentanyl, 13 grams of heroin, three semi-automatic handguns, two drum magazines, various other firearm magazines and ammunition, and several thousand dollars. Defoe admitted that he possessed the controlled substances and intended to distribute them.

Defoe is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The task force consists of members of the West Virginia State Police, the Bluefield Police Department, the Princeton Police Department, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearings. 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. 1:23-cr-119.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Allison Jones, 46, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to conduct an illegal gambling business.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from September 20, 2020 until October 1, 2022, Jones was the online host for an illegal gambling business. Jones admitted to conducting online games of chance for the illegal gambling business on Facebook Live from her Huntington residence.

Jones further admitted that two primary administrators/organizers owned, directed, managed and controlled the illegal gambling business and that it also had several moderators who supervised the online games and handled any customer problems that arose during the games. Jones was among dozens of hosts who conducted the online games. The other members of the illegal gambling business were customers, online gamblers located throughout the United States who played the online games conducted by the illegal gambling business primarily by purchasing pull tabs from hosts.

Jones paid a monthly fee to the administrators/organizers and agreed to the terms they set in exchange for the right to conduct games in the illegal gambling business. Jones admitted that she typically hosted two to three online games per week and made money as a host by selling pull tabs. Online customers would comment in the online comment section for the illegal gambling business to indicate how much money they were wagering and then transfer money to Jones via an external online payment system. Jones would then pull the tabs while the customers watched on Facebook Live. When a customer won prize money, Jones would send the winnings to the customer via the external online payment system.

Jones received about 25 percent of the net sales of each box of pull tabs as her profit. Each box typically contained 4,000 tabs that Jones typically sold to customers for $1 a tab, earning her $600 to $800 per box. Jones further admitted that she purchased the pull tab games from a Charleston-area business about once per week with her profits from hosting online games.

Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Tessman and Kristin F. Scott 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. 3:24-cr-21. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Christina Lynn Perkins, also known as “Christina Lynn Jack-Davis,” “Cece,” “Christi Jack,” “Ice Queen,” and “CJ,” 51, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 24, 2020, Perkins sold approximately 1 ounce of methamphetamine to a confidential informant for $800. The transaction occurred at Perkins’ apartment. Perkins admitted to the transaction and to arranging it with the confidential informant beforehand. Perkins further admitted to arranging for another individual to sell approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on July 23, 2020, and to selling approximately 13.71 grams of methamphetamine for $350 to a confidential informant in Huntington on December 3, 2020.

Following the December 3, 2020, transaction, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Perkins was driving. Officers seized approximately 314 grams of methamphetamine, 27 grams of cocaine, 6 grams of fentanyl and digital scales. Perkins admitted that she intended to sell the seized controlled substances in exchange for money.

On December 4, 2020, officers searched a residence in Huntington where Perkins stayed as a guest. Officers seized approximately 123 grams of fentanyl, 449 grams of methamphetamine, 139 grams of cocaine and four firearms. Perkins admitted to possessing the firearms and to intending to sell the seized controlled substances.

Perkins is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Ona Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, and the West Virginia State Police.

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. 3:21-cr-178. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jimmie Lee Holbrook, 43, of Huntington, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 10, 2023, Holbrook sold a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant in a vehicle outside of a service station in Huntington.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Cabell County Sheriff’s 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. 3:23-cr-149.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Stephen Dwayne Jackson, also known as “Stacks,” 38, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 18, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Donald Avenue residence in Huntington. Officers encountered Jackson and seized a loaded Kel-Tech P-11 9mm pistol inside the residence.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Jackson knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on August 22, 2011.

Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney L. Finney and Joseph F. Adams 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. 3:23-cr-178. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Derek Romel Glaze, also known as “Zeke,” 32, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 1, 2022, Glaze sold approximately 110 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in a vehicle on the 800 block of Marcum Terrace in Huntington. Glaze admitted to the transaction and to arranging it with the confidential informant beforehand.

Glaze further admitted to selling approximately 11 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant on November 30, 2022, and approximately 29.5 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant on January 17, 2023.

Law enforcement officers arrested Glaze on February 7, 2023. Glaze admitted that he told investigators that he received methamphetamine and fentanyl on consignment and distributed it in the Huntington area. Glaze further admitted that he distributed at least 20 pounds of methamphetamine during the preceding six months.

Glaze is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson 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 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. 3:23-cr-20. 

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Matthew Huffman, 37, of Bluefield, was sentenced today to three years of federal probation, including 90 days on home detention with location monitoring, and ordered to pay $45,258.51 in restitution for theft or embezzlement in connection to healthcare services. Huffman admitted to stealing from the Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center while employed as its chief substance use disorder officer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between October 2022 and January 2023, Huffman embezzled money from Southern Highlands including more than $5,000 it received from the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP). Southern Highlands is a non-profit medical treatment center that offers a variety of services including addiction treatment. COSSUP grants are distributed, in part, to treat and support those impacted by illicit substance use and misuse.

Huffman admitted that he forged signatures required to approve the use of COSSUP grants and other funds, and also used the names of patients and consumers no longer receiving services from Southern Highlands on the necessary forms. Huffman further admitted that he embezzled these funds for his personal gain, using the money to pay his utility bills, vehicle loan payments and to purchase gift cards and prepaid debit cards.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Owen Reynolds and 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. 1:23-cr-137.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Savannah Elizabeth Todd, 31, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 8, 2022, Todd sold approximately 3.5 grams of fentanyl for $550 to a confidential informant at her residence in Beckley. On February 17, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Todd’s residence and seized 189 grams of fentanyl, 56 grams of cocaine, 27 grams of heroin, a Ruger LCP .380-caliber handgun, a Taurus model 22LR handgun, a Sig Sauer model 1911 .45-caliber handgun, a Glock model 42 .380-caliber handgun, and $13,046.

Todd is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons 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. 5:23-cr-163.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – David Nelson Gill, 32, of Hinton, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 6, 2023, Gill was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over by law enforcement in St. Albans. Gill admitted to possessing a loaded Taurus Model PT111 9mm pistol found by officers during a search of the vehicle. Officers also found a loaded Remington Model 870 12-gauge shotgun on the vehicle’s rear passenger seat floor and approximately 3 grams of methamphetamine on Gill’s person following his arrest after the traffic stop.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Gill knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for grand larceny in Summers County Circuit Court on August 11, 2017.

Gill is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the St. Albans Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage 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. 2:23-cr-75. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – John Paul Loudermilk, 61, of Charleston, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Loudermilk admitted to his roles in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between January and March 2023, Loudermilk conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine by helping co-defendant Karl Lamont Funderburk distribute methamphetamine to other customers. Loudermilk sometimes received fentanyl from Funderburk in exchange for doing this.

Loudermilk admitted to usually meeting with Funderburk in the Charleston area to obtain methamphetamine and fentanyl. Loudermilk further admitted that he generally received between one-half ounce and one ounce of methamphetamine at a time from Funderburk along with one gram of fentanyl, delivering the methamphetamine to customers, and collecting money from customers in exchange.

Loudermilk and Funderburk are among 32 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash.

Funderburk, 37, of Charleston, pleaded guilty on December 6, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute a quantity of cocaine, and conspiracy to distribute a quantity of fentanyl. He awaits sentencing. Loudermilk and Funderburk are among 27 defendants who have pleaded guilty. 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 Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT 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.

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.

The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

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-33.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Thomas V. Ratcliff, also known as “Twin,” 32, of South Point, Ohio, was sentenced today to two years and six months 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 November 7, 2022, law enforcement officers arrested Ratcliff at a Marcum Terrace residence in Huntington on an outstanding Wayne County Circuit Court arrest warrant. Following the arrest, officers executed a search warrant of the residence and found approximately 29 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, and a loaded Hi-Point 9mm pistol. Ratliff admitted that he possessed the methamphetamine and intended to sell it for money.

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

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. 3:23-cr-2.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jerry Dewayne Carroll, 42, of Crown Hill, pleaded guilty today to possession of prepubescent child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about April 10, 2023, Carroll possessed at least 82 videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Carroll admitted that he uploaded the digital media files over the internet using his cell phone or a computer, and kept them in his encrypted cloud storage account held by Mega LTD. Carroll further admitted that the digital media files included videos depicting minors engaged in actual or simulated sexual intercourse and oral sex and the lascivious exhibition of the genitals and pubic areas of prepubescent minors.

Carroll is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18, 2024, and faces a penalty of 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Carroll must also register as a sex offender.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Holly Wilson and Josh Hanks are prosecuting the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and 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. 3:23-cr-122. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Billy J. Griffith, 58, of St. Albans, was sentenced today to 11 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for receipt of child pornography and possession of prepubescent child pornography. Griffith must also register as a sex offender.

A federal jury found Griffith guilty on June 15, 2023, following a two-day trial. Evidence at trial showed that on August 24, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Griffith’s Baier Street residence. Officers obtained the search warrant for Griffith’s residence after tracing an Internet Protocol (IP) address that had been used to download multiple digital media files of child pornography. Griffith was an auxiliary officer with the St. Albans Police Department at the time of the search, and had been for approximately seven years. Griffith was also an exterminator, and his wife operated a child daycare at the residence.

Officers seized numerous electronic devices during the search of Griffith’s residence, including an external hard drive, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and a cell phone. Griffith told officers that the electronic devices were his and that he had sole access to the computers and cell phone through password protections. An analysis found digital media files of child pornography on all four electronic devices, totaling 3,383 images and four video files.

United States Attorney Will Thompson and Assistant United States Attorneys Julie M. White, Andrew J. Tessman and J. Parker Bazzle II prosecuted the case.

“I am proud to work with all our law enforcement partners. I helped try this case personally because Mr. Griffith betrayed his position of trust in the community with criminal conduct that involved the degradation of prepubescent minors,” Thompson said. “I commend the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and our other law enforcement partners who investigated this case and analyzed the evidence.”

“Today’s sentence should serve as a reminder to all predators. We will not allow crimes against children to go unpunished,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek. “The FBI and our partners will continue to find, arrest, and prosecute those who seek to exploit our most vulnerable population, no matter who they are or what their profession is."

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and 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. 2:22-cr-218.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Clyde Anderson Jr., 44, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to  possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 12, 2022, law enforcement officers encountered Anderson while responding to a domestic disturbance complaint at a Renaissance Circle apartment in Charleston. Anderson admitted that he consented to a search of a small bag he was carrying. Officers found a cylinder in the bag containing approximately 9 grams of a substance containing fentanyl and 13 grams of methamphetamine. Anderson admitted that he intended to distribute the controlled substances. Anderson further admitted that he also possessed a Taurus model PT738 .380-caliber pistol that he handed over to the officers.

Anderson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

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

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams 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. 2:23-cr-120. 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – After two days of trial, a federal jury convicted Alan J. Disomma Jr., 60, of Payson, Arizona, today of two counts of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual activity

Evidence at trial proved that on December 10, 2021, Disomma began messaging a woman located in West Virginia whom he believed to be the mother of two minor girls. Disomma stated in his messages to the individual that he wished to engage in sexual relations with both girls. Disomma also brought up possibly traveling to West Virginia to meet the girls during this online conversation.

From December 21, 2021 to December 18, 2022, Disomma exchanged text messages with the woman and continued to express his interest in engaging in sexual relations with both girls. During this text messaging, Disomma asked about flying to West Virginia to visit them and also stated that he had previously engaged in sexual relations with a prepubescent girl and subjected her to bestiality. Disomma also expressed interest in having the woman and the girls move to Arizona to live with him.

On December 18, 2022, Disomma flew from Arizona to Charleston, West Virginia, where he planned to meet the individual and travel with her to her residence where he intended to engage in sexual activity with both girls. Upon his arrival in Charleston, Disomma was arrested by law enforcement officers.

Disomma faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $750,000 fine when he is sentenced. Disomma must also register as a sex offender.

“Over the course of one year, Mr. Disomma repeatedly communicated his desire to engage in sexual relations with two minor girls and then traveled more than 1,800 miles to act on that desire,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “I commend the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) West Virginia Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force and the West Virginia State Police for their investigation of this case, and Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Lesley C. Shamblin and our trial team for prosecuting the case and securing guilty verdicts on all three counts in the indictment.”

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the jury trial.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and 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. 5:22-cr-227.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Alexandria Jasmine Estep, 22, of Charleston, was sentenced today to four years and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Estep admitted to her role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Estep was responsible for the distribution of nearly 20 pounds of methamphetamine while she participated in the drug trafficking conspiracy between October 2022 and January 2023. Initially, Estep regularly obtained multiple pounds of methamphetamine from a Charleston supplier.  She would then re-distribute the methamphetamine to others in the Charleston area. 

In November 2022, Estep stopped dealing with the Charleston supplier and arranged to buy multiple pounds of methamphetamine from a co-conspirator. On November 29, 2022, the co-conspirator delivered the methamphetamine by vehicle to Estep’s Charleston residence. Estep conducted the transaction with an additional co-conspirator who was in the vehicle during the delivery.

Estep is among 32 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash.

Estep is among 27 defendants who have pleaded guilty. 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 Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT 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.

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.

The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

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-33.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Sean Patrick Boyd Jr., 26, of Dunbar, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation for receipt of stolen money. Boyd was also ordered to pay $23,817.79 in restitution, and owes $17,227.79 of that amount after turning over $6,590 in seized assets. Boyd admitted to a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of $20,832 in COVID-19 relief loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 18, 2021, Boyd applied for a PPP loan on behalf of his purported business, “Sean Boyd.” Boyd falsely stated in his application that “Sean Boyd” was in operation on February 15, 2020, which was a requirement to qualify for a PPP loan. Boyd admitted that “Sean Boyd” was fictitious and was not a registered business entity in West Virginia at the time he applied for the loan. Businesses applying for PPP loans were also required to provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020. Boyd admitted that he submitted a false IRS Form 1040, Schedule C, stating that “Sean Boyd” had earned $99,996 in gross income during 2019.

Boyd submitted the loan application electronically from West Virginia and it was uploaded to servers in Nebraska for processing. Boyd’s loan application was approved and $20,832 was electronically transferred to his personal bank account in West Virginia. Boyd admitted that before he received the fraudulent loan, his bank account balance was $12.47. On May 24, 2021, Boyd withdrew $10,000 of the fraudulent loan proceeds from his bank’s branch in Nitro.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Secret Service, the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU).

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.

The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020, offered emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This assistance included forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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-123.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Melvin Pearson Jones, 40, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 3, 2023, Jones sold a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant at his Huntington apartment for $300. Jones admitted to the transaction, and to arranging it beforehand with the confidential informant. Jones further admitted to selling approximately 6.11 grams of heroin and fentanyl to the confidential informant in Huntington on August 9, 2023.

Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson 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 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. 3:24-cr-1. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Stephen Michael Wolford, 32, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 29, 2023, a law enforcement attempted to initiate a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Wolford near the intersection of 27th Street and Ninth Avenue in Huntington. Wolford admitted that he fled in the vehicle, speeding in excess of 90 miles per hour before wrecking the vehicle and flipping it on its roof on the 1400 block of 28th Street. Wolford further admitted that he attempted to flee on foot before he was caught and arrested.

Officers found a Smith & Wesson Model M&P .40-caliber pistol at the location of the vehicle crash. Wolford admitted to possessing the firearm and further admitted to bringing the firearm into a Huntington business on March 28, 2023, and showing it to a store employee while shopping for accessories for the firearm.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Wolford knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for grand larceny in Cabell County Circuit Court n August 15, 2017.

Wolford is scheduled to be sentenced on June 20, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams 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. 3:23-cr-84. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Kenard Jerlonnie Moore, also known as “Lonnie,” 41, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 28, 2023, Moore sold approximately 16 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 63 grams of a substance that Moore represented was fentanyl to a confidential informant for $1,400. The transaction occurred behind Moore’s 28th Street residence. Moore admitted to the transaction, and further admitted that he arranged the transaction when the confidential informant contacted him earlier that day about purchasing fentanyl and methamphetamine. A forensic analysis confirmed that the methamphetamine had a net weight of 16.6 grams and the suspected fentanyl contained no controlled substances.

Moore is scheduled to be sentenced on June 10, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson 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 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. 3:24-cr-3. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia collected $2,344,556.85 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2023. Of this amount, $2,231,245.48 was collected in criminal actions and $113,311.37 was collected in civil actions. 

“This money is owed from criminal and civil penalties as well as court-ordered restitution and ultimately benefits crime victims and taxpayers,” Thompson said.

The $2,231,245.48 collected in criminal actions includes a $75,000 fine and $280,088 in restitution paid by Christopher Daniels, 54, of Parkersburg, who was also sentenced to one year and one day in prison on December 15, 2022, after pleading guilty to for filing a false federal income tax return. The criminal collections total also includes $382,449.47 in restitution paid by Dhanraj Singh, 63, of Bowie, Maryland, who was also sentenced to two years and three months in prison on December 31, 2022, after pleading guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property. The criminal collections total also includes a $25,000 fine and $175,000 in restitution paid by Michael James Peters, 43, of Concord, North Carolina, who was also sentenced to one year in prison on February 2, 2023, after pleading guilty to making a false statement to a representative of the United States Department of Agriculture. The $175,000 is part of the $1,375,000 in court-ordered restitution owed by Peters.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the U.S. Department of Justice’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

Finally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,073,483 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2023. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

 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. – Today, Timothy A. Ward, 41, and his wife Sarah J. Ward, 40, both of St. Albans, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, the Wards admitted that they distributed methamphetamine or aided and abetted each other to distribute methamphetamine to confidential informants on seven occasions in Kanawha County from October 2, 2023, through December 6, 2023. The Wards further admitted that they received money for several of these transactions, and for others received clothing that was shoplifted at their direction. The transactions included the sale of a half-ounce of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at a St. Albans bar on October 2, 2023.

Timothy A. Ward also admitted that he sold a firearm at the couple’s St. Albans residence to a confidential informant who had purchased methamphetamine from him on prior occasions on December 7, 2023. Sarah J. Ward admitted that she arranged the sale of the firearm, and that she knew her husband was a convicted felon.

Timothy A. Ward and Sarah J. Ward are scheduled to be sentenced on June 6, 2024, and each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the St. Albans Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum 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. 2:23-cr-201. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – George West, 53, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 12, 2022, West was employed by a Huntington business when he forged the name of the business’s owner on a $780 check that West wrote on the business’s bank account. West gave the forged check to his then-roommate for rent that West owed. West admitted that he was not authorized to write the check or to sign it with the owner’s name, and that he was not entitled to the money. West further admitted that he falsely told the roommate that the check represented money owed by the business owner to West, and that the owner made the check payable to the roommate to cover West’s debt.

West also stole two checks from the roommate, writing each for $780 to pay two month’s worth of rent and signing them with his roommate’s name. West admitted that he was not entitled to that money, and that he knew that his roommate had not authorized him to write the checks or sign them in his name.

West is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. West also owes $14,456.45 in restitution.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Huntington Police Department, and the Charleston Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage 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. 3:23-cr-89. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Daniel Phillip Beckman, 46, of Watson, Missouri, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for receipt of child pornography. Beckman must also register as a sex offender.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about November 27, 2022, Beckman began communicating through the Snapchat multimedia instant messaging application while at his Missouri residence with a minor female living within the Southern District of West Virginia. During these Snapchat communications, Beckman offered to pay the minor female for her sending him nude images and videos of herself.

Beckman admitted that he paid the minor female approximately $625 through the CashApp mobile payment service in exchange for numerous images and videos that the minor female sent him using Snapchat. Some of these images showed the minor female’s vaginal area or depicted her masturbating. Beckman admitted that he believed the female to be a minor when he received her photos and videos, and that he saved several of the images to his phone.

On or about December 6, 2022, the minor female introduced Beckman to her friend, also a minor female. Beckman admitted that he began communicating with the other minor female on Snapchat and paid her through CashApp for several images and videos that depicted her nude pubic area. Beckman further admitted that he believed her to be a minor when he received the images, and that he specifically described to her how he wanted her to pose.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the West Virginia State Police.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald prosecuted the case.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and 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. 2:23-cr-158.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Jamarcus Harris, 32, of Lenoir, North Carolina, was sentenced today to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $800 in restitution for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. Harris admitted to his role in a conspiracy to create and pass counterfeit United States currency in the Southern District of West Virginia.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 12, 2022, Harris traveled with co-defendants Crystal Wilks and Xavier Sanders and another individual from North Carolina to West Virginia. Harris admitted that they passed counterfeit $100 bills at businesses in Beckley, Fayetteville and Summersville.

Harris and his co-conspirators rented a room that evening at a Summersville hotel, where they attempted to create new counterfeit United States currency. Harris admitted that their counterfeiting process involved bleaching $1 bills, scanning a genuine $100 bill, and printing the resulting image on the bleached bills.

Wilks, 24, of Lenoir, North Carolina, and Sanders, 24, of Charlotte, North Carolina, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and await sentencing.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made today’s announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Secret Service.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Redmon, Andrew D. Isabell and Ryan Blackwell 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. 5:23-cr-54.

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Carl Thomas Mullins, also known as “TJ Mullins,” 23, of Isaban, pleaded guilty today to theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 10, 2021, Mullins broke into a Wyoming County business and stole a Colt model M4 carbine 5.56mm rifle, a Black Aces model Pro Series M 12-gauge shotgun and a Silver Eagle model RZ17TAC 12-gauge shotgun.

Mullins is scheduled to be sentenced on May 24, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

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

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Redmon and Ryan Blackwell 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. 5:22-cr-179. 

BECKLEY, W.Va. – Timothy Gross, 39, of Beckley, was sentenced today to five years of probation and ordered to pay $65,275.44 in restitution for wire fraud. Gross admitted to making a fraudulent payment with an employer-issued credit card as part of a scheme to divert $65,275.44 in credit card charges to his personal bank account.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Gross was hired by Amerihost LLC in 2020 as a maintenance worker for Beckley Town Homes, a multi-unit apartment building in Beckley. Amerihost issued Gross a credit card for legitimate business purposes and not for personal use.

On April 5, 2020, Gross used his Amerihost-issued credit card to submit a $1,712 payment to “J and Sons Electrical and Plumbing.” Gross admitted that no work had been conducted to justify the payment, and that he created a fraudulent invoice that described the payment as being for eight circuit-breaker panel boxes. Gross further admitted that he opened an account for “J and Sons Electrical and Plumbing” on the Square payments platform to divert payments from the Amerihost-issued credit card for his personal use, and linked that Square account to his personal bank account.

On at least 38 separate occasions from at least January 1, 2020, until at least April 15, 2020, Gross used the Amerihost-issued credit card to send $65,275.44 in unauthorized, fraudulent payments to “J and Sons Electrical and Plumbing” for work that was not performed. Gross created false work invoices as part of his scheme.

“This defendant’s wrongdoing required purposeful planning, and he persisted all the while knowing that his actions were criminal,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “The defendant abused the trust and authority placed in him to enrich himself, and today’s sentence serves as a deterrent to such misconduct.”

Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Beckley Police Department.

“The Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General is committed to working with the Department of Justice and all of our law enforcement partners to ensure that federal funds intended to help low-income families are not wasted or misapplied,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Rice. “Mr. Gross’s sentencing today demonstrates the Government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of HUD programs against fraud, waste, or abuse.”

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Blackwell and 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. 5:22-cr-191.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Samuel Pierre Joseph, 41, of Charleston, was sentenced today to 22 years and six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of  methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl.

A federal jury found Joseph guilty on July 11, 2023, following a two-day trial. Evidence at trial proved that on December 27, 2021, law enforcement officers encountered Joseph as he left his room at the Knights Inn on MacCorkle Avenue in Charleston. Joseph dropped a black duffel bag he was carrying and attempted to flee. Officers apprehended Joseph and found approximately 267 grams of methamphetamine, a Smith & Wesson Model Bodyguard .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Ruger model LC9s 9mm semi-automatic pistol and drug paraphernalia in the duffel bag. Officers also found $1,355 on Joseph’s person.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Joseph knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for possession of marijuana, fourth offense, in the Second Judicial District Court for the Parish of Bienville, Louisiana, on April 14, 2015.

On March 17, 2022, Joseph was a passenger of a vehicle pulled over by law enforcement officers in a Dudley Avenue parking lot in Parkersburg. During the traffic stop, officers found approximately 152 grams of methamphetamine and 12.9 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin on Joseph’s person. Officers arrested Joseph and took him to the Parkersburg Police Department. While at the police department, Joseph attempted to dispose of a business card from a Charleston storage unit rental facility that included the number of a storage unit that Joseph rented at the facility. Officers recovered the card and obtained a search warrant for the rented storage unit. Officers found approximately 896.8 grams of methamphetamine and  83.6 grams of fentanyl in the rented storage unit when they executed the search warrant.

“This defendant has a criminal history that includes 15 prior convictions and was not deterred by his December 2021 arrest as the subsequent traffic stop demonstrates,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Today’s sentence reflects not only his persistent criminal conduct, but also the dedication and teamwork of the law enforcement officers who brought him to justice.”

Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Parkersburg Police Department, and the assistance provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Charleston Police Department.

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy B. Wolfe and Troy D. 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. 2:22-cr-93.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Today, Talon Aaron McIntosh, also known as “Trey” and “T,” 28, and Mario Alonzo Pettway III, also known as “Mike,” 23, both of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty to distribution of a quantity of mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and Ladonna Rae Abner, 49, of Nitro, pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl. All three admitted to their roles in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Southern District of West Virginia.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 3, 2023, McIntosh sold a half-pound of methamphetamine for $1,000 to a confidential in Huntington. McIntosh admitted to that transaction and to selling approximately 439 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant for $2,000 in Huntington on September 7, 2023.

On October 3, 2023, Pettway sold approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential informant for $200 in Nitro. Pettway admitted to that transaction and to selling a total of approximately 8 grams of fentanyl to the confidential informant in St. Albans on three occasions between April 13, 2023, and May 2, 2023. Pettway further admitted to selling approximately 29 grams of methamphetamine to the confidential informant in St. Albans on June 26, 2023.

McIntosh and Pettway admitted that they participated in the DTO from at least February 2023 through November 2023. McIntosh and Pettway also admitted that on August 14, 2023, McIntosh arranged for Pettway to distribute approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine and 3.5 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Huntington.

On October 4, 2023, Abner sold approximately 1 gram of fentanyl for $120 to a confidential informant in Nitro. Abner admitted to that transaction and to selling a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant on October 17, 2023.

On November 15, 2023, law enforcement officers arrested McIntosh, Pettway and Abner. Officers also searched Abner’s residence and two other residences in Nitro. Officers seized approximately 3.5 grams of suspected fentanyl at Abner’s residence. Officers found additional amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl and 11 firearms and ammunition at the second Nitro residence. Pettway admitted to possessing the firearms and to intending to sell the methamphetamine and fentanyl seized at that residence. Officers seized approximately 206 grams of methamphetamine and a Ruger LCP .380-caliber pistol and ammunition at the third Nitro residence. McIntosh admitted that he and others used that residence to store and distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

McIntosh and Pettway are scheduled to be sentenced on June 3, 2024, and Abner is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2024. Each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

McIntosh, Pettway and Abner are among 27 individuals indicted in a 53-count indictment that charges the defendants with distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl transported from Detroit, Michigan, in Huntington and other locations within the Southern District of West Virginia. Three other defendants have pleaded guilty. The indictment against the remaining defendants is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. MDENT 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 Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie Taylor are prosecuting the case.

The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

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. 3:23-cr-180.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson will hold a press conference with law enforcement officials on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 4 p.m. in a case involving the creation of thousands of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and other dangerous opioids.

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 4 p.m.

WHERE: U.S. Attorney’s Office, Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse, Charleston

 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. – Keith Royal Goode-Harper, 32, of Charleston, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, for his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 25, 2023, Goode-Harper obtained 7 ounces of methamphetamine from co-defendant Karl Lamont Funderburk at Funderburk’s residence in Charleston. Goode-Harper admitted that he arranged the purchase with Funderburk in advance over a series of cell phone calls. Goode-Harper further admitted that he had asked to purchase 10 ounces of methamphetamine for a customer, but that Funderburk told him that he only had 7 ounces of methamphetamine available.

Goode-Harper conducted two other transactions with Funderburk during this time period, obtaining over 1 pound of methamphetamine from Funderburk to sell to third-party customers.

Goode-Harper and Funderburk are among 32 individuals indicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash.

Goode-Harper pleaded guilty on September 12, 2023, to use of a communication facility to facilitate drug trafficking. Funderburk, 37, of Charleston, pleaded guilty on December 6, 2023, to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute a quantity of cocaine, and conspiracy to distribute a quantity of fentanyl. Funderburk awaits sentencing.

Goode-Harper and Funderburk are among 27 defendants who have pleaded guilty. Indictments against the other 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 Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT 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.

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.

The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

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-135.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, Tevon O'Shea Vanhorn, also known as "Von," 29, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, and Toby Lee Graley, 60, of Charleston, was sentenced to eight years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least June 2022 to on or about March 2023, Vanhorn obtained methamphetamine and fentanyl and distributed quantities of the controlled substances to Graley and several other customers at multiple locations within the Southern District of West Virginia. Vanhorn communicated with his customers by cell phone to arrange drug-related transactions, and knew that several of his customers redistributed the methamphetamine and fentanyl he sold them.

On February 21, 2022, Vanhorn attempted to mail a package containing approximately $74,835 from Charleston, West Virginia, to Detroit, Michigan, as part of the drug distribution conspiracy. Law enforcement officers intercepted and seized the package.

Since at least June 2022, Graley conspired with Vanhorn and several other people to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Graley obtained methamphetamine and fentanyl from Vanhorn and distributed the controlled substances to customers at his Lumari Lane residence in Charleston and other locations within the Southern District of West Virginia. Graley arranged drug-related transactions on his cell phone with Vanhorn and customers. Graley knew several of his customers would redistribute the methamphetamine and fentanyl he sold them.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force, the West Virginia State Police, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorneys  Ryan A. Keefe and JC MacCallum prosecuted the case.

The case is a result of “Operation Into The Woods,” a 10-month investigation of drug trafficking in Kanawha and Boone counties. Law enforcement seized 120 grams of methamphetamine, four shotguns, and approximately $23,150 from Graley when he was arrested.

The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. Today, OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.

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-44.

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