Southern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Timothy Brian Jackson, 44, of South Charleston, pleaded guilty today to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Jackson admitted that he created and intended to distribute fake oxycodone pills that actually contained fentanyl or other opioids.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 9, 2022, law enforcement officers intercepted a package that Jackson placed in the United States Mail to send to Connecticut. Officers searched the package and found over 300 pills that appeared to be 30-milligram oxycodone pills. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory confirmed the pills contained protonitazene, an emergent synthetic opioid that is equally if not more potent than fentanyl.

On August 29, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a St. Albans apartment rented by Jackson. Officers found various quantities of pills that looked like legitimate 30-milligram oxycodone pills. The DEA Mid-Atlantic Laboratory confirmed that some of the seized pills contained fentanyl and others contained protonitazene or butonitazene, a federal Schedule I controlled substance with opioid effects. Officers also found various quantities of powders containing these substances, hydraulic pill press equipment, various punch and die kits used to imprint pills with “M30” markings, a pharmacy-grade powder mixing machine, various binding powders, two loaded pistols and a large quantity of cash.

Investigators seized over 10,000 pills in this case. Jackson admitted that he used the apartment, and primarily its basement, as a workshop to make counterfeit pills that he intended to distribute. Jackson further admitted that he acquired fentanyl powder from a source outside the United States, the “M30” punch and die sets from China and commercially manufactured binding powder from a company in the U.S.

Jackson began renting the St. Albans apartment several years prior to the August 29, 2022 search by law enforcement. Jackson admitted that he had been living with his family at a residence in South Charleston since February 2022 while continuing to rent the St. Albans apartment.

Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a $10 million fine.

“This is the exact sort of criminal conduct that has resulted in untold harm and grief throughout West Virginia and our nation,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “There must be no tolerance for the creation and distribution of these counterfeit pills that have caused so many overdoses and deaths.”

Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the valuable assistance provided by the West Virginia Fusion Center, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the Charleston Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department, and the St. Albans Fire Department hazardous materials team.

“Through his selfish and reckless actions, Mr. Jackson endangered not only his immediate neighbors, but the Charleston community at large; and for that, he should expect to meet the full weight of the justice system,” said Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Field Division.  “The DEA and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate clandestine drug labs operating in our communities.  If you’re in the business of making or selling fake pills, just know that we’re coming for you.”

“Today, Timothy Jackson admitted to manufacturing, possessing, and intending to distribute poison, which could have wreaked havoc on scores of American families,” said Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C.  “Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. One kilogram of fentanyl can produce 1 million to 1.5 million pill dosage units and has the potential to kill 500,000 people.  HSI Washington, D.C. is proud to have worked with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prevent the distribution of this toxin to the residents of our communities.”

“As Postal Inspectors, our primary mission is the protection of our people and the postal employees who serve the public dutifully each day,” said USPIS Inspector in Charge Lesley C. Allison. “The USPIS is committed to taking these dangerous substances out of the mail stream and our priority is to safeguard the public and our employees.  The charges against this individual proves the resolve of Postal Inspectors and our law enforcement partners to pursue these organizations with every resource at our disposal, and to ultimately see that justice is served.”

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-176. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kyle Andrew Umstead, 35, of Douglasville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, for traveling in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Umstead must also register as a sex offender.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in late March 2022, Umstead began communicating online with a girl he believed to be 14 years old. Umstead admitted that in multiple online conversations he repeatedly told the girl he wanted to take her virginity and regularly described in graphic detail the sexual acts he wished to perform with her. Umstead further admitted that he sent the girl over two dozen photos of his penis and over a dozen videos of him masturbating. Umstead also sent the girl numerous images of pornography depicting adults engaged in sexual activity and women engaged in bestiality with dogs. Umstead admitted that he encouraged the girl to engage in bestiality and incest.

On March 18, 2023, Umstead traveled from Douglasville, Pennsylvania, to Kanawha County, West Virginia. Umstead admitted that he traveled to Kanawha County with the intent of engaging in sexual activity with the girl, including sexual intercourse. Upon his arrival in Kanawha County, Umstead was arrested by law enforcement officers. Following his arrest, officers found videos and images of child pornography on Umstead’s cell phone.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger 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-47.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Kayla Dawn Powell, 37, of Hurricane, and Donald James Duty, 52, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl. Powell and Duty admitted to their roles in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Huntington area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Powell admitted to participating in the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl with others from at least June 2023 through November 2023. During that period, Powell received quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from a source or from others at the source’s direction in the Huntington area that she distributed to various customers in the Southern District of West Virginia.

On June 6, 2023, Powell sold approximately 3.6 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant for $250 in a vehicle parked at a business on MacCorkle Avenue in St. Albans. Powell admitted to the transaction and to arranging it with the confidential informant beforehand.

On November 15, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Duty’s Jackson Avenue residence in Huntington and seized 19 firearms, approximately 73 grams of suspected fentanyl and approximately 108 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Duty admitted that he intended to distribute the seized fentanyl and methamphetamine.

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

Powell and Duty 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. Co-defendant Denzil Roger Grant II, 50, of Hurricane, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine on January 17, 2024, and awaits sentencing. The indictment against the other defendants remains 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. – Les Van Bumpus, 35, of Charleston, was sentenced today to eight years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Bumpus 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 December 2022 and March 22, 2023, Bumpus was living in Dunbar and conspired with others to distribute what he believed was heroin but now knows was fentanyl. Bumpus admitted to purchasing fentanyl from a co-defendant who often fronted the fentanyl to him and allowed Bumpus to pay him back after he sold it.

On March 22, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Bumpus’ Dunbar residence and found approximately 89 grams of fentanyl and a loaded Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol. Bumpus admitted to making at least $500 in profit per week from distributing fentanyl.

Bumpus has a long criminal history that includes three prior felony convictions for offenses including distribution of 5 grams or more of cocaine base in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on April 15, 2010, and being a person prohibited from possessing firearms in Kanawha County Circuit Court on January 27, 2020.

Bumpus 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.

Bumpus 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 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-31.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jamie Lyn Music, 41, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 24, 2021, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Music and Raymond Jaquette Howard were passengers on Interstate 64 near Huntington, West Virginia. Officers searched the vehicle and found approximately 399.6 grams of fentanyl in a backpack. Music admitted that she possessed and intended to sell the fentanyl.

Howard, 35, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl on October 11, 2022. Howard admitted that he intended to sell the fentanyl found in the backpack or direct others to sell the fentanyl on his behalf. Howard also admitted to selling approximately 1.01 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant at a Huntington motel on September 22, 2021. On November 16, 2021, law enforcement officers searched Howard’s motel room and found approximately 4.6 pounds of fentanyl and a loaded Glock 43x pistol hidden in the ceiling. Howard admitted that he intended to sell the fentanyl.

Howard was sentenced on January 17, 2023, to 14 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release

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

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

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-102.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Isaiah Vaniah McDade, 46, of South Charleston, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of fentanyl and a quantity of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between August 10, 2022 and September 16, 2022, McDade sold approximately 5 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant over the course of five separate transactions. McDade admitted to those transactions and further admitted to selling the confidential informant a quantity of methamphetamine during the September 2, 2022 transaction and 3.46 grams of cocaine during the September 16, 2022 transaction.

From November 3, 2022 through December 2, 2022, McDade discussed the distribution of controlled substances during phone calls intercepted by law enforcement officers. McDade admitted that those intercepted discussions were of the distribution of 33.5 grams of heroin, 7 grams of methamphetamine and 30.8 grams of cocaine.

On August 17, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McDade’s residence and seized $5,115.

McDade is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18, 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) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT). 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 Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. 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-143. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Timothy Priddy, 49, of Buffalo, West Virginia, pleaded guilty today to making a false statement. Priddy admitted that he lied to federal investigators about the verification of invoices for COVID-19 testing that he certified while an official with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR).

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 2, 2022, Priddy was director of WVDHHR’s Center for Threat Preparedness when he was interviewed by federal agents. Priddy had previously been deputy director, and his duties in that position had included reviewing and verifying the accuracy of certain invoices submitted to WVDHHR by vendors supplying COVID-19 testing and mitigation services prior to certifying the invoices for payment. The agents asked Priddy about invoices submitted by a particular vendor that had billed the State of West Virginia for tens of millions of dollars for COVID-19 testing and related services.

Priddy admitted that he knew the agents were investigating the vendor for suspected fraudulent billing, and that information relative to the invoices and subsequent payment was material to that investigation. One series of invoices of interest to the federal investigation related to a COVID-19 testing program for K-12 students, faculty and staff returning to school after the winter holiday break. Priddy certified the K-12 testing program invoices without making any effort to verify their accuracy. Priddy falsely told the agents that he certified the invoices only after two individuals working with the K-12 testing program verified the invoices involved. Priddy admitted that he knew that statement was false.

“After completely failing to verify invoices seeking tens of millions of public dollars, Mr. Priddy significantly affected an important investigation into that spending with his false statement,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson.

Priddy is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the West Virginia Legislature’s Commission on Special Investigations.

"No matter your job or status in the community, it is a federal crime to lie to the FBI," said acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shanahan. "Priddy lied to the FBI during a critical moment in the investigation. This conviction should serve as a reminder that those who lie to federal agents will face serious criminal consequences for their actions."

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hanks, Holly Wilson and Kathleen Robeson and former Assistant United States Attorney Philip Wright 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-162. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – After a one-day trial that ended late yesterday, a federal jury convicted Terry Leon Blankenship, 55, and his wife Laurel Blankenship, 56, both of Bluefield, of conspiracy to commit witness tampering. The jury also convicted Terry Leon Blankenship of attempted witness tampering and interfering with the enforcement of the federal sex trafficking of a minor statute.

Evidence at trial proved that from on or about April 4, 2023 through at least July 25, 2023, Terry Leon Blankenship and Laurel Blankenship conspired to influence the testimony of a witness in a federal sex trafficking case against Terry Leon Blankenship. The witness was a 12-year-old girl who had alleged the sex trafficking against Terry Leon Blankenship and later recanted. In multiple recorded audio and video jail calls while Terry Leon Blankenship was incarcerated in the sex trafficking case, he and his wife had multiple conversations about ensuring that the minor witness stuck with her recantation. The recorded conversations included discussions about influencing who had custody of the minor and bribing the minor witness with an iPhone to ensure she stood by her recantation.

“This case was not about whether the initial allegations or the recantation were true. The defendants corruptly attempted to influence which way this 12-year-old girl testified,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “I commend the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department for their investigation of this case and Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Andrew D. Isabell and our trial team for securing guilty verdicts on all counts in the superseding indictment.”

Terry Leon Blankenship is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13, 2024, and faces up to 25 years in prison for interfering with the enforcement of the federal sex trafficking statute, up to 20 years in prison for the witness tampering and conspiracy convictions, at least 5 years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $750,000 fine. Laurel Blankenship  is scheduled to be sentenced on May 16, 2024, and faces up to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

At the time of this offense conduct, Terry Leon Blankenship was a registered sex offender and was serving a term of federal supervised release after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on December 5, 2008. He faces up to two years in prison for committing a crime while on supervised release.

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the jury trial.

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-97.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson of the Southern District of West Virginia and United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld of the Northern District of West Virginia will jointly host a human trafficking training event on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at locations in Charleston and Wheeling as well as virtually.

The joint training event, Human Trafficking: Facts, Fiction, and Federal Law, will also feature participation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Pittsburgh Division, the West Virginia Fusion Center, the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services (FRIS), the West Virginia Child Advocacy Network and Angie Conn, a human trafficking survivor, victim advocate and founder of SheWhoDares Consulting LLC.

WHO: United States Attorneys Will Thompson and William Ihlenfeld

WHAT: Human Trafficking: Facts, Fiction, and Federal Law

WHEN: Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

WHERE:

Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1114 Virginia Street East, Charleston

St. Michael Catholic Church Angelus Center, 1225 National Road, Wheeling

 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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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Denzil Roger Grant II, 50, of Hurricane, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine. Grant admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Huntington area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 27, 2023, Grant called co-defendant Derrell Cashawn Massey and asked to purchase fentanyl and methamphetamine. Grant admitted that after arranging the transaction, he traveled from Hurricane to Huntington where he met with Massey and bought methamphetamine.

Grant was returning to Hurricane from Huntington when law enforcement officers stopped his vehicle in Putnam County. Grant consented to a search of the vehicle, and a female passenger in his vehicle gave officers approximately 13.5 grams of methamphetamine. Grant admitted that he intended to distribute the seized methamphetamine and further admitted that the passenger had hidden the methamphetamine on her person at his request.

Grant is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

Grant is 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. The indictment against Massey and 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 hearing. 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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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Antione Terren Glanton, also known as “Twan” and “T,” 45, of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty yesterday to distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine base, also known as “crack.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 27, 2022, Glanton sold approximately 27.5 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of crack to a confidential informant in the area of the 2500 block of Washington Boulevard in Huntington. Glanton admitted to the transaction and to arranging it with the confidential informant beforehand.

Glanton further admitted to selling approximately 2.7 grams of crack to the confidential informant in the area of the 200 block of Olive Street in Huntington on October 24, 2022, and to selling approximately 2.9 grams of crack and 1.3 grams of fentanyl to the confidential informant on the 2500 block of Washington Boulevard in Huntington on January 5, 2023.

On January 11, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Glanton’s Marcum Terrace residence in Huntington and found approximately 15 grams of crack, 32 grams of fentanyl, a quantity of heroin, digital scales, fentanyl test strips and $501. Officers also found a loaded Glock 19 9mm pistol and a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol in Glanton’s possession. Glanton admitted that he possessed the seized crack, fentanyl and heroin and intended to distribute the controlled substances.

Glanton is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 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 Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney L. Finney and Lesley C. Shamblin 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-113. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Elijah Figg, also known as "Bang," 24, of Huntington, was sentenced today to five years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine. Figg 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, on December 29, 2020, Figg sold 3 pounds of methamphetamine for $16,500 to an individual in Charleston. Figg admitted to using his mobile device to communicate with the individual to arrange the deal. Figg further admitted that he knew the individual was going to redistribute the methamphetamine.

After the transaction, Figg traveled with four other people to the Beckley area of Raleigh County. Law enforcement officers attempted a traffic stop of the vehicle, and the driver attempted to flee. The pursuit ended when the vehicle struck some utility poles. Officers searched the vehicle and found $18,332 and methamphetamine residue. Figg admitted that the money found included the $16,500 he received from the methamphetamine transaction.

Figg participated in a participated in a DTO responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in the Charleston area. A dozen individuals pleaded guilty in connection with this prosecution. During the course of the nearly year-long investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 15 pounds of methamphetamine, 45 firearms, including an IMI Industries Uzi fully automatic 9mm submachine gun, and more than $375,000 in cash.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) for their investigative work, and the U.S. Marshals Service, the West Virginia State Police, and the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) for providing assistance.

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman prosecuted the case.

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 Nos. 2:21-cr-32 and 2:23-cr-88.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – John Christopher Spence, 67, of Huntington, pleaded guilty yesterday to making a false declaration in a bankruptcy case.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about April 30, 2019, Spence filed for bankruptcy as an individual and separately on behalf of Park Place Properties LLC, one of his businesses. Spence admitted he knew he was required to identify creditors and submit various schedules of assets and liabilities and a statement of financial affairs in each bankruptcy case. Each schedule and statement of financial affairs was filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court under criminal penalty for false swearing, concealing property, and obtaining money or property by fraud.

On May 30, 2019, Spence caused to be filed Schedule A/B, a disclosure document, and a statement of financial affairs in his individual bankruptcy case. Spence admitted that he knew both contained inaccurate and misleading information, because he failed to disclose in each that he owned J.C. Spence Company LLC, that he held a 100 percent interest in this company and that this company possessed assets.

Spence further admitted that the Schedule A/B contained inaccurate and misleading information, because he failed to disclose that he had legal or equitable interests in condominiums in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Scottsdale, Arizona; Avon, Colorado; Port Saint Lucie, Florida; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Spence also admitted that he lied about his legal or equitable interests in any condominiums during a meeting of creditors in his bankruptcy case on June 6, 2019.

In April 2019, Spence used one of his credit cards to purchase airplane tickets to the Grand Cayman Islands, Aruba, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Spence admitted that he intended to defraud the credit card company when he purchased the tickets, because he knew he intended to file for bankruptcy and by filing for bankruptcy would avoid paying back the money.

Spence is scheduled to be sentenced on April 29, 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The United States Trustee’s Charleston field office, which serves West Virginia, made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public.

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-184. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Tyson Davis II, 28, 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 November 8, 2021, Davis sold approximately 52 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant inside a vehicle on the 1600 block of Doulton Avenue in Huntington. Davis admitted to that transaction and further admitted to selling approximately 27 grams of methamphetamine to the confidential informant on November 3, 2021, in Huntington.

On November 9, 2021, law enforcement officers conducted a search of Davis’ vehicle and Fourth Street West residence in Huntington and seized approximately 399 grams of fentanyl and a loaded Glock 9mm pistol. Davis admitted that he possessed and intended to distribute the seized fentanyl.

Davis is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6, 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) 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. 3:21-cr-241. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Derick Russell Legg, 48, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to receipt of child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about September 19, 2019, through on or about January 28, 2020, Legg used peer-to-peer file sharing programs to receive digital media files depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Legg further admitted that he possessed 668 images and 321 videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct on an external hard drive in Huntington on or about January 30, 2020. Legg also admitted to possessing additional images and videos of child pornography on his cell phone.

Many of the images and videos possessed by Legg depict known child victims, prepubescent minors and minors subjected to sadistic or masochistic conduct.

Legg is scheduled to be sentenced on April 29, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Tessman and Julie M. White 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. 3:22-cr-40. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Maximillian Keaton, 51, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting making false statements in acquisition of firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 22, 2023, Keaton traveled with Daniel Lee Ferguson to a Barboursville business where Ferguson purchased for Keaton a Springfield Armory model Hellcat 9mm pistol. Keaton admitted that he asked Ferguson to buy the firearm for him because his prior felony conviction prohibits him from purchasing or possessing a firearm. Keaton further admitted that he showed Ferguson the firearm he wanted him to buy and provided Ferguson with the money for the purchase.

Ferguson falsely certified on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Federal Firearms Transaction Records Form 4473 that he was the buyer of the firearm when Ferguson knew he was purchasing it for Keaton.

Keaton further admitted that Ferguson purchased two other firearms for him at Cabell County businesses, a Bersa model Thunder 380 .380-caliber pistol on August 14, 2019, and a Springfield Armory model Prodigy 9mm on February 25, 2023. Ferguson falsely certified on the ATF Form 4473 for each purchase that he was the buyer of the firearm when he knew he was purchasing it for Keaton.

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

Ferguson, 45, of Huntington, pleaded guilty on October 23, 2023, to making false statements in acquisition of firearms and awaits sentencing.

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 Joseph F. Adams is prosecuting the case.

This case was prosecuted under the criminal provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which Congress enacted and the President signed in June 2022. BSCA is the first federal statute specifically designed to target the unlawful trafficking and straw-purchasing of firearms.

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-151. 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Robert Martin, 67, of Beckley, pleaded guilty yesterday to fraudulent receipt of property from a debtor. Martin admitted to paying himself without authorization while serving as the chief executive officer of the entity that operated the West Virginia Courtesy Patrol.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Martin was CEO of Citizens Conservation Corp (CCC), which he formed in 1993 and which dissolved in or about 2019. CCC’s primary source of income from in or around 1998 until in or around the summer of 2018 was a multimillion-dollar contract with the State of West Virginia to operate the Courtesy Patrol roadside assistance service.

On April 3, 2019, CCC filed for bankruptcy after the loss of the state contract in 2018 left it financially unstable. During a May 2, 2019, bankruptcy creditors meeting, Martin testified that CCC was not generating income, that he was not receiving a salary because of the lack of income, and that he expected CCC to be paid on some receivables owed to it. The United States Trustee, who oversees the administration of bankruptcy cases in the Southern District of West Virginia, told Martin that he was not allowed to take a salary as a controlling officer without U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval.

On May 8, 2019, CCC received more than $41,000 from the West Virginia Treasury, and the money was deposited in CCC’s bank account. Two days later, Martin caused $50,000 to be transferred from that bank account to an account at a different bank. Martin paid himself $32,072.76 from those transferred funds with six separate checks. Martin admitted that he did not obtain or have U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval for those payments, even though he knew that was required. Martin further admitted that he did not get prior approval because he intended to hide these payments from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Martin also admitted that CCC knowingly misspent $108,751.60 it had received from the United States Department of Interior National Park Service (NPS) between September 10 and October 1, 2018. CCC entered into a cooperative agreement with NPS on November 20, 2014 to recruit, hire, train and place young adults for internship positions at national parks throughout the country. Funding made available under the agreement included $111,221.09 to hire and pay two interns to work at the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation for 13 months. Martin admitted that CCC did not hire or place any interns with that funding. Instead, CCC drew down all but $2,469.49 of that funding for unallowable CCC operating expenses following the loss of the Courtesy Patrol contract. Martin admitted that he knew that the funds were misapplied or fraudulently converted in this way.

Martin is scheduled to be sentenced on May 3, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Martin also owes restitution of $37,072.76 to the U.S. Trustee and up to $251,171.20 to the U.S. Department of Interior National Park Service.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Interior-Office of Inspector General (DOI-OIG). The United States Trustee’s Charleston field office, which serves West Virginia, made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The United States Trustee Program is a component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders —debtors, creditors and the public.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Holly Wilson 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-147. 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Cody Adam Bays, 32, of Beaver, pleaded guilty today to providing contraband to an in inmate of a federal prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between November 7, 2022, and February 14, 2023, Bays was a correctional officer at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley when he provided contraband items to FCI Beckley inmates. Bays admitted that he provided various controlled substances including suboxone, marijuana, synthetic marijuana and a substance Bays believed to be fentanyl. Bays further admitted that he received approximately $5,000 for the suboxone, $4,000 for the fentanyl substance, $3,500 for the synthetic marijuana and $2,000 for the marijuana. Bays was paid in cash or through financial mobile applications.

Bays is scheduled to be sentenced on May 3, 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 Justice-Office of Inspector General (DOJ-OIG).

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-165. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Aleksey Krylov, 42, of South Orange, New Jersey, was sentenced today to three years of federal probation, including six months on home detention, and ordered to pay $94,197.93 in restitution for aiding and abetting theft from programs receiving federal funds. Krylov admitted to diverting $94,197.93 in federal abandoned mine land (AML) remediation sub-grant funds to a West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) employee who had secretly helped Krylov obtain an AML grant award.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from in or about April 2017 until in or about August 7, 2019, Krylov enlisted Jerry D. Elkins to assist Krylov and one of Krylov’s companies with their application for a WVDEP AML pilot program sub-grant. Elkins was initially a regional planner and later an inspector for the WVDEP during the time period, and had become acquainted with Krylov prior to joining the WVDEP.

The DEP receives grant funding from the United States Department of the Interior Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) for, among other purposes, accelerating the remediation of eligible sites for economic revitalization and community development purposes under the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program. Since 2016, West Virginia has received $181 million in AMLER block grant funds. Numerous private entities apply to receive AML sub-grants, and the process for selecting projects to receive sub-grant awards is competitive.

Krylov and his company proposed to construct and operate an aquaponics facility that would produce commercial quantities of vegetables and fruits at a project site near Madison. Krylov agreed to pay Elkins a portion of the federal grant dollars in exchange for Elkins’ help. To assist Krylov and his company, Elkins disclosed internal WVDEP deliberations to Krylov, boosted Krylov’s project internally at WVDEP, submitted a report that was required to obtain the grant award, obtained public support for the project, provided his opinion and suggestions for improving the sub-grant application, recruited local individuals to work with Krylov, collected water samples, and continuously monitored the application’s status.

Krylov admitted to paying Elkins for his services with checks and electronic fund transfers drawn from federal sub-grant disbursements totaling $94,197.93. Krylov further admitted that Elkins had no right to receive these funds and that he aided and abetted Elkins’ actions in fraudulently obtaining the $94,197.93. Krylov also admitted that he paid Elkins through a shell entity, Wanaque River Holdings LLC (“Wanaque”), that Elkins set up solely to receive and obscure payments from Krylov. Elkins was paid by Krylov through Wanaque for fictitious invoices that Elkins created using an online bill pay platform, Bill.com.

Elkins, 54, of Danville, pleaded guilty to theft from programs receiving federal funds and was sentenced on November 30, 2023, to three years of federal probation, including 10 months on home detention, and ordered to pay $94,197.93 in restitution.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General-Office of Investigations and the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Holly Wilson 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-99.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kathy Darlene Strickmaker, 64, of Dry Branch, was sentenced today to one year and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $698,883.32 in restitution for bank fraud.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Strickmaker was the administrative assistant for a Charleston business from 2006 to 2018. Strickmaker’s duties as administrative assistant included paying bills on behalf of the business, which maintained multiple accounts at a bank in Charleston, and managing the business’s payroll and accounts payable.

From on or about January 15, 2015, through on or about November 21, 2018, Strickmaker devised a scheme to obtain money under the control of the business’s bank, defrauding the business and its bank to enrich herself and her son. Strickmaker admitted that she wrote at least 80 unauthorized checks drawn from the business’s bank accounts and forged her employer’s signature on them. Strickmaker further admitted that she made the unauthorized checks payable to herself, her son, and three of her son’s associates in amounts of between approximately $800 to $3,300. Once the unauthorized checks were cashed, the son would take the money. The victim’s loss amount totaled $698,883.32.

“The defendant’s scheme endured for years and was executed frequently, resulting in a staggering loss for the victim business,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “I commend the West Virginia State Police-Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) for their the investigative work, and Assistant United States Attorney Holly Wilson for prosecuting the case.”

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

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-57.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Benjamin Cisco, 31, of Charleston, was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $871,288.34 in restitution for two counts of wire fraud. Cisco admitted to defrauding a disaster relief charity of $871,288.34 intended for suffering West Virginians.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from about March 19, 2020, through about September 28, 2022, Cisco devised and executed his scheme to defraud the charitable nonprofit organization while employed as its finance and operations manager in Belle and Charleston. Through his position, Cisco had control over the victim charity’s finances and access to its debit cards and regularly worked with its accountant. Cisco’s duties included preparing the victim charity’s biweekly payroll, depositing payments into its bank accounts, and providing its board of directors with updates regarding its finances.

Cisco admitted that his fraud scheme followed a two-step process. First, Cisco electronically transferred money from the victim charity’s debit cards to its account with the Flipcause crowd-funding platform, which recorded those transfers as donations. Second, Cisco electronically transferred money from the victim charity’s Flipcause account to his personal bank account, which he had falsely labeled as belonging to the victim charity.

Cisco  admitted to executing the fraudulent two-step process more than 100 times. These fraudulent transactions included electronic transfers from the victim charity’s Flipcause account to his personal bank account in the amounts of $4,724 on January 28, 2022, and $2,874 on May 6, 2022. Both transfers traveled in interstate commerce between Charleston, West Virginia, and California.

Well-meaning individuals, seeking to assist the disaster relief charity, used the Flipcause portal to donate $3,861.94 to the victim charity. Cisco pocketed nearly all of those donated funds. The Court found that Cisco misrepresented acting on behalf of a charity during his scheme, citing that as a factor in today’s sentence.

Cisco’s fraudulent scheme specifically caused at least $518,101.70 of loss to the victim charity. Cisco also admitted to defrauding the victim charity of an additional $285,626.64 in travel reimbursements he was not authorized to receive and $67,560 by purchasing gift cards with victim charity funds without authorization. The loss totaled $871,288.34.

Cisco’s criminal conduct besmirched the reputation of the disaster relief charity, threatening to erode public trust and discourage potential donors. The discovery of Cisco’s scheme prompted the victim charity to put its operations on hold, pausing the replacement of eight bridges destroyed by flooding in southern West Virginia that provided families access to their homes.

“After spending six years with the victim charity, Mr. Cisco knew the real-life consequences of disaster but still chose to misspend the victim charity’s money on personal expenses, household items, Lowe’s gift cards, and luxurious vacations to Disney World,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Mr. Cisco’s actions personified greed and the Court acknowledged that by giving him a sentence at the upper limit of the sentencing guidelines.”

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

“Today Mr. Cisco faced the consequences of his illegal actions,” said FBI Pittsburgh Acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shanahan. “Mr. Cisco diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars meant to help struggling West Virginians impacted by disaster for his own personal gain. Today's sentence sends the message that he can't escape accountability for his actions.”

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Holly Wilson, and Erik S. Goes, 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-25.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Leslie Russell Burney, 36, of Groveport, Ohio, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 20, 2021, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Burney on Interstate 77 in the area of Ripley, West Virginia. After the officer approached the vehicle and asked for his driver’s license, Burney drove off in an attempt to evade law enforcement.

Officers pursued Burney’s vehicle until he pulled off the interstate and fled on foot with a red backpack from his vehicle. Officers located and captured Burney utilizing a K-9 and seized the backpack, which contained suspected methamphetamine.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory confirmed that the substance found in the backpack was over 6 pounds of methamphetamine. Burney admitted that he was going to receive payment to deliver the drugs in the backpack, and fled the traffic stop because he did not want the drugs to be discovered.

Burney has a long criminal history that includes prior felony convictions for kidnapping and felonious assault with a firearm.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Ripley Police Department, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Redmon 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. 2:22-cr-91.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Austin Pannell, 26, of Bluefield, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 18, 2022, Pannell sold a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant outside of a Princeton apartment. Pannell admitted to that transaction and further admitted to selling additional quantities of fentanyl to a confidential informant on three other occasions in Princeton and Bluefield between July 12, 2022, and August 18, 2022.

Pannell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 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 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-109. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Imeesha Bradley, 28, of South Charleston, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation and ordered to pay $18,703 in restitution for receipt of stolen money. Bradley admitted to a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of $18,703  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 21, 2021, Bradley applied for a PPP loan for her purported business, “Imeesha Bradley.” Bradley admitted that “Imeesha Bradley” was never engaged in legitimate business activity and was not a registered business entity at the time she applied for the loan. Bradley further admitted that she falsely represented that her fictitious business received $89,772 in gross income during 2020.

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 Paycheck Protection Program. Businesses applying for PPP loans had to certify that the business was in operation on February 15, 2020, and were required to provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020.

A California lender approved Bradley’s fraudulent PPP loan application for $18,703, and transferred the funds to Bradley’s personal bank account on May 10, 2021. Bradley admitted that she withdrew $5,000 of the stolen funds that day and an additional $7,000 on May 14, 2021, each time from a bank branch in Nitro, West Virginia.

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

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Francesca C. Rollo and Ryan Blackwell prosecuted the case.

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-112.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jeren Danielle Canterbury, 34, of Charleston, pleaded guilty yesterday to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Canterbury twice sold quantities of methamphetamine to a confidential informant, in Nitro on March 3, 2023 and in Charleston on March 15, 2023.

Canterbury is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6, 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).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers 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. 3:23-cr-138. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, Scott Jeremy Savage, 46, of Nitro, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and Dashounieque Lashay Wright, 27, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to facilitate drug trafficking. Both admitted to their roles in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between October 17, 2022, and March 9, 2023, Savage conspired with others to distribute quantities of fentanyl while living in Putnam County. Savage admitted to purchasing fentanyl from a co-defendant who lived in the Charleston area and to arranging transactions with this co-defendant by cell phone. Savage further admitted that the co-defendant often fronted him the fentanyl and he would pay the co-defendant back after he sold it.

On October 17, 2022, Savage sold approximately 2.23 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant at his residence. On October 18, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Savage’s residence and seized approximately 2.93 grams of fentanyl, 2.2 grans of methamphetamine, and a loaded Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol.

On January 27, 2023, Savage exchanged phone calls and text messages with the co-defendant to arrange the purchase of a one-quarter ounce of fentanyl. Savage admitted that he believed he would have an easier time mixing that quantity with cutting agents to increase its volume and maximize his profits. Savage further admitted that he agreed with the co-defendant that he owed $445 from prior fentanyl transactions.

During a phone call the next day, Savage told the co-defendant that customers had complained about the fentanyl he had purchased the day before and asked the co-defendant to provide stronger fentanyl. Savage admitted that the co-defendant agreed to provide him with 4 to five grams of fentanyl. On March 9, 2023, Savage sold approximately 1.3 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant at a Putnam County gas station.

Savage has a long criminal history that now includes 13 felony convictions. Savage’s prior felony convictions include attempt to operate a clandestine drug laboratory, exposure of children to methamphetamine manufacturing, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, fleeing in a vehicle from a law enforcement officer in reckless indifference to the safety of others, fraud and related activity in connection with an access device, and breaking and entering.

Wright admitted that she spoke by cell phone on November 28, 2022, with a co-conspirator who directed her to deliver what turned out to be approximately 3 pounds of methamphetamine to a customer in Charleston. The co-conspirator gave Wright directions to the customer’s residence by phone. Wright admitted that she knew she was participating in a drug transaction and that the bag she gave the customer contained a controlled substance, but that she did not know the quantity of the substance or that it was methamphetamine.

Wright collected money from the customer before leaving the residence by vehicle. Law enforcement officers pulled over the vehicle following the transaction, and found an additional 6.1 pounds of methamphetamine during a search of the vehicle.

Wright is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Savage and Wright 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.

Savage and Wright 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 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 Nos. 2:23-cr-31 (Savage) and 2:23-cr-195 (Wright).

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Larry Williams Jr., 52, of Pontiac, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 9, 2023, Williams sold approximately 1 gram of methamphetamine and a quantity of heroin to a confidential informant at a Washington Avenue location in Huntington. Williams admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling quantities of methamphetamine and heroin to a confidential informant on January 31, 2023, and March 16, 2023, in Huntington.

On March 21, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Williams’ Adams Avenue residence in Huntington and found approximately 134 grams of methamphetamine, 15 grams of heroin, 6 grams of fentanyl, and 18 grams of cocaine base, also known as “crack.” Officers also found digital scales, a drug press and approximately $292 in the residence during the search. Williams admitted to possessing and intending to distribute the controlled substances.

Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 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 Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney 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-87. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – James Franklin Will III, 42, of Point Pleasant, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 15, 2023, law enforcement officers encountered Will while responding to reports of a suspicious person at a Point Pleasant residence. The residents told officers that Will had entered their home with two firearms. Officers recovered a loaded Sig Sauer AR-15 .223-caliber rifle and a Smith & Wesson .22-caliber revolver at the residence. Will admitted to possessing the firearms.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Will knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for attempt to commit a felony on December 7, 2015, and conspiracy on November 13, 2017, both in Mason County Circuit Court, and for unlawful possession of a deadly weapon by a felon in Wood County Circuit Court on April 16, 2021.

Will is scheduled to be sentenced on April 29, 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 Point Pleasant Police Department and the Mason County Sheriff’s 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. 3:23-cr-148. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Frank W. Basenback, 36, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 8, 2023, Basenback agreed to sell heroin to a confidential informant. Basenback admitted that he sold approximately 56 grams of fentanyl to the confidential informant on the 3300 block of Harvey Road in Huntington in exchange for $1,000.

Basenback further admitted to selling a total of approximately 243 grams of fentanyl to confidential informants at the same location for a total of $4,000 during separate occasions on August 23, 2023, and September 4, 2023.

On September 14, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant a Basenback’s Haynie Road residence. Officers found approximately $42,892 in the residence and approximately 2 kilograms of fentanyl in a truck parked outside. Officers also found $711 on Basenback’s person. Basenback admitted that he possessed and intended to distribute the seized fentanyl, and further admitted that the seized cash and $14,608.69 in his bank account were drug proceeds from selling fentanyl.

Basenback is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 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 Courtney L. Finney 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-155. 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Mariah Diane Keffer, 25, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 12, 2022, Keffer sold approximately 60 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at her Robert C. Byrd Drive residence in Beckley. Keffer admitted to this transaction and further admitted to selling a total of approximately 75 grams of methamphetamine to the confidential informant for a total of $900 during separate transactions on December 22, 2022, and January 9, 2023.

On January 10, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant of Keffer’s residence. Officers seized 71.5 grams of methamphetamine, 20.5 grams of fentanyl and various amounts of marijuana, oxycodone pills, alprazolam pills, suboxone, diazepam pills and psilocybin mushrooms. Officers also seized a Taurus model G2c 9mm pistol, a Ruger LCP .380-caliber pistol, and $2,011. Keffer admitted that she intended to distribute the seized drugs in and around the Southern District of West Virginia.

Keffer is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 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-116. 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Zackery Dale Jenkins, 30, of Beckley, was sentenced today to seven years and six months 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 18, 2023, Jenkins sold a controlled substance containing fentanyl to a confidential informant in a Beckley residence. Jenkins admitted to that transaction and to selling controlled substances containing fentanyl to the confidential informant on four other occasions in the Beckley area.

On June 1, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Jenkins’ residence and seized additional quantities of fentanyl and several firearms. Jenkins admitted that he intended to distribute the fentanyl.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit.

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-90.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Frederick Sayre Anderson, 63, of Parkersburg, pleaded guilty today to concealing, harboring, and shielding an alien from detection.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 10, 2010, Anderson signed and submitted Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancée, to the United States Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Anderson admitted that he filed the petition to obtain a 90-day fiancée K-1 nonimmigrant visa so a foreign national could re-enter the United States.

The foreign national was granted the visa, which required her and Anderson to marry within 90 days. She arrived in the U.S. on January 8, 2011. Anderson picked her up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and transported her to Parkersburg, West Virginia, the following day. The foreign national lived and worked at Anderson’s place of business until May 7, 2021.

Anderson admitted that the foreign national did not receive compensation for the work she performed at his place of business. Anderson further admitted that he did not marry her, and her K-1 visa expired on April 8, 2011, making her ongoing presence in the U.S. unlawful.

In May 2021, federal immigration agents visited Anderson’s place of business on at least three occasions. Anderson admitted that he took steps to prevent government officials from detecting the foreign national. Anderson instructed her to hide behind the business during one of those occasions. Anderson then lied to the federal agents during that visit, falsely alleging that she did not live inside the business, that she had left months prior, and that he did not know where she was.

Anderson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

“Mr. Anderson’s criminal conduct facilitated the exploitation of an individual for more than a decade,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “While human trafficking is not charged in this case, it underscores the importance of learning how to identify, prevent and respond to coerced labor and other forms of human trafficking.”

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, and the Parkersburg Police Department.

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

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Resources including facts and myths regarding human trafficking are available at https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/human-trafficking.

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-187. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Robert Dewayne Miller, 36, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, admitting to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Miller participated in the conspiracy from in or about October 2022 to in or about January 2023. Miller’s role in the conspiracy involved distributing quantities of methamphetamine provided by co-defendant Alexandria Jasmine Estep, who acquired pound-level quantities of methamphetamine from co-conspirator Jasper Wemh.

Miller is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

Estep, 22, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on November 15, 2023, and awaits sentencing. Wemh, 39, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on March 30, 2023, and awaits sentencing.

Miller, Estep and Wemh 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.

Miller, Estep and Wemh are among 26 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-33.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – For violating the Clean Water Act, Michael Graves, 68, of Charlton Heights, was sentenced yesterday to one year of incarceration, to be served on home confinement as part of a five-year term of federal probation, and fined $10,000 and West Virginia Environmental Services, Inc. (WVES), a company wholly owned by Graves, was fined $500,000 and placed on corporate probation for three years.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Graves and WVES owned and managed an industrial waste landfill in Fayette County, West Virginia. Graves and WVES were paid over $9.8 million from 2006 to 2020 to accept industrial waste and treat the resulting leachate. This contaminated liquid that passes through a landfill includes toxic materials and must be properly treated prior to discharge into a stream or tributary. As no new waste was accepted at the Fayette County landfill after 2008, the sole remaining task of Graves and WVES was to collect and treat the leachate.

Graves and WVES failed to maintain the landfill’s leachate collection for several years beginning in at least 2016. This failure by Graves and WVES caused the discharge of leachate that contained toxic water pollutants into Jarrett Branch, a tributary that flows into the Kanawha River near Alloy, West Virginia. The toxic pollutants included arsenic, hexavalent chromium, and selenium.

Inspectors from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection repeatedly documented the illegal discharges into Jarrett Branch, resulting in numerous notices of violations issued to Graves and WVES. The Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the landfill has since lapsed and has not been renewed.

“Mr. Graves and WVES continuously and repeatedly allowed discharges of untreated toxic industrial pollutants into the nation’s waters, despite having been paid millions of dollars to properly maintain the landfill,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “The defendants abused the public trust that accompanied the issuance of the discharge permit. This outcome, which includes the maximum possible fine against WVES, reflects the egregious nature and circumstances of the offenses and is necessary to promote respect for the law and to deter similar criminal conduct.”

Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Criminal Investigative Division of the Environmental Protection Agency and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.

Graves and WVES each pleaded guilty to one felony count of violation of the Clean Water Act on February 22, 2023. Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed today’s sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry McDaniel prosecuted the case.

On May 5, 2022, the Department launched the Office of Environmental Justice and announced a comprehensive environmental justice enforcement strategy. Enforcement of this strategy relies upon meaningful engagement and transparency with impacted communities regarding environmental justice issues, efforts, and results.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia enforces federal laws to protect environmental quality and human health in all communities within the district. In coordination with components of the Justice Department, the United States Attorney’s Office will hold polluters accountable for their actions, prioritizing cases that will reduce public health and environmental harms to overburdened and underserved communities.

The United States Attorney’s Office encourages the public to report suspected environmental violations within the district. Reports may be submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency or by email, mail, or phone to the United States Attorney’s Office.

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-186.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gregory Alan Haston II, 40, of Scott Depot, was sentenced today to three years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 2, 2023, Haston was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over by a law enforcement officer in the St. Albans area. During a search of the vehicle, the officer seized a bag that he found on the floor near Haston’s feet. Haston admitted that the bag contained approximately 76 grams of fentanyl, which he possessed with the intent to distribute.

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

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin 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-136.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Valerie June Damron, 63, of Huntington, was sentenced today to seven years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 11, 2022, Damron sold approximately 1 ounce of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at her Seventh Avenue residence. Damron admitted to that transaction and to selling quantities of methamphetamine totaling approximately 69 grams on three occasions between October 14 and October 19, 2022. Damron further admitted that the quantities of fentanyl were mixed in with the methamphetamine sold in two of those additional transactions.

On October 20, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Damron’s residence and seized approximately 122 grams of methamphetamine, 20.5 grams of fentanyl and multiple firearms including a Davis Industries .22-caliber pistol, a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, and a FT 9mm pistol. Damron admitted that she intended to distribute the controlled substances.

On February 2, 2023, investigators arrested Damron at her residence and seized approximately 211 grams of methamphetamine, 3.5 grams of fentanyl and a Kel-Tex .380-caliber pistol. Damron told the investigators that she had been previously supplied with 2 to 3 pounds of methamphetamine on multiple occasions by another individual.

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 Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams 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-19.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Thomas Ray III, 54, of Huntington, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and violating his supervised release.

A federal jury found Ray guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm on July 12, 2023, following a two-day trial. Evidence at trial showed that on October 23, 2020, Ray possessed a firearm that he discharged multiple times, including at law enforcement officers, during and after a domestic disturbance in the area of 17th Street and Artisan Avenue in Huntington.

Ray had arrived at an Artisan Avenue residence where he struck two women, brandished a firearm, pointed it at the forehead of a third woman and fired two rounds into the air. Officers responding to the resulting 911 calls located Ray in an alley several blocks from Artisan Avenue. Ray fired a round at one officer and continued to flee. Ray fired several more shots at officers while fleeing before they returned fire and wounded him in the leg.

Ray was still holding the firearm while on the ground and resisted being placed into custody. Officers recovered the firearm, a loaded Smith & Wesson Model M&P Shield .40-caliber pistol, after Ray tossed it to the ground. Officers also found .40-caliber ammunition and a Harrington and Richardson revolver in Ray’s pants pockets.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Ray knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for Forcible Detention/Armed and Give False Bomb/Gas Alarm in Will County, Illinois, Circuit Court on February 28, 2012, and for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on December 9, 2013.

At the time of this offense, Ray was serving a term of federal supervised release for the 2013 conviction. Today’s prison sentence includes two years for committing a crime while on supervised release.

“Mr. Ray has a significant criminal history and his actions in this case threatened law enforcement officers and other individuals with a substantial risk of serious harm,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Today’s sentence is warranted and appropriate.”

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 imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.

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

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-57.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Thomas Donnell Shaw, 30, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 4, 2021, Shaw was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by a law enforcement officer. The traffic stop resulted in a search of the vehicle, and officers found a FNH model FNS-40 .40-caliber pistol and a quantity of methamphetamine. Shaw admitted that he possessed the methamphetamine with the intent of distributing it within the Southern District of West Virginia. Shaw further admitted that he possessed the firearm in part to protect himself, the drugs and his drug proceeds.

Shaw is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison, five 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) and the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys J.C. MacCallum and Ryan A. Keefe are prosecuting the case.

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

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-194. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jonathon Dewayne Eads, 37, of Charleston, was sentenced today to 11 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 7, 2022, Eads sold approximately 227 grams of methamphetamine for $1,500 to a confidential informant at a Garrison Avenue residence in Charleston. Eads and his co-defendant sold quantities of methamphetamine totaling approximately 392 grams to a confidential informant in Charleston on June 14, 2022, August 21, 2022, and October 7, 2022.

Eads has a long criminal history that includes multiple prior convictions. In Kanawha County Magistrate Court, Eads was convicted of conspiracy and operating a clandestine drug lab on January 24, 2007, possession of a controlled substance on March 31, 2011, and possession of a controlled substance on April 4, 2013. In Kanawha County Circuit Court, Eads was convicted of fleeing on April 22, 2015, and of two counts of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and one count of person prohibited from possessing firearms on June 3, 2019.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 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 Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney J.C. MacCallum prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-115.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Lawrence Anderson, 27, and Denardo Graham, 33, were each sentenced yesterday to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison, the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, in separate incidents.

According to court documents and statements made in court, each admitted to possessing a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” at FCI Beckley, in separate incidents on the following dates: Anderson on December 10, 2022, and Graham on February 12, 2023.

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 sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the cases.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 5:23-cr-106 (Anderson) and 5:23-cr-107 (Graham).

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Rana Zeeshan Tanveer, 42, of  Beckley, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation, including six months on home detention, and fined $5,000 for committing an export fraud violation. Tanveer admitted that he knowingly submitted false export valuations for two high-technology devices that Tanveer shipped to Pakistan.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 31, 2017, Tanveer ordered the two high-technology items, paying more than $4,000 for both items. The two items were shipped to Tanveer in Beckley and he received them on June 7, 2017. Tanveer admitted to creating a false invoice that intentionally understated the value of the items as less than $200. Tanveer further admitted to using the false invoice to ship the items to Pakistan using a freight forwarding service in July 2017.

Tanveer also admitted that he intentionally used false invoices on at least six other occasions, from June 14, 2014 through August 20, 2018, that deliberately undervalued the purchase cost of U.S.-origin technology that Tanveer exported to Pakistan.

Federal law requires the filing of accurate Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES) about certain items that are exported from the United States. It is a federal crime to knowingly submit false or misleading Electronic Export Information. The purpose of this export requirement is to strengthen the ability of the United States to prevent the export of certain items to unauthorized destinations or end users. Accurate information in the Automated Export System also aids the United States in targeting, identifying, and, when necessary, confiscating suspicious or illegal items or shipments prior to export.

“Mr. Tanveer’s criminal conduct was deliberate, intentional, and spanned many years,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Every time Mr. Tanveer misrepresented the price of export items to Pakistan, he committed a separate crime. Today’s sentence should send a message to anyone engaging in international trade throughout West Virginia, and the United States, that there are consequences for such criminal conduct.”

Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Department of Commerce Office of Export Enforcement (OEE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

“Today’s sentencing sends a clear signal that knowingly submitting false export information to evade U.S. export controls will not be tolerated,” said OEE Washington Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Dugan. “This case demonstrates how BIS works with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate export violations and protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.”

“Mr. Tanveer knew what he was doing was wrong, and today he faces the consequences of his actions,” said FBI Pittsburgh Acting Special Agent in Charge Mike Shanahan. “I want to commend the determined efforts of the agents and our partners at the Department of Commerce for their countless hours of work and analysis throughout this lengthy investigation. These types of successful joint cases continue to strengthen the national security of the U.S. by protecting its economic interests.”

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes and National Security Division Trial Attorney R. Elizabeth Abraham 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-26.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Brian E. Drake, 56, of Parkersburg, pleaded guilty today to tax evasion. Drake admitted to evading payroll and corporate income taxes while the owner and operator of River City Chem Dry (RCCD).

According to court documents and statements made in court, from at least 2008 and continuing through 2021, Drake owned and operated RCCD, which provided general building and specialty contracting services throughout West Virginia. Drake admitted that as an employer, he had a legal responsibility to collect and pay over to the IRS payroll taxes withheld from his employees’ wages and complete and file IRS Form 941. Drake further admitted that he knew that after he reorganized RCCD as a C corporation in 2012, he was required to pay corporate income taxes on earned income and complete and file IRS Form 1120 on behalf of RCCD every year.

Beginning no later than 2005, Drake amassed a significant tax debt due to unpaid personal income taxes. Drake admitted that while his tax problems began as personal in nature, they later extended to RCCD. Drake’s tax delinquencies grew exponentially from 2005 through 2016, despite IRS attempts to collect his outstanding balances and work with him to help him attain compliance.

Drake admitted that he willfully evaded payment of $299,765 in payroll taxes, including federal taxes and the employer-due portion of Social Security and Medicare, for reported wages paid to RCCD employees from at least 2016 through 2019. Drake further admitted that he evaded the assessment of $347,054.87 in payroll taxes by routinely paying RCCD employees substantially in cash from at least 2017 and continuing through 2021. Employees would receive paychecks reflecting a portion of their hourly wages and withheld taxes each payday along with envelopes containing cash for the hours they worked for which no federal taxes were withheld or paid over to the IRS.

Drake also admitted that he failed to report money earned by RCCD for tax year 2016 and continuing through tax year 2021 and did not file corporate income tax returns for RCCD for tax years 2019, 2020, and 2021 to evade payment of corporate income taxes.

Drake is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2, 2024 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Drake also owes restitution. The tax loss from Drake’s conduct exceeds $646,819.87

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys  Erik S. Goes 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. 2:23-cr-192. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Cassandra Lee Lovely, 34, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to making false statements in acquisition of firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 1, 2023, Lovely purchased a Smith & Wesson M&P 45 from a Hurricane business. Lovely admitted that she purchased the firearm for a convicted sex offender who is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction. Lovely further 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 Lovely knew she was purchasing it for the individual who was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Lovely provided the firearm to the prohibited person following the purchase, and he reimbursed her by sending her $748 through the Cash App mobile payment service. The prohibited person was unsatisfied with the firearm, and Lovely traded it in at a South Charleston business for a Smith & Wesson SD9 VE 9mm pistol on April 27, 2023. Lovely admitted that she again falsely certified on the ATF Form 4473 that she was the buyer of the firearm when Lovely knew she was purchasing it for the individual who was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

On June 21, 2023, law enforcement officers seized the firearm when they arrested the prohibited person on an active warrant in Rhode Island.

Lovely is scheduled to be sentenced on April 1, 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 Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon is prosecuting the case.

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

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-183. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ryan Keith Kincaid, 46, of South Charleston, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Kincaid 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, in March 2023, Kincaid conspired with other individuals to distribute quantities of cocaine in the Charleston area.  During a search of Kincaid’s apartment, approximately 11 ounces of cocaine, used drug packaging consistent with approximately 26 kilograms of cocaine, a loaded pistol, and over $400,000 in cash were seized.  Kincaid was ultimately responsible for trafficking 112 kilograms of cocaine which would have earned him over 3 million dollars. 

Kincaid 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.

Kincaid and 24 other defendants 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 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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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Chase Higgins, 26, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, was sentenced today to one year in prison to run consecutively to his current prison term, 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 February 21, 2023, Higgins told an FCI Beckley staff member during a search of his person that he had a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in his pants. The staff member found the shank in a leg of Higgins’ pants. The shank was a piece of plastic about six inches long, with one end sharpened to a point. Higgins admitted to possessing the shank, and further admitted that it 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-71.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Angelo Johnson, 27, of Beckley, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 13, 2022, Johnson sold a quantity of methamphetamine to a confidential informant, while aided and abetted by another, at a Ewart Avenue residence in Beckley. Johnson admitted to that transaction and further admitted to selling a quantity of methamphetamine to the confidential informant in Daniels on October 31, 2022.

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 imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-13.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Jose Dominguez, 42, of Snowshoe, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 29, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Dominguez in Beckley. During the traffic stop, a police K-9 alerted to the presence of controlled substances in the vehicles. Officers observed an open bag containing methamphetamine on the driver’s side floorboard. Dominguez admitted that he possessed the approximately 659 grams of methamphetamine found in the bag, that he had just acquired the controlled substance and that he intended to distribute it within the Southern District of West Virginia.

Dominguez is scheduled to be sentenced on March 29, 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), the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, the Beckley Police Department, and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office. The Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beckley Police Department.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-15. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Darrell Lamar Holcomb, also known as “Smiley,” 32, of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for 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.

According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning approximately in or before 2019, Holcomb began supplying controlled substances including methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana to an individual living in the Oak Hill area of West Virginia. Holcomb or a courier would transport the controlled substances to the individual from the Detroit, Michigan area approximately once or twice per month. Holcomb usually provided the controlled substances on consignment, accepting payment after the individual sold them. Holcomb also provided cell phones to the individual that he was to use only to communicate with Holcomb.

In early December 2021, Holcomb negotiated with the individual to sell him approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine and 4.4 pounds of fentanyl along with approximately 2 pounds of a cutting agent to mix with the fentanyl and increase the sellable amount. The individual was required to pay Holcomb $60,000 from a prior shipment as part of this drug deal.

Co-defendant Nicole Christian Ball, 44, of Jackson, Michigan, admitted that she was the courier for the December 2021 transaction. Ball pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl on August 1, 2023, and awaits sentencing.

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. – Randell Lee Proctor, 45, of Belle, was sentenced today to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a person previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 29, 2022, Proctor possessed a Hi-Point, model C9, 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the Rand area of Kanawha County. Proctor fired two rounds with the firearm while outside a residence, one into the air and the other into the front porch ceiling of the residence while his girlfriend was inside. Law enforcement officers responding to complaints about the gunshots encountered Proctor inside the residence, where they recovered the firearm.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Proctor knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior convictions for domestic battery on September 15, 2016, November 26, 2013, January 24, 2005 and September 24, 2002, all in Kanawha County Magistrate Court.

The Court granted an upward variance from Proctor’s original sentencing range. The Court cited several factors including Proctor’s prior convictions and criminal history, the fact that he discharged the firearm during an active domestic violence altercation, and the danger to the community he posed by discharging a firearm in a residential area.

“With the upward variance granted by the Court, today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of this defendant’s crime and protects the public,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “This defendant has a significant criminal history of domestic violence crimes dating back two decades. The fact that he fired shots in this incident raises grave concerns that his tendency toward violence in his domestic relationships is escalating.”

Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.

“This case shows why domestic abusers should not possess firearms. They pose extreme danger to intimate partners, family and to the public,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Shawn Morrow of the Louisville Division which covers all of West Virginia. “ATF prioritizes these cases and will work alongside our law enforcement partners, including the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, to protect the community and send these dangerous offenders to federal prison, where they belong.”

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

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

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-74.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. Karl Lamont Funderburk, 37, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today 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 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 22, 2023, Funderburk conspired with several other people to distribute more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and quantities of cocaine and fentanyl while living in Charleston. Funderburk had several regular customers who would purchase each controlled substance from him. Funderburk used runners who would deliver the controlled substances to these customers, collect money or other compensation from them, and return the proceeds to Funderburk.

Funderburk is scheduled to be sentenced on March 25, 2024, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 80 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $5 million fine.

Funderburk 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.

Funderburk and 24 other defendants 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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