Southern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Charles Norman Pannell, 44, of Charleston, was sentenced today to four years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Pannell 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, from about December 2022 to around March 2023, Pannell conspired with other individuals to distribute approximately 35 pounds of cocaine in the Charleston area. Pannell regularly obtained cocaine from a co-conspirator, sometimes multiple times per day, and would typically obtain one-half to one ounce of cocaine at a time. Pannell often had a third-party customer waiting to purchase the cocaine before he obtained it.

On March 20, 2023, law enforcement officers watched Pannell meet with his co-conspirator to obtain cocaine. Shortly after the meeting, officers conducted a traffic stop of Pannell’s vehicle and found approximately 1 ounce of cocaine in his possession.

Pannell 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.

Pannell and 20 other defendants have pleaded guilty. Indictments against the remaining defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.

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

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-31.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Craig Alexander Halstead, 36, of Huntington, was sentenced today to seven years and six months in prison, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for receipt of child pornography. Halstead must also pay $15,000 in restitution and register as a sex offender.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Halstead admitted to receiving 87,993 digital media files of child pornography via peer-to-peer file sharing programs from about August 2, 2019, until about August 18, 2022. Many of the digital media files depict prepubescent minors, including infants and toddlers, subjected to sexually explicit conduct including sadistic conduct. Halstead admitted that one of the digital media files is a video of an adult male sexually assaulting a prepubescent female.

On May 20, 2021, Halstead possessed 3,970 images and 443 videos on his laptop and external hard drive depicting minor children subjected to sexually explicit conduct. Halstead admitted that many of the images and videos depict prepubescent minors and that several of the images and videos depict known child victims.

On or about August 30, 2022, Halstead possessed 3,188 images and videos of child pornography in Huntington. Over 400 of those images and videos depict known child victims. Halstead admitted that the images included infants subjected to sadistic or masochistic conduct. Halstead further admitted to accessing and receiving digital media files of child pornography using peer-to-peer programs on November 29, 2022.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie M. White and Erik S. Goes prosecuted the case.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-231.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As part of the monthlong observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, United States Attorneys Will Thompson and William Ihlenfeld are proud to announce that the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $340,618 to West Virginia to bolster coordinated community responses aimed at bringing an end to domestic violence, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

OVW awarded the $340,618 under the State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program for the 2023 fiscal year to enhance the coordination between courts, child protective services agencies, advocates, law enforcement, and community programs to encourage trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to domestic violence and sexual assault.

The awards consist of $108,034 for the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services (WVFRIS) and $232,584 for the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WVCADV).

“For decades, both the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Foundation for Rape Information and Services have performed a critical role in providing education, awareness and expertise to their licensed programs, which serve all 55 West Virginia counties,” U.S. Attorney Thompson said. “I am pleased to announce that West Virginia has been awarded this funding from the Office on Violence Against Women.”

“Domestic violence offenders are some of the most dangerous individuals in our communities and thus a comprehensive, well-funded response is necessary,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “This funding will help us to combat the problem and support survivors throughout West Virginia.”

The role by WVFRIS and WVCADV also extends to statewide working groups charged with systemically addressing sexual and domestic violence in West Virginia. They work alongside law enforcement officers, prosecutors, courts, hospitals, colleges and universities, survivors and other advocates to create comprehensive strategies and prevention plans to support victims in their safety and healing.

“Every day, a vast network of dedicated individuals helps domestic violence survivors access multiple pathways to safety, justice, and healing,” said OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo. “OVW understands that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing domestic violence. These funds will enable communities to increase capacity and strengthen a coordinated community approach to prevent and address violence in more comprehensive ways tailored to their communities. Together, with our grantees, we are building a future where individuals and families can live and thrive without the threat of intimate partner violence.”

Data from the most recent National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey indicate about 41 percent of women and 26 percent of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner and reported an intimate partner violence-related impact during their lifetime. Domestic violence rates are even higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, Black individuals, people of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.

The West Virginia grants are among 496 announced nationwide this week that will reach Tribal nations, historically marginalized communities, underserved communities, college and university campuses, rural towns, culturally specific communities, and more. The funding prioritizes increasing access to justice, improving survivor safety, holding perpetrators accountable, and offering training and technical support to professionals addressing these crimes.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. United States Attorney Will Thompson encourages West Virginians to take advantage of this latest opportunity to discreetly dispose of old, unwanted and unneeded medications.

Take Back Day is a free, safe and anonymous way to get rid of prescription drugs that are susceptible to diversion and abuse. More than 60 collection sites throughout West Virginia have already been announced. A location finder and other information is available at www.DEATakeBack.com.

Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose and death. The non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second behind only marijuana as the most common form of drug abuse in the U.S.

“Prescription drug abuse continues to exact a terrible toll on West Virginia,” Thompson said. “DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a simple, proven way to protect loved ones and our communities.”

For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications that too often become a gateway to addiction. Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,650 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. These efforts are directly in line with DEA’s priority to combat the rise of overdoses plaguing the United States.

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Each October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) provides an opportunity to honor victims and survivors and recognize the dedication of advocates, service providers, justice professionals, law enforcement officers, and first responders who tirelessly work in support of survivors.

The prevalence of domestic, dating and intimate partner violence is alarming. Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes. Nearly 20 percent of all violent crime is categorized as domestic violence, as revealed by the 2021 National Crime Victimization Survey data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

“Domestic violence affects us all personally in some way, and can have long-lasting impacts and consequences,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “As federal prosecutors in the Southern District of West Virginia, it is incumbent upon us to deploy every available resource and forge strategic collaborations with local law enforcement and fellow prosecutors. We have a shared responsibility to ensure that victims have a viable path to safety and justice.”

Thompson is promoting the importance of enforcing federal firearm prohibitions as part of the observance of DVAM.

Domestic violence abusers with access to a gun are five times more likely to kill their partners. In West Virginia, 14 of the 19 domestic violence homicides reported in 2020 were committed with firearms. In addition to their lethality, firearms are used by abusers to inflict fear, intimidation, and coercive control.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative helps support survivors and prevent this form of violence. PSN is a nationwide initiative that connects federal, state and local law enforcement, prosecutors, and community leaders. The result is a collaborative approach to identifying the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and developing comprehensive solutions to address them.

Under federal law, offenders with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions and those subject to domestic violence protective orders are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. Those who violate that prohibition face felony prosecution and the imposition of a federal prison sentence.

“A crucial part of combatting domestic violence and reducing violent crimes includes enforcing federal firearm prohibitions,” Thompson said. “We want our communities to know that we are here to support victims and survivors in the Southern District of West Virginia, and not just in October but every month.”

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or need resources, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/local-resources.

Immediate help for domestic violence victims: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (@ndvhofficial) at 1-800-799-7233 or Strong Hearts Native Helpline (@strongheartsdv) at 1-844-762-8483.

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. – Two out-of-state men were sentenced to prison today after admitting to charges resulting from a January 5, 2022, raid on a Huntington storage unit.

Phillip Antoine Rucker, also known as “Chocolate,” 43, of Proctorville, Ohio, was sentenced to nine years and three months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Marshall Luther Williams, also known as “Chuck” and “Chubs,” 41, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 5, 2022, law enforcement officers arrested Rucker on an active warrant at a Riverside Drive storage facility in Huntington. Officers found approximately $5,080 and a Taurus Model Spectrum .380-caliber pistol in Rucker’s vehicle and seized a key for a unit at the storage facility from Rucker.

Officers obtained a search warrant for the unit and during the search they found approximately 42.24 grams of a substance containing fentanyl, 27.92 grams of methamphetamine, 929 grams of a purple powder, a Glock 9mm pistol, and $8,591.

Rucker and Williams each admitted to renting the storage unit and keeping controlled substance there for distribution. Rucker and Williams further admitted that the purple powder found during the search was intended to cut or be mixed with the fentanyl prior to distribution.

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 imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-34.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – William Howard Gregory, 73, of Scott Depot, was sentenced today to 30 days in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, including five months on home detention, and ordered to pay $24,662.56 in restitution for knowingly and fraudulently making a false declaration in a bankruptcy case.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 1, 2018, Gregory filed false documents in his bankruptcy case that failed to disclose the existence of five life insurance policies with the collective surrender value of approximately $235,000. Gregory admitted that he knew he was required to disclose the existence of his policies and chose not to disclose them.

The United States Trustee learned that Gregory also failed to disclose the sale of his 50 percent ownership in a hardware store for $400,000, cash deposits of $124,900 in his personal checking account on the day he filed for bankruptcy, $193,000 in accounts receivable owed to him, and a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette.

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 Office for the Southern District of West Virginia made the criminal referral of this case to the U.S. Attorney's Office. The United States Trustee Program is the component of the Department of Justice that protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system by overseeing case administration and litigating to enforce the bankruptcy laws.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-95.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Willie Renard Craft, also known as “Nut,” 47, of Pontiac, Michigan, was sentenced today to seven years and three 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 December 16, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Craft’s Seventh Avenue residence. Craft told the officers there was a controlled substance in the kitchen cabinet. Officers found approximately 74 grams of fentanyl and drug packaging materials in the cabinet. Officers also found a loaded Taurus 856 .38-caliber revolver on a shelf in Craft’s bedroom, and $1,800 in Craft’s possession. Craft admitted to possessing and intending to distribute the fentanyl, and further admitted that the cash was proceeds from selling fentanyl.

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

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-43.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Daniel Lee Ferguson, 45, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to making false statements in acquisition of firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 22, 2023, Ferguson purchased a Springfield Armory model Hellcat 9mm pistol at a Barboursville business. Ferguson admitted that he bought the firearm for an individual who accompanied him to the business, directed him which firearm to buy, and provided the money to purchase the firearm. Ferguson further admitted that he knew the individual had previously been convicted of a felony offense and could not purchase or possess a firearm. 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 the individual who was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Ferguson further admitted that he purchased two other firearms at Cabell County businesses for the individual, 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 the individual who was prohibited from possessing firearms

Ferguson is scheduled to be sentenced on January 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 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-42. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Edward Daniel Walker Jr., also known as “Jetty,” 38, of Columbus, Ohio, was sentenced today to six years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from about April 2022 to about September 25, 2022, Walker participated in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in the Leon area of Mason County. Walker admitted to selling heroin to customers directly and distributing quantities of heroin to other individuals for them to sell at his direction.

On September 25, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 64 in Hurricane of a vehicle in which Walker was a passenger. Officers searched the vehicle and found approximately 105 grams of suspected heroin and a firearm. Walker admitted to intending to sell the heroin.

Following the traffic stop, officers executed a search warrant that same day at a Barboursville motel room where Walker was staying. Officers seized approximately 204 grams of suspected heroin, two firearms and $1,000 during that search. Walker admitted to intending to sell the heroin, and further admitted that the cash was proceeds from previous drug sales.

On March 31, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at a Durham Road residence in Leon where they arrested Walker. Officers seized approximately 135 grams of suspected heroin found at the residence and $2,000 on Walker’s person. Walker admitted to intending to sell the heroin. Walker further admitted that the cash was proceeds from previous drug deals.

Co-defendant Jordan Lee Jobe, 29, of Leon, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin on July 10, 2023 and awaits sentencing.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police and the Drug and Violent Crime Task Force West.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-40.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Robert Lee Taylor, 42, Huntington, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 8, 2022, a law enforcement officer encountered Taylor asleep in the driver’s seat of his running vehicle, parked at a Milton gas station. The officer saw controlled substances in Taylor’s lap. Taylor admitted that he possessed approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine and 16 grams of fentanyl that he intended to distribute. Taylor further admitted to possessing $24,724 in drug proceeds.

Taylor also admitted to conspiring with Phillip Antoine Rucker and Marshall Luther Williams to distribute heroin in the Southern District of West Virginia from around February 2021 to around September 2022. Taylor was provided heroin and fentanyl on consignment at the direction of Williams. Taylor gave the proceeds from selling the controlled substances to Williams.

Rucker, also known as “Chocolate,” 43, of Proctorville, Ohio, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Williams, also known as “Chuck” and “Chubs,” 41, of Chicago, Illinois, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Rucker and Williams await sentencing.

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

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 3:23-cr-58 (Taylor) and 3:22-cr-34 (Rucker and Williams).

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Michael Burdette, 34, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to desertion of mail. Burdette admitted that he discarded mail in a dumpster behind a Winfield business on two occasions while employed by the United States Postal Service.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in January 2023, the United States Postal Service hired Burdette as a Rural Carrier Associate. In this position, Burdette was routinely assigned to deliver mail to residents in the Putnam County area. Burdette admitted that he abandoned his route on March 27 and April 1, 2023. Each time, Burdette was running late for a personal matter and discarded all remaining mail assigned to him for delivery in the dumpster to ensure he arrived at his personal obligation on time. Burdette admitted that he knowingly and intentionally deserted more than 200 individually addressed parcels of mail that he was entrusted to deliver.

Burdette is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $100,000 fine.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Postal Service and the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General (OIG).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Redmon and Ryan Blackwell are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-153. 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Paul Richard Massey, 51, of Shady Spring, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $862,871.29 in restitution for wire fraud and money laundering. Massey admitted to issuing fraudulent payments as an insurance claims adjuster and using the money to fund a powersports business that he owns.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Massey was employed as a claims adjuster for Allstate Insurance Company from 2015 until June 2019. Massey was routinely assigned claim files to investigate after Allstate customers filed claims under their insurance policies. Allstate authorized Massey to investigate assigned claims, determine coverage, and coordinate with insured customers and others to bring claims to conclusion. Allstate entrusted Massey to issue settlement check payments to policy holders and businesses on behalf of Allstate to settle insured property damage claims.

Massey admitted to authorizing and issuing a $15,110.29 check on behalf of Allstate to a business called American Mitigation Services LLC, also known as AMS Cleaning, on December 26, 2018. The check was issued for mitigation work allegedly performed by AMS Cleaning and was deposited into AMS Cleaning’s bank account. Massey admitted that this payment was fraudulent, as AMS Cleaning had completed no work to justify the payment. Massey further admitted that he had a business relationship with AMS Cleaning and was an authorized signer on the business’s bank account.

Massey also admitted that he authorized and issued 68 fraudulent claim payment checks totaling more than $850,000 on behalf of Allstate to AMS Cleaning from at least January 22, 2018, until at least June 19, 2019. Massey attempted to hide the fraudulent nature of some of these checks by creating fraudulent receipts and documents that appeared to justify the payments.

Massey used the fraudulent claims payments deposited in AMS Cleaning’s bank account to fund Massey Powersports LLC, a Beckley business owned and operated by Massey. The investigation revealed that Massey routinely wrote checks from AMS Cleaning’s bank account to pay Massey Powersports employees, to purchase inventory for Massey Powersports, and to pay Massey Powersports’ recurring bills. Massey admitted that on December 27, 2018, he wired $105,403.20 in fraudulently obtained proceeds from AMS Cleaning’s bank account to a North Carolina business to prepay for tractors intended for Massey Powersports.

Massey attempted to conceal his scheme from investigators.  Massey falsely told an Allstate fraud investigator that he had no financial interest in AMS Cleaning. In response to a federal grand jury subpoena, Massey created and submitted a fictitious $1 million contract purporting to show that AMS Cleaning was sold to a fictitious company prior to his scheme. Massey provided a detailed, false story to Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agents claiming that AMS Cleaning was sold to this non-existent company.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the FBI and the Litigation Financial Analyst with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Blackwell and Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:22-cr-219.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Nicholas Bradford Confere, 35, of Mammoth, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, for using a communications facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Confere 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 4, 2022, Confere used a land line telephone in Mammoth to arrange the purchase of methamphetamine from a co-defendant. During the call, Confere informed the co-defendant that other third-party individuals also had money to purchase methamphetamine from the co-defendant. The arranged meeting took place and Confere obtained a quantity of methamphetamine from the co-defendant.

Confere admitted that he obtained this methamphetamine partially on consignment, meaning he was expected to pay the co-defendant after he sold the methamphetamine. Confere further admitted to using a cellular phone to inform the co-defendant that he had sold the methamphetamine that he obtained, and therefore had the money to pay the co-defendant.

Confere 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.

Twenty-one of the 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 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-68.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Daniel Phillip Beckman, 46, of Watson, Missouri, pleaded guilty yesterday to receipt of child pornography.

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

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

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

Beckman is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 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. Beckman must also register as a sex offender.

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

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is 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. 2:23-cr-158. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – David K. Smith, 68, of Paducah, Kentucky, River Marine Enterprises, LLC, and Western River Assets, LLC, pleaded guilty today to discharge of refuse into navigable waters.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Western River Assets owned a towboat, the Gate City, that docked along the West Virginia shore of the Big Sandy River from at least 2010 until January 2018. River Marine Enterprises operated the Gate City during this time. Smith was the sole owner and officer of both River Marine Enterprises and Western River Assets, and was responsible for the operation of both companies.

On or about January 10, 2018, the Gate City sank while docked, discharging oil and other substances into the Big Sandy River. The oil left a sheen on the river and oily deposits beneath the surface. As a direct result of the Gate City’s sinking and oil spill, the City of Kenova, West Virginia, closed its municipal drinking water intake for three days and various regulatory agencies took actions and expended resources to respond to the spill.

Smith admitted that on December 5, 2017, the United States Coast Guard issued an administrative order that said in part that the Gate City presented an “imminent and substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the environment because of a threatened discharge of oil from the vessel.” The Coast Guard made that determination as the result of an inspection of the Gate City in or about November 2017.

The administrative order required Smith to remove all oil and hazardous materials from the Gate City prior to January 31, 2018. Smith admitted that at the time of the January 2018 sinking and spill, he had yet to comply with the administrative order. Smith further admitted that River Marine Enterprises had contracted with a qualified business to remove oil from the Gate City, but that the contractor was not able to access the Gate City safely to remove the oil prior to January 10, 2018 because of site conditions.

Smith, River Marine Enterprises and Western River Assets are scheduled to be sentenced on February 26, 2024. Smith faces at least 30 days and not more than one year in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $100,000 fine. River Marine Enterprises and Western River Assets each face fines of $200,000 and five years of federal probation.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA CID). Thompson also commended the U.S. Coast Guard, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the West Virginia National Guard and other responders for their efforts to contain and clean up the oil spill.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Perry McDaniel are prosecuting 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. More information is available on the Environmental Justice and Enforcement page of the website for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

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. 3:23-cr-5. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Amy Deavers, 50, of Glasgow, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Deavers admitted that she helped access and attempt to transfer a veteran’s stolen disability benefits as part of an identity theft scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately December 2020 through at least December 1, 2022, Brittany King and a co-defendant unlawfully obtained the personal identification information of multiple individuals through King’s employment with a business that cleaned local office spaces. King and the co-defendant used that personal information to reroute the mail of their victims to King’s address in Charleston. With the rerouted mail, King and the co-defendant opened lines of credit and bank accounts and obtained loans and credit cards.

Deavers admitted that she became involved in the wire fraud scheme after King and the co-defendant were arrested and federally charged for their actions on December 5, 2022. Deavers and the co-defendant attempted to transfer $1,000 from one of the scheme’s fraudulent bank accounts to Deavers on December 30, 2022. This account was opened to reroute the Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits of one of the identity theft victims.

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

Deavers is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Deavers also owes up to $12,086.90 in restitution.

King, 34, of East Bank, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft on October 3, 2023, and awaits sentencing. King also owes $176,118.73 in restitution.

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

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over today’s hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Isabell and Jonathan T. Storage are prosecuting the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson provided substantial assistance.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-14. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jamie Lyn Music, 41, of Las Vegas, Nevada, pleaded guilty today to 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 was a passenger 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.

Music is scheduled to be sentenced on January 22, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 or years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is prosecuting 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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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Laura Leigh Jones, 32, 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 May 5 2023, Jones sold approximately 1 ounce of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at her Richmond Street residence. Jones admitted to arranging the transaction beforehand. Jones further admitted to selling quantities of methamphetamine to the informant on two other occasions in May 2023.

On May 11, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Jones’ residence and seized quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, a Tauris PT22 .22-caliber pistol, and .22-caliber ammunition. Jones admitted to the officers that she had been involved in the distribution of drugs within the Southern District of West Virginia and possessed the seized firearm for protection following the theft of fentanyl from her.

Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on January 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-82. 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Crystal Wilks, 23, and Jamarcus Harris, 32, both of Lenoir, North Carolina, each pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. Wilks and Harris admitted to their roles in a conspiracy to create and pass counterfeit United States currency in the Southern District of West Virginia.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 12, 2022, Wilks and Harris traveled with two of their co-conspirators from North Carolina to West Virginia. Wilks and Harris admitted that they passed counterfeit $100 bills at businesses in Beckley, Fayetteville and Summersville.

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

Wilks and Harris are scheduled to be sentenced on January 26, 2024. Each faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Wilks and Harris also owe restitution.

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

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Redmon and Ryan Blackwell are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-cr-54. 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Thomas D. Manns, 37, of Beckley, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 26, 2020, law enforcement officers responded to a report of shots fired at an Ewart Avenue apartment complex in Beckley. The officers encountered Manns holding what they believed to be a firearm as he ran into a stairway. Officers searched the stairway and found a Mossberg model 500AT 12-gauge shotgun in a trash can. Video footage from the apartment complex’s security cameras showed Manns holding the shotgun before he put it in the trash can. Manns admitted to possessing the firearm.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Manns knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for delivery of a controlled substance in Raleigh County Circuit Court on November 29, 2006.

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 Police Department.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell 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. 5:22-cr-66.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – James Gould, 48, of Ravenswood, pleaded guilty today to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 18, 2022, Gould possessed a Remington 11-87 12-gauge shotgun at his residence.

Federal law prohibits a prohibited person from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Gould was prohibited from possessing a firearm after having been involuntarily committed in Jackson County to a mental health facility on or about July 30, 2019.

Gould is scheduled to be sentenced on January 25, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

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

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston 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. 2:22-cr-95. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kenneth Alan Paxton II, 58, of Walton, pleaded guilty today to unlawfully engaging in the business of dealing in firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from September 18, 2018 through August 3, 2022, Paxton regularly sold firearms without a Federal Firearms License. Paxton admitted that he advertised his sale of firearms in a local trading publication and earned approximately $25 in net profits for each transaction. Paxton further admitted that he received and carried out requests for specific firearms from individuals and often sold to individuals who didn’t want to have a firearm in their name. Twelve of the firearms Paxton sold were recovered at crimes scenes. Of those 12 firearms, seven were recovered by law enforcement at crime scenes within 16 days of Paxton purchasing them from businesses with a Federal Firearms License.

Paxton is scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, one year 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).

Chief United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon 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-154. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Thomas V. Ratcliff, also known as “Twin,” 31, of South Point, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 7, 2022, law enforcement officers arrested Ratcliff at a Marcum Terrace residence in Huntington on an outstanding Wayne County Circuit Court arrest warrant. Following the arrest, officers executed a search warrant of the residence and found approximately 29 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, and a loaded Hi-Point 9mm pistol. Ratliff admitted that he possessed the methamphetamine and intended to sell it for money.

Ratcliff is scheduled to be sentenced January 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), 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-2. 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – TJ Jazz Cremeans, 21, of Huntington, was sentenced today to one year and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 15, 2022, Cremeans and Brennon Michael Adkins, 22, broke into Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry in Huntington to steal various electronics from the store’s inventory. Cremeans admitted that he stole a DPMS model AR-15 5.56mm rifle, a Savage Arms model 111 .30-06-caliber rifle, and a Stoeger model M3000 12-gauge shotgun during the breaking and entering.

Adkins pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen firearm on May 1, 2023, and admitted that he possessed the Stoeger model M3000 12-gauge shotgun following the breaking and entering. Adkins awaits sentencing.

Nigel Jamille Coats, 19, of Huntington, was sentenced to nine months in prison on September 25, 2023, after pleading guilty to possession of a stolen firearm. Coats admitted that he possessed the DPMS, model AR-15 5.56mm rifle shortly after the breaking and entering and theft was completed.

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 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. 3:22-cr-213.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jessica Horton, 53, of Matewan, was sentenced today to four months in prison, four months of home detention, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $181,713.58 in restitution for theft of government money. Horton admitted to stealing United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) survivor’s benefits.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Horton’s great aunt was awarded VA Survivor’s Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits after the death of her husband in World War II. The great aunt began receiving the monthly benefits on May 1, 1945.

Beginning in or around 1964, the benefits were mailed to the great aunt’s post office box in Matewan. On February 21, 1999, Horton’s great aunt died, and the entitlement to benefits was therefore extinguished. Horton’s mother had access to the post office box. Horton admitted that her great aunt’s name was fraudulently signed on the benefits after the death to allow Horton’s mother to receive the benefits and convert them to her own use.

Horton’s mother fraudulently received the monthly benefits until her death on February 14, 2011. Following her mother’s death, Horton took over the post office box and began signing her great-aunt’s name in order to receive the monthly benefits. Horton admitted that she knew she was not entitled or authorized to sign her great aunt’s name on the benefits.

Horton deposited the benefits in various bank accounts at a Williamson bank where she was an account owner and signatory, and converted the money to her own use. Horton admitted that from around March 2011 until on or around December 31, 2022, she knowingly and willfully took approximately $181,713,58 in VA survivor’s benefits that she was not entitled or authorized to receive. The monthly benefits were terminated by the VA on or around January 12, 2023.

“Month after month for more than a decade, this defendant knowingly and intentionally took money that was intended to aid veterans and their families,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson, the grandson of a World War II veteran. “Fraud of this nature worsens the strain on a vital support system at the expense of those families as well as the American taxpayers and their confidence in our government.”

This case originated from a referral from the Benefits Delivery Protection and Remediation (BDP&R) division of the VA’s Veterans Benefits Administration. Thompson also commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes 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-49.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kelvin Bradley, 49, of Michigan, was sentenced today to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 19, 2020, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on Washington Street in Charleston. Bradley was a passenger in that vehicle, and admitted that he possessed a Colt, .38 Special revolver that was found in the vehicle.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Bradley knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for aggravated stalking in the Third Judicial Circuit, Wayne County, Michigan, on September 3, 2002.

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

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander A. Redmon, Nowles Heinrich and Negar Kordestani 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. 2:22-cr-98.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Taylor Womack, 29, of Charleston, was sentenced today to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 7, 2020, a law enforcement officer responding to a trespassing call at a St. Albans area business encountered Womack walking nearby. Believing Womack matched a description of the suspect, the officer instructed Womack to stop. Womack continued to walk away from the officer and began shoving his hands down his pants. The officer stopped and searched Womack, finding a loaded FEG Model PA-63 9mm firearm inside one of Womack’s pants legs.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Womack knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for delivery of a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit delivery of a controlled substance in Wayne County Circuit Court on September 15, 2017, and for daytime burglary by breaking and entering in Kanawha County Circuit Court on October 16, 2014

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

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan T. Storage and Monica D. Coleman 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-12.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Keara Kilpatrick, 21, of Charleston, was sentenced today to six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for two counts of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee and aiding and abetting the thefts.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Kilpatrick drove co-defendant Joshua Azale Mitchell to and from two Kanawha County businesses where Mitchell broke in and stole firearms. On November 9, 2022, Mitchell broke into a Dunbar business and stole a Diamondback Firearms DB15 5.56 caliber rifle and a Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 .22-caliber rifle. On November 10, 2022, Mitchell broke into a Charleston business and stole a Custom Arms & Accessories LD-15 5.56 caliber rifle and a DPMS Panther Arms A-15 5.56 caliber rifle.

Also on November 9, 2022, Kilpatrick drove Mitchell to and from a third business, where Mitchell tried to break in but was unsuccessful. The store’s security cameras captured video of Kilpatrick driving away in her vehicle with Mitchell. On November 11, 2022, Kilpatrick was driving her vehicle on Washington Street in Charleston when law enforcement officers attempted a traffic stop. Kilpatrick fled before crashing her vehicle in a hotel parking lot. Officers recovered three of the four stolen firearms from Kilpatrick's vehicle.

Mitchell, 21, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee and aiding and abetting the thefts on September 13, 2023, 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), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the Charleston Police Department.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan A. Keefe and Brian Parsons 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-28.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Brittany King, 34, of East Bank, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. King admitted that she fraudulently obtained $176,118.73 through her employment with a business that cleaned local office space.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately December 2020 through at least December 1, 2022, King unlawfully obtained the personal identification information of multiple individuals through the access provided by the cleaning service that employed her. King and a co-defendant then used that personal information to reroute victims’ mail to King’s address in Charleston. Once mail was rerouted, King and the co-defendant would open lines of credit and bank accounts and obtain loans and credit cards.

King admitted to using the unlawfully obtained personal identification information of one victim to submit a fraudulent online Change of Address form to the United States Postal Service as part of her scheme on June 6, 2022. King further admitted that she fraudulently used another victim’s personal identification information to purchase a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu from a Charleston business on September 30, 2022. King and the co-defendant caused a loss of at least $176,118.73 to more than ten victims as a result of their fraudulent schemes.

King is scheduled to be sentenced on February 6, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 22 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine. King also owes $176,118.73 in restitution.

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

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Isabell and Jonathan T. Storage are prosecuting the case, and Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson provided substantial assistance.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-14. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Sean Anthony Iacono, 30, of Dunbar, pleaded guilty today to making false statements in acquisition of firearms.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 8, 2021, Iacono purchased a Glock model 23 GEN5 .40-caliber pistol at a Cross Lanes business. Iacono admitted that he 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 he knew he was purchasing it for someone who was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Iacono further admitted to falsely certifying on the ATF Form 4473 that he was the buyer of a Taurus model GX4 9mm pistol when he purchased it at a South Charleston business for someone who was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Iacono is scheduled to be sentenced on January 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams is prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-66. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Andre Leavell Pardue Jr., 35, of Nitro, was sentenced today to three years and five 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 June 16, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Pardue’s residence. Officers found a bag of fentanyl and cash in a pair of pants in Pardue’s bedroom, a Smith & Wesson model M&P 9 9mm pistol under Pardue’s bed. Officer also found a safe that contained cash, a second bag of fentanyl and a Smith & Wesson model M&P 40 Shield .40-caliber pistol.

Pardue admitted to possessing the fentanyl found in his pants. Pardue further admitted that he intended both to sell and use the fentanyl found in the safe. Pardue also admitted that the cash found in his pants and the safe totaled $3,020 and was proceeds from his fentanyl sales, with a portion of the money intended for his drug supplier.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the invaluable assistance provided by the West Virginia State Police.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Nowles Heinrich and Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-124.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Trellae Nellum-Toney, 29, of St. Albans, was sentenced today to four years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 22, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Nellum-Toney in St. Albans. Nellum-Toney admitted that he got out of his vehicle and threw a Raven Arms model P-25 .25-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a baggie of suspected heroin to the ground. Officers recovered the firearm and controlled substance.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Nellum-Toney knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for first-degree robbery in Kanawha County Circuit Court on August 26, 2014.

Nellum-Toney also admitted that he possessed two firearms in a vehicle he was driving on January 24, 2023. Officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in the Scott Depot area in Putnam County and found a Taurus model 709 Slim 9mm semi-automatic pistol under the driver’s seat and a Savage model Stevens 320 20-gauge shotgun in the vehicle’s trunk. Nellum-Toney admitted that he now knows the 9mm pistol was reported stolen from a St. Albans residence on September 26, 2021.

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

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber 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-34.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Travis Devon Woods, 35, of Charleston, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 6, 2022, law enforcement officers went to Woods’ Livingston Avenue residence in Charleston to speak with him. Before opening his door for the officers, Woods tossed a loaded Sig Sauer, model P250, .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol out a back window of his residence. Officers recovered the firearm. Woods admitted that he possessed the firearm and tossed it out the window because he knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Woods knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on July 1, 2015, and first-degree robbery in Kanawha County Circuit Court on March 19, 2009.

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

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber 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. 2:22-cr-229.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – David Lee Pinson, 41, of Ceredo, was sentenced today to six years and eight months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of prepubescent child pornography.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Pinson admitted to uploading several images and videos of child pornography to his Google Photos account on May 28, 2022, in Ceredo. One of the videos depicts a prepubescent boy and girl engaging in sexual intercourse and sexually explicit conduct.

Pinson further admitted to possessing six images and 332 videos of child pornography on a memory card on August 16, 2022, and to viewing the images using his cell phone. Pinson also admitted that 44 of the images and videos depict known child victims, and that some of the images depict infants and toddlers.

Pinson was previously convicted of possession of child erotica in Wayne County Circuit Court on August 28, 2020.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie M. White and Andrew J. Tessman 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. 3:22-cr-173.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Nathaniel Jarvis Kennard, 40, of South Point, Ohio, was sentenced today to six years and four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of a quantity of fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 12, 2022, Kennard sold approximately 20 grams of fentanyl for $1,000 to a confidential informant at a location on U.S. Route 60 in Huntington. Kennard admitted to that transaction and further admitted to five additional transactions with the confidential informant between July 20 and September 21, 2022. Kennard sold a total of approximately 82 grams of fentanyl, 10 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, and 10 grams of methamphetamine during these transactions.

On September 28, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Huntington residence where Kennard lived. During the search, officers found approximately 96 grams of fentanyl and 274 grams of methamphetamine in a vacant lot across the road from the residence. Kennard admitted that he hid the controlled substances in the vacant lot and intended to distribute them. Kennard told officers that he had distributed controlled substances “off and on” in the Huntington area for at least the previous three years.

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 Attorney Joseph F. Adams 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-189.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Rodney Lee Browne Jr., 31, of Huntington, was sentenced today to four years and four months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute quantities of heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 19, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Fourth Avenue residence in Huntington and seized approximately 1.5 grams of heroin, 68 grams of methamphetamine, 245 grams of marijuana, and 328 grams of fentanyl. Officers also found an AK-47 semiautomatic rifle, drug distribution paraphernalia and $2,075. Browne admitted that he possessed the heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl and marijuana and intended to sell the controlled substances.

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 imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-64.

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Matthew Huffman, 37, of Bluefield, pleaded guilty today to theft or embezzlement in connection to healthcare services. Huffman admitted to stealing more than $45,000 from the Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center while employed as its chief substance use disorder officer.

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

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

Huffman is scheduled to be sentenced on February 5, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Huffman also owes $45,258.51 in restitution.

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

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Owen Reynolds and Andrew D. Isabell 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. 1:23-cr-137. 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Jason Shortridge, 40, of Ronceverte, was sentenced today to 14 years in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, for possession and attempted distribution of child pornography. Shortridge must also register as a sex offender and pay restitution.

A federal jury found Shortridge guilty of both counts on June 10, 2022, following a four-day trial. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on May 1, 2019, Shortridge downloaded child pornography and made it available for sharing online using a peer-to-peer file sharing program. Law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant at Shortridge’s residence and seized a computer belonging to Shortridge.

A forensic examination of the computer located hundreds of images of child pornography, primarily from the deleted space of the computer. Two computer forensic experts testified that during their examination of Shortridge’s computer, they recovered child pornography as well as search terms used to actively search for child pornography. Evidence showed that Shortridge possessed over 600 computer graphic image files containing images and videos of child pornography involving prepubescent minors.

“This defendant caused substantial harm, as possessing child pornography encourages and records the sexual exploitation and rape of children,” said United States Attorney Will Thompson. “Today’s sentence reflects the severity of that harm.”

Thompson commended the investigative work of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the West Virginia State Police, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan Blackwell, Monica D. Coleman and Francesca C. Rollo 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. 5:21-cr-223.

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***UPDATE: The sentencing hearing for Larry Allen Clay Jr. has been continued. As a result, the press conference has been postponed.***

Initial advisory:

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Will Thompson and law enforcement officials will hold a press conference on Thursday, September 28, 2023, following the sentencing of Larry Allen Clay Jr.

The press conference is contingent upon the completion of the sentencing hearing, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. The time of the press conference will be announced once the hearing concludes.

WHAT: Press conference for the sentencing of Larry Allen Clay Jr.

WHEN: Thursday, September 28, 2023. Time TBA.

WHERE: United State’s Attorney’s Office, Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse, 300 Virginia Street East, Charleston.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Tamir Pratt, 21, of Dunbar, was sentenced today to two years of federal probation and ordered to pay $7,833.99 in restitution for receipt of stolen money. Pratt admitted to a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of $20,832 in COVID-19 relief loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

According to court documents and statements made in court, Pratt applied for a PPP loan for his purported business, “Tamir Pratt,” in April 2021. Pratt admitted that “Tamir Pratt” was not in operation on February 15, 2020, though that was a requirement to qualify for a PPP loan, and he falsely certified that it was. Businesses applying for PPP loans were also required to provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020. Pratt admitted that he submitted a false IRS Form 1040, Schedule C, stating that “Tamir Pratt” had earned approximately $100,000 in gross income in 2020.

Pratt submitted the loan application electronically from West Virginia and it was uploaded to servers in Arizona for processing. Pratt’s loan application was approved and $20,832 was electronically transferred to his personal bank account on April 26, 2021. Pratt admitted that he withdrew $1,700 of the fraudulent loan proceeds in Charleston the same day and spent more than $460 of the proceeds.

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

Pratt admitted that he did not spend the fraudulent loan proceeds on any permissible business expenses. Pratt further admitted that the SBA forgave his PPP loan on August 9, 2021. Of the $20,832 transferred to Pratt, $15,748.57 was recovered and returned to the SBA. The restitution amount includes $250.56 in loan interest and a $2,500 PPP fee paid by SBA to the lender that processed and underwrote Pratt’s loan application.

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

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage 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-38.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Johnte Tyree Warren, 24, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced today to four years 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 March 1, 2022, Warren arranged by phone to sell a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant. Warren admitted to meeting the confidential informant in a vehicle on 20th Street in Huntington on that day as arranged and to selling approximately 12.95 grams of fentanyl to the confidential informant. Warren further admitted to distributing additional quantities of fentanyl in the Huntington area at various times including February and March 2022, sometimes utilizing another individual to distribute fentanyl on his behalf.

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. Chamber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and  Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-79.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Danny Merriweather, also known as “D,” 36, of Toledo, Ohio, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 5, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a 10th Avenue residence where Merriweather was living and seized a Smith & Wesson .38-caliber SPL Airweight revolver and quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Merriweather admitted to possessing the firearm.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Merriweather knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for distribution of a quantity of cocaine base in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on October 22, 2012.

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 imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-47.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Nigel Jamille Coats, 19, of Huntington, was sentenced today to nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a stolen firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 15, 2022, Brennon Michael Adkins, 22, and TJ Jazz Cremeans, 21, both of Huntington, broke into Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry in Huntington to steal various electronics from the store’s inventory. After entering, Cremeans stole three firearms. Coats admitted that he was in a vehicle with Adkins and Cremeans prior to and following their breaking and entering at the business. Coats further admitted that he possessed one of the stolen firearms, a DPMS, model AR-15, 5.56mm rifle, shortly after the breaking and entering and theft was completed.

Cremeans pleaded guilty to theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee on June 27, 2023. Cremeans admitted that he stole the AR-15 along with a Savage Arms model 111 .30-06-caliber rifle and a Stoeger model M3000 12-gauge shotgun during the breaking and entering. Adkins pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen firearm on May 1, 2023, admitting that he possessed the shotgun following the breaking and entering. Cremeans and Adkins await 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 imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:22-cr-213.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Quordell Tarver, 24, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Beckley, was sentenced today to one year in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a weapon by an inmate of a federal prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 22, 2022, an FCI Beckley staff member conducted a visual search of Tarver and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in Tarver’s underwear. The shank was a piece of metal, approximately 5 inches long, sharpened to a point at one end with a piece of white shoelace wrapped around the base as a handle.

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-62.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Raymond Matthew Ramos, 41, of Lewisburg, was sentenced today to six years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 29. 2022, Ramos sold a quantity of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Alderson. Ramos admitted to that transaction and further admitted to selling quantities of methamphetamine to the confidential informant on July 6, 2022, in Beaver and on July 27, 2022, in Lewisburg.

On July 28, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence where Ramos was staying. Officers seized a quantity of methamphetamine, scales, packaging material, and over $1,000. The cash included recorded money from the July 27, 2022, drug transaction. Ramos admitted that he possessed the seized methamphetamine and intended to distribute it. Ramos also admitted to telling law enforcement officers that he distributed a half-pound of methamphetamine weekly between the third week of April 2022 and July 14, 2022.

United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The Greenbrier Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force is composed of members of the West Virginia State Police, the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department, and the Lewisburg Police Department.

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. 5:22-cr-228.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Robert Jared Smith, 44, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 16, 2023, law enforcement officers attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Smith on the 1000 block of Virginia Street East in Charleston. The vehicle was traveling at night with its headlights off. Smith refused to stop, leading officers on a brief pursuit before crashing at the intersection of Kanawha Boulevard and Brooks Street. While attempting to flee on foot following the crash, Smith tripped and a loaded Glock Model 45 9mm pistol fell from his waistband. Smith grabbed the firearm and threw it under a nearby porch before continuing to flee. Officers recovered the firearm and captured Smith after he again fell to the ground.

Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Smith knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for aiding and abetting robbery affecting interstate commerce on May 13, 2015, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute cocaine base on November 17, 2000, all in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to 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 Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

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. 2:23-cr-111. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Che Dushon Lark, 48, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 6, 2020, Lark possessed a quantity of controlled substances containing methamphetamine and heroin that he intended to distribute in Charleston.

Lark is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11, 2023, 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 Charleston Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT),  and the assistance provided by the West Virginia State Police. 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 Attorneys Brian Parsons and Nowles Heinrich 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. 2:21-cr-84. 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the original enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Justice Department announced today nearly $193 million in formula and discretionary grant awards to support crucial services and justice responses for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including $1,325,997 for West Virginia.

For nearly three decades, VAWA has provided the tools and resources to protect and serve survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. To commemorate the 29th anniversary of VAWA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia is proud to announce that the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) awarded $1,325,997 to Justice and Community Services, part of the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security.

“This office remains steadfast in its commitment to target these crimes and support survivors,” Thompson said. “Because Justice and Community Services acts as the State Administering Agency (SAA) for the grant program, this vital funding will benefit effective programs and services throughout West Virginia.”

VAWA’s signature program is the STOP (Services - Training - Officers - Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grants Program, which awards funds to every U.S. state and territory to promotes a coordinated community response among law enforcement, prosecution, courts, victim services organizations, and other community services to ensure the safety of survivors. OVW is awarding $1,325,997 under the STOP Program to West Virginia to enhance the capacity for communities across the country to develop programs to end gender-based violence and hold offenders accountable.

“Prior to the enactment of VAWA, survivors were primarily left to fend for themselves, often cycling in and out of dangerous environments with little help from legal systems or service providers,” OVW Director Rosie Hidalgo said. “VAWA has changed this landscape by supporting a coordinated community response to address domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking in a more comprehensive manner. It emphasizes survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and community-based approaches and ensures that services are available across every state and territory.”

OVW provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence through implementing VAWA and subsequent legislation. Created in 1995, OVW administers financial and technical assistance to communities nationwide that are developing programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In addition to overseeing federal grant programs, OVW undertakes initiatives in response to special needs identified by communities facing acute challenges. Learn more at www.justice.gov/ovw.

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

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Joshua Azale Mitchell, 21, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to stealing firearms from two Kanawha County businesses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 9, 2022, Mitchell broke into a Dunbar business and stole a Diamondback Firearms DB15 5.56 caliber rifle and a Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22 .22-caliber rifle. On November 10, 2022, Mitchell broke into a Charleston business and stole a Custom Arms & Accessories LD-15 5.56 caliber rifle and a DPMS Panther Arms A-15 5.56 caliber rifle.

Mitchell pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee and aiding and abetting the thefts. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Co-defendant Keara Kilpatrick, 21, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee and aiding and abetting the thefts on July 12, 2023. Kilpatrick drove Mitchell to and from the two businesses for each break-in and theft. On November 11, 2022, Kilpatrick was driving on Washington Street in Charleston when law enforcement officers attempted a traffic stop of her vehicle. Kilpatrick fled before crashing her vehicle in a hotel parking lot. Officers recovered three of the four stolen firearms from Kilpatrick's vehicle. Kilpatrick awaits sentencing.

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

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan A. Keefe and Brian Parsons 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. 2:23-cr-28. 

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