Southern District of West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to 16 months in prison for a federal gun crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Antoine Miller, 37, of Charleston, pleaded guilty earlier this year to being a felon in possession of a firearm and admitted that he possessed a stolen Ruger 9 mm handgun at Renaissance Circle in Charleston on April 28, 2020. Miller is prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of a prior felony conviction.

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

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Steve Loew handled the prosecution.

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. 2:20-cr-00092.

 

 

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A California man was sentenced to 132 months in prison for a federal drug crime. Troyvon Lewis, also known as “B.C.,” 32, of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in June 2021.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Lewis traveled from Los Angeles to Huntington to sell methamphetamine and marijuana.  Lewis arranged the drug deal over the telephone and agreed to deliver approximately seven pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of marijuana to an individual in Huntington.  On March 28, 2021, the day the drug deal was to take place, Troopers with the West Virginia State Police conducted a traffic stop on I-64 in Cabell County on a vehicle in which Lewis was a passenger.  The car was searched and Troopers seized seven pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of marijuana from the trunk of the vehicle.  Lewis admitted he intended to sell the controlled substances to the individual in Huntington.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and praised the collaborative work of the law enforcement agencies in the Southern and Northern Districts of West Virginia that conducted the investigation.  The agencies that were involved in the investigation were the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West, and the West Virginia State Police.  

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-00054.

 

 

 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 97 months in prison for a sex offense against a minor.  Gregory Thomas O’Connor, 48, of Stahlstown, Pennsylvania, previously pleaded guilty to travel in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor. Following release from prison, O’Connor will be placed on 15 years of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.

According to court documents, O’Connor admitted that on August 7, 2020, he initiated contact with a person on a Kik Messaging group for West Virginia teens. Believing this person to be a 13-year-old girl from Beckley, O’Connor engaged in conversations over the next 6 weeks wherein he told the minor he wanted to meet her to engage in sexual activity and also coached her on masturbation and watching pornography in order to prepare for their sexual encounter. On September 2, 2020, O’Connor intended to travel to Beckley to meet the minor. He drove from Pennsylvania to Fairmont but then had to turn around due to a work emergency. He continued to discuss traveling at a future date to meet the girl for sexual activity.  

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Timothy Boggess are handling the prosecution.

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-00073.

 

 

 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. - An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) at Beckley was sentenced today for possessing a weapon at the correctional facility. Jerry Stewart, 31, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, which will run consecutively to the sentence he currently is serving.

According to court documents, Stewart possessed a handcrafted weapon, commonly referred to as a “shank,” on February 13, 2020, while an inmate at the FCI Beckley.   A staff member recovered the weapon after seeing Stewart place the shank on the ground in the compound at the prison after an incident with another inmate.  The weapon was a piece of metal about six inches long, sharpened to a point on one end with a cloth handle on the other end. 

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:20-cr-00204.

 

 

 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Detroit man was sentenced today to 108 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin.  Martinis Twone Irving, 44, was previously charged as a result of a joint investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with the assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Michigan, and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit.

According to court documents, Martinis Irving, 44, of Detroit Michigan, was stopped on Interstate 77 near Beckley for speeding in a construction zone on December 17, 2020.   During the traffic stop, a drug dog alerted to the presence of drugs in the car being driven by Irving.  Law enforcement officers then obtained a search warrant for the car and discovered approximately 1,100 grams of heroin hidden in the car.  Irving ultimately admitted that the heroin was his and he intended to distribute the heroin within the Southern District of West Virginia. 

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the ATF, the DEA, and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which is comprised of officers from the Beckley Police Department, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia State Police.  

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-00011.

 

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. –  Shaun Price, 41, of Parkersburg, was sentenced today to 123 months in prison for federal drug and gun crimes. Price previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents, an officer with the South Charleston Police Department attempted a traffic stop on Price’s vehicle in Cross Lanes on December 7, 2020.  Price fled and led law enforcement in a high speed pursuit.  The pursuit began in Cross Lanes and ended in South Charleston where officers were able to stop Price’s vehicle by using spike-strips.  Officers recovered approximately 7.85 grams of  meth and a loaded 9mm Taurus PT111 handgun from the vehicle. Price admitted that he intended to sell the methamphetamine and that he possessed the firearm to protect his drugs and money.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the South Charleston Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorney Nick Miller is handling the prosecution.  Senior United States District Court Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00051.

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Rebecca Dunlap, 46, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to traveling in interstate commerce to promote, carry on, and facilitate a methamphetamine and fentanyl drug conspiracy.

According to court documents, Dunlap drove from Charleston to Columbus, Ohio, on March 17, 2021, to pick up illegal drugs for Che Lark. Dunlap was stopped by law enforcement officers on her way back to Charleston with large quantities of both methamphetamine and fentanyl. Lark further admitted that she made the trip to Columbus to pick up drugs for Lark on two other occasions. Lark was indicted in June 2021 and is scheduled for trial on October 13, 2021.  The charges against him include possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of fentanyl, felon in possession of a firearm, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Dunlap faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she is sentenced on December 2, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT).

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Steve Loew is handling the prosecution.

An indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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-00136.

 

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jaquan Jeremiah Wright, 22, of New York, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for a federal gun crime.  Wright previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. 

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, officers with the Charleston Police Department stopped Wright’s vehicle on July 28, 2020.  During the traffic stop, the officers found a Polymer80 PFC9, 9mm pistol in Wright’s car between the console and passenger seat.  At that time, Wright was subject to a Domestic Violence Protective Order that was entered in the Jamestown City Court, County of Chautauqua, New York.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the U.S. Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police.

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

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00039.

 

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit, Michigan man was sentenced today to 48 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.

According to court documents, Calvin Allen, 44, sold oxycodone to a confidential informant on November 11, 2017. The drug sale occurred in Allen’s vehicle in the parking lot of Tractor Supply in Oak Hill. 

Acting United States Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Alex Hamner handled the prosecution.

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. 2:20-cr-00116.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime.  

According to court documents and statements made during the plea hearing, Richard Howard King, II, 26, was involved in an argument with another individual at a bar in Cross Lanes on March 13, 2021. During the argument, King retrieved a gun from his car and fired a .45 caliber round from it.  King admitted that he possessed the round of .45 caliber Tula ammunition that was fired from the gun and that he was prohibited from possessing the ammunition as a result of a 2016 federal conviction. King was still on supervised release for the prior felony conviction at the time.

King pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition and faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on December 9, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Alex Hamner is handling the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. ­2:21-cr-00008 & 2:15-cr-000218.

 

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A North Carolina woman pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime. 

According to court documents, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle of Aletha Mae Lemon, 59, near Marmet in March 2021 and seized nearly five pounds of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine from her vehicle.

Lemon pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison when she is sentenced on November 22, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Negar M. Kordestani 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. ­2:21-cr-00102.

 

 

 

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Nearly $5 million fraudulent lien filed in retaliation for single wage garnishment

BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A federal jury convicted a Mercer County man of retaliating against a federal law enforcement officer by filing a fraudulent lien and attempting to interfere with the administration of Internal Revenue laws.  Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the two-day jury trial.  

According to court records and evidence at trial, Jeffrey Reed, 62, of Flat Top, West Virginia, owed a significant tax debt to the Department of Treasury and was employed by a hotel in the Oak Hill, West Virginia area.  In 2015, after letters sent to Reed from the IRS were either sent back or ignored, an IRS revenue officer took steps to garnish a portion of Reed’s wages.  When Reed learned of these efforts, he met with managers of the hotel and requested that they not comply with the IRS’ attempts to garnish his wages.  In retaliation for a single wage garnishment of $598, Reed filed a $4.95 million lien with the Mercer County Clerk directed against the revenue officer and the owner of the hotel.  Reed’s lien claimed 165 constitutional violations, including illegal search and seizure, war, treason and slavery.  Reed also sought to attach any real and personal property owned by the revenue officer and the owner of the hotel.  

Reed further claimed that the revenue officer owed him an additional $9 million because his name had been copyrighted.

Department of Treasury Special Agents testified they spoke to Reed in February 2020 at which time he admitted to filing the lien against the revenue officer. Reed indicated that he filed the lien in order to obstruct the collection of his wages.

Reed faces up to 13 years in federal prison and a fine up to $500,000 when he is sentenced on November 29, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston commended the excellent work of the revenue officer and the Department of Treasury agents that worked on the case.  The United States Department of Treasury, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administrations (TIGTA)-Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  The prosecution was specifically authorized by the United States Department of Justice, Tax Division.   Assistant United States Attorneys Erik S. Goes and Ryan Blackwell prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:20-cr-66.

 

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Denson has previous convictions for attempted murder and heroin distribution

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Adam Matthew Denson, 33, of Charleston, was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to four years of supervised release.

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, Denson conspired with other persons to distribute methamphetamine on three separate occasions in Charleston in August 2019. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Denson’s Woodland Drive residence and seized two loaded hand guns that Denson admitted he possessed. Denson was previously convicted of attempted murder in Kanawha County Circuit Court and distribution of heroin in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of West Virginia, and was on federal supervised release when he was arrested.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation.   Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Negar M. Kordestani handled the prosecution.

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-00040.

 

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit, Michigan man pleaded guilty yesterday to federal drug crimes.  

According to court documents, Durran Merille Garland, 28, sold an ounce of cocaine to a confidential informant for $1,000 on March 13, 2018 in Huntington.  Garland admitted to selling methamphetamine to the same confidential informant on two other occasions.  During a search of Garland’s Huntington residence in April 2018, law enforcement officers recovered an M&P .40 Caliber Shield handgun.

Garland pleaded guilty to two counts of an indictment charging him with distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine. He faces a sentence of up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 29, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Jeffrey is handling the prosecution.

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. ­3:19-cr-00004.

 

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime.

According to court documents, Dan Bean, 42, of Toledo, admitted that in 2018, officers with the Huntington Police Department searched his residence on Artisan Avenue in Huntington and seized approximately 55 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of crack cocaine.  Bean admitted to officers that he sold cocaine and crack cocaine in the Huntington area.

Bean pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine and faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 29, 2021.

Assistant United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the plea hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor is handling the prosecution.

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. 3:18-cr-000157.

 

 

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Rondale Faulkner, a federal inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) at McDowell, pleaded guilty today to possessing a handcrafted weapon, commonly known as a “shank.” 

According to court documents, FCI McDowell staff members found Faulkner in possession of a shank on September 26, 2020.  The shank was a piece of metal approximately six inches long that was sharpened to a point on one end and had thread tied around clothe on the other end to form a handle.  As part of his plea, Faulkner admitted that the shank was designed and intended to be used as a weapon.

Faulkner faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced on November 29, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is handling the prosecution.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:21-cr-00110.

 

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Detroit, Michigan man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison today for drug and gun crimes.  Darryl Eric Hill, 37, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.   

According to court documents, Hill rented a room at the Double Tree Hotel in Huntington on October 21, 2020 and was present when law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the room.  Officers seized heroin, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, over $19,000 and a loaded 9mm pistol which Hill possessed.  Hill admitted that he had stayed at the hotel for several weeks and that he had been selling the drugs in and around the Huntington area.  Hill also admitted that he kept the firearm with him to protect himself based on his status as a drug dealer.   

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston 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 Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.

This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-00072.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Ashland, Kentucky man pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime.

According to court documents, Dave Joshua Kistner IV, 44, received a Colt Commander .45 caliber pistol at Freedom Gun and Pawn in Huntington on April 29, 2017, by redeeming a pawn ticket. Kistner had been adjudicated a mental defective in the Circuit Court of Cabell County in February 2017, thereby prohibiting him from possessing the firearm. When interviewed by law enforcement, Kistner admitted to re-selling the pistol to a different pawn store. 

Kistner pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on November 29, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is handling the prosecution.

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. 3:20-cr-00019.

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A federal jury convicted a Kanawha County man on charges of distributing methamphetamine, distributing crack cocaine, and possessing with intent to distribute over 400 grams of methamphetamine and over 80 grams of crack cocaine.  United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the jury trial.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Michael Andrew King, Jr., 35, of Charleston, distributed methamphetamine to an individual in Montgomery, West Virginia on January 4, 2019.  Three days later, King distributed crack cocaine to that same individual in Montgomery. On February 2, 2019, King was in Cleveland, Ohio and placed over 400 grams of methamphetamine and over 80 grams of crack cocaine in a female’s vehicle without her knowledge.  King arranged for the female to follow him back to Charleston that same day.  Law enforcement conducted surveillance of King as he followed the female’s vehicle, and after a traffic stop of both vehicles, seized King’s methamphetamine and crack cocaine that he had previously placed in the vehicle.  

“I want to thank the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), as well as the other law enforcement agencies who worked on this case to protect the public and continue our efforts to shut down the flow of illegal drugs into the Southern District of West Virginia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston.

King faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison when he is sentenced on November 18, 2021.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nowles Heinrich and Ryan Blackwell handled the prosecution. The Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) conducted the investigation with assistance from the Charleston Police Department, the South Charleston Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Parkersburg Police Department. 

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-00023.

 

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – One of eight individuals indicted in April 2021 in connection with a large fraud and money laundering scheme pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

According to court documents and statements made in connection with the plea hearing, Romello Thorpe, 25, of Washington, D.C., was involved from at least September 2019 to January 2, 2020, with Kenneth Emeni, John Nassy, Kenneth Ogudu, Oluwagbenga Harrison, Ouluwabamishe Awolesi, and others in a money laundering conspiracy that took place in Huntington, West Virginia and elsewhere.  Thorpe was a student at Marshall University and living in Huntington at the time he conspired to commit money laundering.  As part of the scheme, co-conspirators created online false personas and contacted victims via email, text messaging or online dating and social media websites in order to induce the victims into believing they were in a romantic relationship, friendship or business relationship with various false personas. The victims were persuaded to send money for a variety of false and fraudulent reasons for the benefit of the false personas.  Thorpe admitted that his role in the conspiracy was to let victims transfer money to his bank account and that he knew the funds being deposited into his account were from unlawful activity.  Thorpe further admitted that after the victims’ funds were deposited into his account, he kept some of the money for himself and forwarded some of the money to his co-conspirators via wire transfers or Zelle.  Thorpe admitted that he obtained funds from at least six different fraud victims during the money laundering conspiracy.

Thorpe faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 22, 2021.  As part of  his plea agreement, Thorpe agreed to pay $69,850 in restitution.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Secret Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), the West Virginia State Police, and the South Charleston Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Robeson is handling the prosecution.

The public is encouraged to report potential online fraud activity or scams at https://www.ic3.gov/.

If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).  This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim, and identifying relevant next steps.  Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis.  Reporting is the first step.  Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses.  The hotline is staffed 10am-6pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.   

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-0068 (Emeni, et al).

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Logan County man was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Terrindez Xsidrick Bryant, 37, sold approximately 25.5 grams of methamphetamine to an individual at a residence in Verdunville on June 24, 2019.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the West Virginia State Police and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West.  

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe handled the prosecution.

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. 2:19-cr-00244.

 

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for a gun crime. Tyson Davis, Sr., 42, previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

According to court documents, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a 9th Avenue residence in Huntington on April 17, 2019 and recovered a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol from under the couch cushion on which Davis was seated. During the search of the residence, officers also located distribution amounts of a heroin and fentanyl mixture and methamphetamine. Later in a Mirandized interview, Davis admitted to possessing the firearm.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.  

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Ryan A. Keefe and R. Gregory McVey handled the prosecution.

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. 3:19-cr-00140.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A Huntington man, Aubrey Gardner, 28, was sentenced today to total of 40 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for committing the offense while he was on federal supervised release. 

According to court documents, Gardner previously admitted that on February 8, 2021, he was a passenger in a vehicle that officers with the Huntington Police Department pulled over in the 2800 block of 8th Avenue in Huntington.  The officers found a firearm in the waistband of Gardner’s pants.  Gardner was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law because of a 2018 conviction in the Southern District of West Virginia for possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor prosecuted the case on behalf of the Government.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 3:21-cr-00049 and 3:18-cr-00055.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl.

According to court documents, Brian Vineyard, 49, sold approximately 3.5 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in exchange for $450 on September 9, 2020. 

Vineyard pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 17, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department. 

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution.

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-00106.

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to a federal methamphetamine charge.

According to court documents, the Parkersburg Police Department stopped Justin Andrew Beardsley, 33, on Lynne Street in Parkersburg for a traffic violation on June 1, 2019.  After a drug dog alerted on the vehicle, officers searched and found methamphetamine, packaging materials, scales, three loaded firearms, body armor, a hand grenade and miscellaneous ammunition.  At his plea hearing, Beardsley admitted his intent to sell the methamphetamine and acknowledged that he had sold between 200 and 350 grams of methamphetamine in the year leading up to the traffic stop and arrest.   

Beardsley pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 8, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is handling the prosecution.

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. 2:20-cr-0060.

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Lincoln County man pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime.  

According to court documents, the South Charleston Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Bert Tackett, 56, of Alkol, was a passenger on February 8, 2021.  Tackett possessed approximately 117 grams of a mixture/substance containing fentanyl and 41.989 grams of methamphetamine and admitted that he intended to distribute the controlled substances.  Law enforcement officers also recovered a Bersa Thunder 9mm handgun from inside the vehicle.  When officers arrested Tackett at his Alkol residence on June 15, 2021, they found two bags of suspected fentanyl weighing approximately 31.123 grams and 1.244 grams, a bag of suspected methamphetamine weighing approximately 27.238 grams and two loaded firearms inside his residence.

Tackett pleaded guilty to a single-count indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and five grams or more of methamphetamine. He faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison when sentenced on November 3, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the excellent investigative work of the South Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Marshals Service.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Nick Miller is handling the prosecution.

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-00097.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Huntington man was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Deshawn Derese Nelson, 52, previously admitted that he intended to distribute approximately 18 grams of methamphetamine seized from him during an arrest in Parkersburg.

According to court documents, Nelson was arrested by the Parkersburg Police Department during a traffic stop on Lynne Street on December 26, 2018 for an outstanding capias from Cabell County.  While processing him on the arrest, officers found methamphetamine hidden in Nelson’s pantleg.  Nelson had previously been convicted of robbery, theft, carrying a deadly weapon and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and was facing charges of first degree arson and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance when he was arrested.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the excellent investigative work of the Parkersburg Police Department and the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force.

Senior United States District Judge John. T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks handled the prosecution.

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. 2:20-cr-00062.

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – One of the 15 individuals charged as a result of the long-term investigation dubbed the “Woo Boyz” pleaded guilty today to distributing methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Jermaine Williams, 20, of Charleston, sold an ounce of 90% pure methamphetamine to a confidential informant on October 1, 2020 for $575.  The transaction took place at the GoMart on Bigley Avenue in Charleston.

Williams pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 18, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the U.S. Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police. 

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution.

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00032.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Jackson County man was sentenced today to 36 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, Christopher Moore, 47, possessed a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol on June 27, 2020.  On that day, Moore and a friend were cooking out at Moore’s house when they got into an argument and the friend grabbed Moore’s 9mm handgun. As they struggled over the gun, Moore accidentally shot his friend in the back of the head killing him. Moore is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior federal drug conviction.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr., imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Steve Loew handled the prosecution.

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-00002.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – An Illinois man was sentenced today to 10 months in federal prison for sending a threatening message through social media to a West Virginia law enforcement officer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Rodney Hanson, 37, sent a threatening Facebook message on January 8, 2019, to a law enforcement officer in Putnam County after a police involved shooting. Hanson pleaded guilty in May 2021 to transmitting an interstate threatening communication.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentenced.  Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe handled the prosecution.

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. 3:20-cr-00169.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man with three previous felony convictions was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison today for being a felon in possession of firearms.

According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, Casey Douglas Saunders, 30, possessed three semi-automatic pistols and one semi-automatic rifle at his residence on Camden Avenue in Parkersburg on May 14, 2020.  The firearms were located by law enforcement officers who entered the residence to arrest Saunders on an outstanding warrant for violating his parole.  Saunders had absconded from parole that he was serving for previous felony convictions in Wood County Circuit Court for burglary, delivery of a controlled substance and escape.  Saunders’ escape conviction resulted from him stealing and then fleeing in a police officer’s vehicle when the officer attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant. Saunders is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his previous convictions.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Parkersburg Violent Crimes and Narcotics Task Force, the United States Marshals Service (USMS), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Parkersburg Police Department.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe handled the prosecution.

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-00014.

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Boone County man was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for distributing opioids. The five-year sentence was a significant upward departure from the U.S. Sentencing Guideline Range. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, John Massey II, 40, of Seth, sold heroin to a confidential informant in Boone County in January and October 2018. On October 19, 2018, Massey possessed a mixture of heroin and fentanyl at his Seth residence, which Massey admitted he intended to distribute.

At sentencing, the United States sought an upward variance from the Court based largely on Massey’s role in perpetuating the opioid crisis as a dealer, his persistent drug dealing activity while out on bond and his relevant conduct wherein he distributed a particularly potent batch of fentanyl to buyers on December 23, 2017, that resulted in multiple drug overdoses in Boone County, one of which resulted in an overdose death. After hearing the testimony of several witnesses and receiving evidence, including testimony from the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of West Virginia and a paramedic, the Court determined that a “substantial upward variance” from Massey’s original sentencing range of six to twelve months addressed the serious nature of the offense and relevant conduct.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. 119 Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force.

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver Jr. imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin F. Scott and John File 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. 2:18-cr-00268.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –  A Huntington man who was caught with fentanyl earlier this year pleaded guilty to a federal drug crime. James Lennon Pace, 32, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.   

According to court documents, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on March 16, 2021 at Pace’s residence located on Charleston Avenue in Huntington.  Pace was present just prior to the search and arrested on an unrelated warrant.  During the search, officers seized fentanyl, three firearms, and items used to prepare fentanyl for distribution.  Pace admitted that he possessed the firearms and that he intended to distribute the fentanyl. 

Pace faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on November 1, 2021.

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

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-00104.

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. - An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) at Beckley was sentenced today for possessing a weapon at the correctional facility. Elijio Perez, 30, of Texas, was sentenced to 12 months in prison to run consecutively to the sentence he currently is serving.

According to court documents, Perez possessed a handcrafted weapon on March 31, 2020 while he was an inmate at the FCI Beckley.   A staff member found the weapon after Perez had placed it on the floor between a desk and a wall in an office at the prison.  The weapon was a piece of metal about 9 ½ inches long and sharpened to a point on one end. Perez admitted that the shank was designed and intended to be used as a weapon.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution.

United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:21-cr-00001.

 

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Over 47 Pounds of Fentanyl, 6.5 Pounds of Methamphetamine, 4.5 Pounds of Cocaine, 2 Pounds of Heroin, 14 Firearms and More Than $335,000 Seized

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – After a lengthy investigation, 18 individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Huntington. Seventeen of these individuals are charged with conspiracy to distribute a variety of drugs including fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, cocaine base (crack), oxycodone, and heroin.  Other charges in the indictment include the distribution and possession with intent to distribute various drugs and using a telephone to facilitate a felony drug trafficking offense. The indictment was returned under seal on July 28, 2021 and unsealed today after the arrest of 14 defendants.

Earlier today, federal agents and officers from various law enforcement agencies executed arrest and search warrants in numerous locations in and around Huntington. Federal agents also executed a search warrant last week in Columbus, Ohio, leading to the seizure of approximately 36 pounds of fentanyl and the arrest of Brayan Luces. 

The indictment alleges that Brayan Luces frequently supplied William Raeshaun Byrd of Huntington with large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine.  The investigation revealed that Byrd often received multi-kilogram shipments of fentanyl and cocaine from Luces which were transported from Columbus to Huntington by vehicle.  Byrd supplied multiple individuals including Christopher Leon Vest with fentanyl and cocaine.  Vest in turn supplied Scott Lee Midkiff and Erica Antionette Kirker with fentanyl and methamphetamine.  Byrd, Vest, Midkiff, and Kirker all distributed significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine to other dealers in the Huntington area.  This DTO utilized multiple residences throughout Huntington to store and prepare various drugs for distribution.  Other individuals in the conspiracy distributed and or assisted in the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base (crack), oxycodone and heroin in the Huntington area and other locations in West Virginia.

“The hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners has led to the disruption of this dangerous DTO that was distributing large amounts of illegal drugs in the Huntington area,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston.  “I want to thank the FBI and our federal, state, and local partners that conducted the lengthy investigation and the many law enforcement officers who assisted in today’s takedown. Our efforts in this case should reassure the people of Huntington that we will continue to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute drug dealers at all levels in order to keep our communities safe.”

“The suspects charged in this indictment made a business out of selling dangerous, illegal drugs,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “Today’s arrests send the message that their business venture is over. We will not tolerate brazen drug dealers operating in plain view near schools and in the community we all call home. The FBI focuses on dismantling these types of criminal organizations from the top down. I want the community in and around the Huntington area to know we, alongside our partners, are committed to making it a safer place for everyone.”

“The Cabell County Sheriff’s Department is proud to have participated in this long-term drug investigation with the FBI and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies,” said Cabell County Sheriff Chuck Zerkle.  “Through our collaborative efforts, we have removed many drug dealers from our streets, some of which have plagued our community for over 10 years.”

Those charged include:

William Raeshaun Byrd, 31, Huntington

Marvin Jerome Calvin, 40, Huntington

Mark Anthony Chandler, 30, Huntington

Kimberly Ann Combs, 44, Huntington

Robert Lamont Congleton, 41, Huntington

Reginald Jerome Hairston, 43, Huntington

Marcus Allen Johnson, 37, Huntington

Erica Antoinette Kirker, 34, Huntington

Brayan Luces, 24, Columbus, Ohio

Aaron Scott Midkiff, 36, Huntington

Edward Shane Midkiff, 34, Huntington

Scott Lee Midkiff, 35, Huntington

William Edward Nellons, Jr., 37, Huntington

Leonard Brandon Joe Rice, 34, Louisa, Kentucky

Dennis Wayne Snyder, 31, Hurricane

Ricky Lee Taylor, 57, Charleston

Christopher Leon Vest, 33, Huntington

Dillon Andrew Young, 28, Sissonville

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Southern West Virginia TOC-West Task Force consisting of the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department, the Hurricane Police Department, and the Marshall University Police Department, with support from the West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West.  The Ohio Highway Patrol, the Kentucky State Police, and the FBI and DEA in Columbus also assisted in the investigation. 

Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Courtney L. Cremeans are prosecuting this case for the government.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:21-cr-00109.

 

 

 

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Fayette County man pleaded guilty to a federal drug crime.

According to court documents, Anthony Maurice Bell, 54, of Oak Hill, possessed more than 400 grams of a substance containing fentanyl and a firearm in Oak Hill on January 26, 2021.  Bell admitted that he intended to sell the fentanyl. 

Bell pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 4, 2021.

“The excellent work of the Oak Hill Police Department and the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force in this case prevented a significant amount of dangerous fentanyl from being distributed throughout our communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston.  “Fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose deaths in our state and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is working with law enforcement throughout the District to identify fentanyl dealers and hold them accountable.” 

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Nick Miller is handling the prosecution.

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-00016.

 

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man pleaded guilty today to federal firearm and drug charges.

According to court documents and statements made in court, officers with the Parkersburg Police Department arrested Jonathan Ray Sindledecker, 40, on January 17, 2020 due to outstanding warrants.   When officers approached Sindledecker at a Go-Mart store near the intersection of 16th Street and St. Mary’s Avenue, he ran around the store into an alley.  As Sindledecker was running, he attempted to pull a pistol with an obliterated serial number from his waist area.  Upon doing so, Sindledecker lost his balance and fell to the ground.  Officers apprehended Sindledecker and located the pistol nearby.  Officers also located a quantity of methamphetamine, digital scales and a small amount of cash on Sindledecker.  Sindledecker knew he was prohibited from possessing the firearm due to prior felony convictions for unlawful entry and manufacture of a controlled substance in Wood County Circuit Court.  Sindledecker admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine to others.    

Sindledecker pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and faces up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced on October 20, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is handling the prosecution.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. 

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-00050.

 

 

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CHARLESTON – One of the 15 individuals charged as part of the long-term investigation dubbed the “Woo Boyz” pleaded guilty to a federal gun crime.  Memphis Ross, 20, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to possession of a fully automatic machine gun that was not registered to him.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on July 26, 2020 at the Charleston home of Ross’ mother and located an IMI Uzi 9mm submachine gun. Ross admitted bringing the fully automatic firearm into his mother’s home and that the firearm was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.  Officers also found three other firearms, ammunition and some marijuana during the search.

Ross faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on October 28, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the U.S. Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police. 

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Monica D. Coleman is handling the prosecution.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. 

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:21-cr-00032.

 

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two of the 15 individuals charged as a result of the long-term investigation dubbed the “Woo Boyz” have been sentenced to federal prison for federal drug and gun crimes. Erica Ratliff, 36, of Charleston, was sentenced to six years in prison for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. Devonte Andrews, 28, of Charleston, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

According to court documents, Ratliff met her drug source of supply at the Family Dollar store on Bigley Avenue on November 24, 2020 and purchased three ounces of methamphetamine. After Ratliff left the parking lot of the Family Dollar store, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on her vehicle.  The officers recovered the methamphetamine that Ratliff had just purchased as well as other controlled substances she had on her person.  Ratliff admitted that she intended to distribute the methamphetamine.

Court documents indicate that Andrews was walking on Hale Street on January 24, 2021 when he was stopped by officers with the Charleston Police Department. At the time, Andrews had a loaded Taurus PT 738 .380 ACP firearm behind his back.  Andrews admitted that he has a 2016 felony conviction for distribution of heroin and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the U.S. Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police. 

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

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

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 2:21-cr-00046 (Andrews) and 2:21-cr-00033 (Ratliff).

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ronald Pleasant, 26, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Pleasant sold two ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential informant for $1,000 on December 10, 2019 in St. Albans.  Pleasant admitted selling methamphetamine to the same confidential informant on two other occasions. 

Pleasant faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 4, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorneys Monica Coleman and Negar Kordestani are handling the prosecution.

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. 2:20-cr-00197.

 

    

    

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man was sentenced today to six years in federal prison for distributing child pornography.  Upon his release, Timothy Paul Rapson, 39, will be required to serve a term of 20 years of supervised release and to register as a sex offender.

According to court documents, Rapson previously pleaded guilty to using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to distribute child pornography on December 31, 2019. The investigation revealed that Rapson possessed over 76,000 images and videos of child pornography, many of which depict prepubescent minors.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and praised the investigative work of the Parkersburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White handled the prosecution.

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. 

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:20-cr-000175.

  

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Columbus, Ohio man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Rashawn Akmed Miller, 37, was one of 14 defendants charged as a result of a long-term investigation known as “Second Wave,” which dismantled a poly-drug network operating in Kanawha and Fayette counties.

According to the his plea agreement and statements made in court, Miller brokered a deal between a Columbus, Ohio supplier and Jason Michael Terrell and Roger Jarea Drake.  Terrell and Drake traveled from Kanawha County to Columbus where Miller introduced them to the supplier who sold them approximately two pounds of methamphetamine.  Terrell and Drake returned to West Virginia where they distributed the methamphetamine.  Terrell was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. Drake is scheduled to be sentenced in September 2021.

All defendants charged as a result of the Second Wave investigation have pleaded guilty. Along with Drake, Steven Matthew Bumpus, Craig Redman, Tonya Simerly and Ronald Lee Thomas III are scheduled to be sentenced in September 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the excellent investigative work of all the law enforcement agencies involved in the case.  The long-term investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in partnership with the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force (CWVDTF), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT). The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation of Sammy Joe Fragale, Sr., and Sammy Joe Fragale II, as part of the Second Wave investigation.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks handled the prosecution. 

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. 2:20-cr-000154.

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ralph Floyd Barnett, Jr., 61, of Birch River, pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime. A federal grand jury indicted Barnett in April 2021.

According to statements made in court, deputies with the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department responded to Barnett’s residence in Birch River on August 17, 2019 after he made a series of 911 calls, including one in which he threatened to shoot somebody. After hearing gunshots as they approached the residence, deputies arrested Barnett and obtained a search warrant to search his residence. A member of the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department subsequently recovered a .22 caliber handgun from a chicken coop located on Barnett’s property. Barnett admitted that he was prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of his prior felony conviction for the federal crime of aiding and abetting in maintaining a drug premises.

Barnett pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced on October 21, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nowles Heinrich 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. 2:21-cr-00066.

 

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Cleveland, Ohio man was sentenced today to 37 months in federal prison for a drug crime.  James Lavan, 45, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Lavan admitted that on June 12, 2019, members of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant on his girlfriend’s vehicle and seized over 70 grams of heroin from his tool bag in the truck. Lavan admitted he intended to sell the heroin. During the search, law enforcement officers also recovered two firearms.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorneys Nowles Heinrich, Jeremy B. Wolfe and former Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders handled the prosecution.

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. 2:19-cr-00233.

 

 

 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – William David Reid, 46, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a quantity of heroin.

According to court documents, Reid sold a quantity of heroin to a confidential informant in Beckley on August 3, 2020.  As part of the plea, Reid also admitted to possessing approximately 20 grams of methamphetamine on August 12, 2020 that he intended to distribute in and around Raleigh County.   

Reid faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 5, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s 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 Timothy D. Boggess is handling the prosecution.

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. 5:20-cr-00156.

 

 

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BECKLEY, W.Va. – Zachary Mitchem, 36, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine and heroin.

According to court documents, Mitchem was found passed out in a car parked in front of a local business near Beckley on July 5, 2019.  When a law enforcement officer came to check on Mitchem, she observed what she suspected to be controlled substances in Mitchem’s car.  The officer then conducted a search of the car and found approximately 21 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 14 grams of heroin.  The officer also found a gun which Mitchem was prohibited from possessing due to previous felony convictions.   After his arrest, Mitchem admitted that he intended to distribute the drugs in and around Raleigh County.

Mitchem faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on November 5, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley 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 Timothy D. Boggess is handling the prosecution.

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. 5:20-cr-00032.

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Raleigh County man pleaded guilty today to possession of 100 grams or more of heroin and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

According to court documents, Richard James Pfost, 38, of Beaver, was the front seat passenger in a vehicle traveling in Belle when deputies with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. Deputies observed marijuana in the vehicle and conducted a search of the vehicle. In the front passenger side of the vehicle where Pfost was seated, deputies located approximately 112 grams of heroin, 88 grams of methamphetamine, 11 grams of cocaine, a loaded Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 9mm pistol, and a loaded Ruger EC9 9mm pistol. Pfost also had $420 in his possession, which he admitted were drug distribution proceeds. Pfost also admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine for money, and that the firearms in his possession were to protect himself, the drugs he possessed and the drug proceeds.

Pfost is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, 2021 and faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Cremeans 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. 2:21-cr-00094.

 

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Dennis Hutton, 33, of Parkersburg, pleaded guilty today to a federal gun crime.

According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on June 28, 2019,  at a hotel room at the Quality Inn in Mineral Wells, Wood County.  During the search, officers found Hutton, digital scales, quantities of suspected methamphetamine and heroin and a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver.  Hutton admitted to the officers he was selling the drugs to others because of the financial obligations he had.  The drugs were sent to the DEA Mid-Atlantic Laboratory and were confirmed to be methamphetamine and carfentanil.  Hutton admitted that he carried the gun to protect both his drugs and the proceeds of his drug dealing.

Hutton pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and faces five years and up to life in prison when he is sentenced on October 18, 2021.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). 

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner is handling the prosecution.

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. 2:20-cr-00143.

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County man was sentenced today to 45 months in federal prison for drug and gun crimes.  Ricky Lee Clark, Sr., 53, of St. Albans, previously pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of firearms, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

According to court documents, a member of the St. Albans Police Department pulled over Clark’s truck on July 2, 2019. At the time, Clark’s truck was being driven by a woman and he was the passenger.  Handgun ammunition was recovered from the truck and Clark had approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine in his pocket. When law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his residence later that day, they recovered six firearms. Clark is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition because of a prior felony conviction for conspiring to operate a clandestine drug laboratory.

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the St. Albans Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the United States Marshals Service.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich handled the prosecution.

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-00034.

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Dunbar man was sentenced to six and a half years in federal prison today for a federal gun crime. Corey Allen Tucker, 25, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Tucker shot an individual six times in South Charleston on January 7, 2019. Later that day, investigators with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department located Tucker in a South Charleston residence and found a 9mm pistol magazine loaded with unfired cartridges in his jacket pocket.  Law enforcement officers searched the residence and found two firearms, including a Taurus Millennium G2 9mm pistol, buried in a cat litter box.  Some of the ammunition loaded in that firearm was the same brand and type of shell casing located at the scene of the shooting. The magazine found in Tucker’s jacket pocket also fit the firearm.  Tucker admitted to law enforcement that he shot the victim.  Tucker was prohibited from possessing firearms by virtue of a 2016 conviction in South Carolina for assault and battery in the first degree. 

Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

United States District Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White handled the prosecution.

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. 2:20-cr-00162.

 

    

    

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