Southern District of West Virginia

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Three local men were sentenced today on federal drug crimes in United States District Court in Huntington, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

“We’re working with our law enforcement partners 24/7 to identify and prosecute drug dealers like Pittman and Pardue who are poisoning our communities with meth and opioids,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Michael Pittman, 38, of Charleston, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.  On October 9, 2018, officers with the Huntington Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of 18th Street West and Jefferson Avenue for a report of a man down.  When they arrived on scene, they found Pittman laying in the middle of the road with no shirt or shoes on.  Pittman told officers he had just injected heroin.  Officers found approximately 53 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 9 grams of heroin in Pittman’s truck.  Pittman admitted he intended to sell the methamphetamine and heroin.    The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation. 

In a separate proceeding, Richard Pardue, 34, of Huntington, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for selling heroin.  Pardue previously admitted that on January 18, 2017, he met a confidential informant in Ona, West Virginia.  He gave the informant ½ gram of heroin in exchange for $60.  The Violent Drug and Crime Task Force West conducted the investigation.  

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed all of the sentences.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor prosecuted the cases.

Both cases were prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.VA.– United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that an Austin, Texas man pled guilty today to being in possession of a device to counterfeit credit cards.  Tofyk Ali Oro entered his guilty plea to illegal possession, production, or trafficking of device-making equipment.  The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and United States Postal Inspection Service. 

“Great work by federal law enforcement to thwart Oro’s plan,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Their work has prevented the victimization of many West Virginians.”

Oro admitted that on November 30, 2018 that he shipped 55 credit cards and the device equipment from Austin, Texas to Charleston, West Virginia.  Oro also admitted the intent with the 55 cards was to defraud individuals whose accounts were linked to those cards. 

Oro faces up to 15 years imprisonment when he is sentenced on October 21, 2019. 

Assistant United States Attorney Chris Arthur handled the prosecution.  The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A South Point, Ohio man who was caught selling methamphetamine in Huntington last year was sentenced to 62 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Jose Cisneros, 28, previously entered a guilty plea to distributing methamphetamine.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the FBI Drug Task Force.

“We’re prosecuting record numbers of meth dealers and the convictions are resulting in significant prison sentences,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Meth dealers should take heed.”

On October 25, 2018, an informant working at the direction of the FBI contacted Cisneros to arrange a meth transaction.  Cisneros subsequently met the informant at a location in Huntington where he sold the informant one and a half ounces of methamphetamine in exchange for $650.  Cisneros was arrested on November 6, 2018, in the 2900 block of 5th Avenue in Huntington and agents seized additional meth that Cisneros intended to distribute. 

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Putnam County man was sentenced to prison for lying on an ATF form in an attempt to obtain firearms.  Stephen Cyrus, 35, sentenced to 5 months in prison by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

“Persons with domestic violence convictions are prohibited from having firearms for good reason,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “And we are working with ATF to keep guns out of the wrong hands and prevent gun crimes.”

Cyrus previously admitted that on March 20, 2018, he attempted to obtain four firearms from Ultimate Pawn & Performance.  On the ATF form he lied about whether he had been previously convicted of domestic violence.  Cyrus was prohibited from obtaining firearms under federal law because he was convicted of domestic battery on January 19, 2018 in Putnam County, West Virginia.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives conducted the investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor handled the prosecution.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A New Jersey man who was caught selling drugs near a school in West Huntington last September was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Eric Moore Bellamy, 51, previously entered guilty pleas to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin within 1,000 feet of a school and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Huntington Police Department.

“We don’t want drug dealers in our communities and this drug dealer should have stayed in New Jersey,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “We certainly won’t tolerate drug peddling near our schools.  Get near our children with your poisons and I’m going to hammer you to the fullest extent of the law.  Our school zones are drug free zones. Cross that line and it’s a one way ticket to a federal pen.”

On September 12, 2018, after officers with the Huntington Police Department developed information that Bellamy was selling drugs in West Huntington, a search warrant was executed at his residence located at 1037 Madison Avenue.  During the search, officers seized crack cocaine and heroin from a dresser in the residence.  In a separate drawer of the same dresser containing the drugs, officers seized a loaded Springfield .45 caliber pistol, a loaded Ruger Model P85, 9mm pistol, and a loaded Imperial Metal, Model 9, .22 caliber revolver.  Bellamy was arrested and admitted to officers that he possessed the drugs and firearms and that he had been selling both crack and heroin in the West Huntington area. 

Bellamy’s residence is located within 1,000 feet of Grace Christian School, a private elementary and secondary school.  Bellamy admitted at that he possessed the firearms to serve as protection based on his distribution of drugs.  Bellamy was also prohibited from possessing firearms based on multiple prior felony convictions he received in the State of New Jersey.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a Fayette County teenager was sentenced in federal court for his role in a federal drug conspiracy.  John D. Toney, 19, of Scarbro, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison after a long-term investigation.  Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, with the support of the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug Task Force, the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Fayetteville Police Department, and the Oak Hill Police Department. 

“Tragic. The nightmare of every parent of a teenager,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “The world is filled with opportunity and it’s awfully sad when one of our children alters their future by becoming a drug dealer.” 

Toney previously admitted that from October 2017 through July 31, 2018, that he participated in a drug trafficking organization that distributed oxycodone, heroin, and methamphetamine in Fayette County, West Virginia.  Toney admitted that during this time period, he participated in the distribution of oxycodone pills, assisted other members of the drug trafficking organization in acquiring over 100 grams of heroin on July 16, 2018, and further admitted to distributing more than 50 grams of a substance containing methamphetamine.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Dunbar drug dealer pled guilty to federal drug crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Samuel Manriquez, 33, entered his guilty plea to distribution of furanyl fentanyl and U-47700. Furanyl fentanyl is an analog of fentanyl and U-477001 is a synthetic opioid. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (“MDENT”).

“The safety of a community is always at risk when there are drug transactions, and those risks are heightened when drug transactions involve firearms,”  said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “We are utilizing every resource at our disposal to take back the streets from violent poison peddlers, drug thugs and trigger pullers.”

Manriquez admitted that on May 8, 2017, on Delaware Avenue in Charleston he sold a confidential informant U-47700 and Furanyl Fentanyl. He also admitted that there was a firearm present during the drug transaction.  Manriquez admitted that on the same date and at the same location, he sold another confidential informant U-47700.

Manriquez faces up to forty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 23, 2019. United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is handling the prosecution.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Charleston man was sentenced today to a total of 44 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and violating his federal supervised release conditions, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Antoine Brown was sentenced to 36 months in prison on the gun charge and received another 8 months in prison for violating the conditions of his federal supervised release. The Court ordered these two sentences to be served consecutively.  The investigation was conducted by the Charleston Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

On December 16, 2018, Brown was driving a vehicle south on US 119 and was pulled over because an officer smelled burnt marijuana emanating from his vehicle at the intersection of US 119 and Oakwood Road.  Brown moved a 9mm Taurus pistol from the center console of the vehicle and put it under a child’s car seat located in the back seat of the car. The firearm was loaded and operable. Brown’s child was seated in the backseat. Officers searched the vehicle and located the subject firearm.  Brown is prohibiting from possessing firearms because he has previously been convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter and Distribution of Heroin.

United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders handled the prosecution.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A man from Nellis, West Virginia, pled guilty to federal drug trafficking offenses, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Russell Lee Gillenwater, 39, pled guilty to two counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of distributing heroin and methamphetamine before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.  Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the West Virginia State Police, the U.S. 119 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

“Meth and heroin are being trafficked in every county in my District,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “And in every county, we are working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute individuals like Gillenwater who are distributing these dangerous drugs.”

Based on information presented in public court records and hearings, Gillenwater distributed methamphetamine on three separate occasions and heroin on one occasion to undercover police informants at different locations in Boone County.

Gillenwater faces up to 60 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 17, 2019.  Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is handling the prosecution.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national man pled guilty to the felony offense of Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Eric Armando Vega-Covarrubias, 38, was immediately sentenced to a “time served” sentence, having served nearly four months in federal custody.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“Vega-Covarrubias had two prior removals from two different states,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Let’s hope he doesn’t illegally reenter our country a fourth time.”

On March 25, 2019, Vega-Covarrubias  was found in South Charleston, West Virginia by members of ICE who were conducting a field operation.  ICE agents identified defendant get in a car and begin to drive away.  The agents stopped the car.  When defendant was stopped in his vehicle, he gave ICE agents a Mexican voter card and admitted being in the United States illegally.  Vega-Covarrubias  was arrested and ICE agents matched his fingerprints to previous removals from the United States.  ICE agents spoke to defendant to confirm his identity. Vega-Covarrubias again admitted being in the United States illegally.  Vega-Covarrubias had no identification documents permitting him legal status in the United States.

Fingerprinting matched Vega-Covarrubias to two prior removals from the United States.  His previous removals were  in 2012 from Atlanta, Georgia and in 2016 from Williston, North Dakota.  In both cases, Vega-Covarrubias was found by immigration judges to be in the United States illegally and he was deported to Mexico.  He had not obtained permission to legally enter the United States and had not sought legal status or citizenship. Vega-Covarrubias further admitted to ICE agents that he was a Mexican citizen.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution.

     

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A drug dealer from Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (“MDENT”), the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the St. Albans Police Department, the Nitro Police Department, and the South Charleston Police Department.

“Detroit poison peddlers aren’t welcome here,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “When they come here to sell their deadly drugs and we find them, we will lock them up.”

Tyrece Ramone Phillips, also known as “Ty,” age 32, previously pled guilty to distributing acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl.  As established by public court filings and hearings, on July 2, 2018, Phillips sold purported heroin to a confidential police informant near the 1000 block of 2nd Avenue in Charleston, West Virginia.  Laboratory testing revealed that Phillips actually sold a drug mixture containing acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman.

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Jeffrey Hoyler, 56, of Parkersburg, was sentenced to 71 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Hoyler was prosecuted as part of Project Parkersburg – a major takedown and dismantling of a multi-state drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing methamphetamine and heroin. Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, the Parkersburg Police Department, the Dayton Ohio Police Department, and the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force.  The long-term, joint investigation resulted in at least 29 individuals being charged in federal and state court, the seizure of 121 pounds of ICE methamphetamine, six kilograms of cocaine, 217 grams of heroin, and 290 grams of fentanyl.

“This DTO was bringing large amounts of deadly and dangerous narcotics into West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “The dismantlement of this drug network is a huge win for West Virginia families.”

At his plea hearing, Hoyler admitted that in addition to distributing methamphetamine himself, he transported large quantities of cash to Phoenix, Arizona at the direction of co-defendants Aurelius Edmonds and Terrence McGuirk where Edmonds and others met with their source of supply to purchase the drugs. 

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is responsible for the prosecution.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jeremy Midkiff, 38, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for his conviction for distributing fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Midkiff previously admitted that on May 2, 2017, he met a confidential informant in Huntington and gave the informant fentanyl in exchange for $70.     

“Powerful fentanyl has killed far too many West Virginians and devastated our families and communities.  Since the inception of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) one year ago, we’ve prosecuted every fentanyl dealer we find, regardless of drug quantity,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “As a result, we have 62 cases and 13 convictions, including Midkiff, to date.”

The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigation.   United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.

This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Beckley man who was arrested after a drug investigation pled guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Kendall Cotten, 29, entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute heroin before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

“Another peddler of heroin mixed with fentanyl convicted,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Fentanyl is a driver of death rates among drug users.  So many of our citizens have lost their lives at the hands of drug dealers peddling these poisons.  We are holding drug dealers accountable and pushing for tough actions and ever tougher sentences for those dealing these deadly poisons.”

Cotten admitted that on three separate occasions between November 28, 2017 and December 7, 2017, he sold what he believed to be heroin, but in fact turned out to be a mix of heroin and fentanyl, to a confidential informant working with the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.  The drugs sold on these dates were tested by the West Virginia State Police Crime Lab and confirmed to contain heroin and fentanyl.  Cotten also admitted that on December 13, 2017, police executed a search warrant at this residence.  During the search police officers recovered 122 bindles of heroin, $727 in cash that were the proceeds of drug trafficking activities, and a Ruger LCP .380 pistol.  Cotten admitted that he intended to distribute the heroin found during the search warrant.   

Cotten now faces a sentence of up to twenty years in federal prison on the federal drug charge.  Cotten’s sentencing will be held on October 24, 2019.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is responsible for the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart issued the following statement in response to the Department of Justice’s announcement of first year successes in Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.):

“It’s a remarkable record.  Over the past year, we have worked with our law enforcement partners to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids that have ravaged my District and with it destruction, chaos and death.  We are so pleased to have remarkable partnerships with our Operation SOS teams  – the DEA and OCDETF – as we tackle this crisis on behalf of the people of West Virginia.  I want to thank Attorney General Barr, the Department of Justice, and all of our law enforcement partners for allowing us to be a part of this critical operation and for committing the resources to allow us to make such critical progress.

Originally identified as one of the ten districts comprising Operation S.O.S., the Southern District has become a national leader in the fight against the purveyors of these poisons.  In my district alone, in a single year, we have 62 cases pending as a result of Operation S.O.S. with 13 convictions. And most recently, a 1.2 kilogram mixture of fentanyl and heroin was seized from a defendant in one of those cases – enough fentanyl to kill more than 600,000 people.  Those figures don’t even include the additional fentanyl we took off the street that could have killed more than 1.6 million people last year.

Our efforts are conducted with a sense of urgency.  Everyday.  24/7/365.  We are focused and working to end this terrible tragic tale.  We are aggressively targeting the drug thugs that poison our children and our communities.  The drug dealers, drug thugs, and poison peddlers need to understand they are not welcome here.

My record is tough - no revolving door for drug thugs or Detroit mules and I lock them up as long as we possibly can.  There are more takedowns to come.   These are our streets.  And we’re taking them back.”

The full Department of Justice press release is below.

 

 

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The United States Department of Justice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2019 

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JUSTICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES RESULTS IN FIGHT AGAINST THE OPIOID CRISIS AT ONE YEAR MARK OF OPERATION S.O.S.

WASHINGTON – One year ago, the Justice Department announced the formation of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers.  

Over the past year, 10 districts with some of the highest drug overdose death rates in the country, each targeted a county where they focused on prosecuting every readily available case involving fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other synthetic opioids, regardless of the drug quantity. These districts worked with DEA Special Operations Division to track and coordinate these street-level cases and also received additional assistance from the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF).

“Our attorneys and law enforcement agents have spent the past year working tirelessly to disrupt the networks engaged in the trafficking of synthetic opioids. Today we are proud to share their successes in 10 of the districts most affected by this scourge,” Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen said. “The Department of Justice’s efforts have resulted in countless successes from California to Maine. We have successfully sought enhanced sentences in cases that resulted in deadly overdoses, and we have boosted cooperation among the partners involved. There remains much work to be done, but Operation S.O.S. marks a crucial turning point in the fight against synthetic opioids.”

The 10 participating districts and some of their successes are listed below:

• The Eastern District of California has reported a total of 27 Operation S.O.S. investigations in which the narcotics seized have included kilogram-quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
• The Eastern District of Kentucky has reported 15 investigations with six to eight new investigations being added monthly and has charged nine sentence-enhanced “death resulting” cases.
• The District of Maine has an additional 30 cases as a result of Operation S.O.S.
• The District of New Hampshire has had 41 cases through Operation S.O.S. that have resulted in indictments with fentanyl being distributed in 39 of those cases amongst other drugs.
• The Northern District of Ohio has indicted 71 defendants under Operation S.O.S., and has seen a 12 percent decrease in overdose deaths from the previous year.
• The Southern District of Ohio has 58 Operation S.O.S. investigations of the 58 investigations, 52 involve fentanyl distribution.
• The Western District of Pennsylvania noticed the decline in overdose deaths in the county they originally had targeted. This decline was attributed to a large number of people moving out of the targeted county to attempt to circumvent the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has refocused their resources to target the county where fatal overdoses have increased the most.
• The Eastern District of Tennessee has reported seven Operation S.O.S. cases involving 39 defendants, with a number of those including “death resulting” cases.
• The Northern District of West Virginia has 22 Operation S.O.S. cases with one “death resulting” prosecution. One of these investigations resulted in eight separate cases involving 35 defendants.
• The Southern District of West Virginia has 62 cases pending as a result of Operation S.O.S. with 13 convictions. Just recently, a 1.2 kilogram mixture of fentanyl and heroin was seized from a defendant in one of those cases.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marcus Smith, 46, from Charleston, West Virginia, was sentenced to 37 months in prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Smith previously pled guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On August 29, 2017, a Hurricane Police Officer conducted a traffic stop in Hurricane.  Smith was a passenger in the vehicle.  Officers located a loaded firearm under his seat.  Smith was prohibited from possessing the firearm under federal law because of multiple prior felony convictions.

The case was investigated by the Hurricane 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 Stephanie Taylor handled the prosecution.

This case is being 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.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that a Charleston woman was sentenced in federal court on her convictions for possession with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.  Amy Wilkinson, 44, of St. Albans, was sentenced to 35 months in federal prison.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department STOP Team and the DEA Task Force.

“Another peddler of deadly heroin and fentanyl goes to federal prison,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Law enforcement and prosecution play critical roles in addressing the opioid epidemic.”   

At Wilkinson’s plea hearing earlier this year, it was established that Wilkinson possessed controlled substances with the intent to distribute on two different dates.  On February 22, 2017, officers with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department and DEA Task Force officers executed a search warrant on Empire Drive near St. Albans.  During the execution of the search warrant, officers found Wilkinson inside the residence in possession of fentanyl that was individually packaged for distribution.  Wilkinson admitted on that date that she intended to distribute the fentanyl in and around Kanawha County. 

On March 2, 2017, Wilkinson was caught again in possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.  On this date, an investigation by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department discovered that Wilkinson had been selling drugs from a motel room in St. Albans.  A search of the motel room revealed that Wilkinson was in possession of 23 grams of heroin that she admitted she intended to distribute in the Southern District of West Virginia.      

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A New Jersey man pleaded guilty for his participation in a drug trafficking operation in Fayette County, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. James Terry, 38, of East Orange, New Jersey, entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute oxycodone.  Stuart commended the cooperative investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force, with the support of the West Virginia State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug Task Force, the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Fayetteville Police Department, and the Oak Hill Police Department. 

“Operation Mountaineer Highway shut down a significant DTO responsible for bringing large amounts of oxycodone, heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine into our central and southern counties,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Terry is one of the 12 defendants charged by federal indictment as a result of the very thorough investigation conducted by law enforcement.”

Terry admitted that between October 2017 and September 2018, he worked with other members of a drug trafficking organization operating between Fayette County, West Virginia and New Jersey to distribute oxycodone pills.  It was established that on May 31, 2018, Terry distributed over 500 oxycodone pills to another member of the drug trafficking organization in Fayette County, West Virginia.  Terry obtained the oxycodone tablets in New Jersey and transported them to West Virginia.  It was further established that on June 20, 2018 he was driving a car again transporting oxycodone pills from New Jersey to West Virginia.  It was the plan to deliver the pills to the same member of the drug trafficking organization in West Virginia to be redistributed and sold illegally in the Southern District of West Virginia for profit.  Prior to delivering the pills to West Virginia, the car Terry was driving was stopped by the Pennsylvania State Police.  During the traffic stop, approximately 997 oxycodone pills were recovered.  The pills were hidden in a secret compartment, commonly referred to as a trap.         

Terry faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000.00 fine when he is sentenced on October 3, 2019.

Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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BECKLEY, W.Va. –  A Honduran man was sentenced to “time served” for an immigration crime, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.   Elmer Hernandez, 30, entered a guilty plea to the felony offense of Reentry of a Removed Alien on May 15, 2015 and has been in federal custody for four months.  He was immediately remanded to ICE officials for removal proceedings.  Stuart commended the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the West Virginia State Police.

“Like so many others, Hernandez returned to the United States illegally after a previous removal,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “We will continue to prosecute line skippers until they follow our laws.” 

On March 9, 2019,  a West Virginia State Police trooper saw a car that was stopped at Mile Marker 52 on the West Virginia Turnpike outside of Beckley, Raleigh County, West Virginia.  Three men were standing outside a car with its emergency blinkers on.  When the trooper pulled in, the men ran to the car and began to drive away.  The trooper asked the driver what was happening and for a drivers license.  The driver could not communicate with the trooper due to a language barrier and did not have a drivers license.  The trooper contacted a translator service provided by ICE to assist.  The driver and two other individuals spoke with ICE agents telephonically and all three were found to be in the United States illegally. All three men were taken into custody and fingerprinted.  Hernandez, one of the three men, was found to be a prior reentry.  Specifically, his prints matched a prior removal from Pennsylvania in 2015.  Hernandez further admitted to ICE agents that he was in the United States illegally and had not obtained permission to legally enter the United States.  He had not otherwise sought legal status or citizenship. Hernandez further admitted to ICE agents that he was a Honduran citizen. 

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for the prosecution.  

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Detroit man pled guilty to a federal drug trafficking offense, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Nekko Johnie Daniel, 31, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute oxycodone before United States District Judge Irene C. Berger.  Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, the Charleston Police Department, and the West Virginia State Police.

“Another drug dealer nabbed off the Detroit Express,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Daniel will now be taking the bus to federal prison.”

Based on information presented in public court records and hearings, on December 12, 2016, Daniel traveled by bus from Detroit, Michigan, to the Greyhound station in Charleston, where he left in a car.  Police investigators stopped Daniel’s car after it failed to maintain its lane while traveling south on Interstate 77.  The investigators smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and searched it, ultimately recovering a half-ounce of marijuana from Daniel’s person and 540 oxycodone pills in his bag.

Daniel faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 30, 2019.  Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is handling the prosecution.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that David Lee Walls, 57, of Logan County, West Virginia, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. 119 Task Force conducted the investigation.

Walls admitted that he had possessed ten different firearms despite his status as a convicted felon.  Walls faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced on October 11, 2019.

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

This case is being 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.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – – Three defendants involved in various drug offenses appeared today in federal court in Huntington.  Ellis Simmons, Jr., 49, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin and prohibited possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  In separate prosecutions, Brandon Ware entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and Shadeed Muhammad entered a guilty plea to attempting to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.    The FBI Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department conducted the  Simmons and Ware investigations.  The FBI Drug Task Force, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the Muhammad investigation.

“I have pledged my commitment to assist the City of Huntington in removing drug dealers from their streets,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “These prosecutions exemplify how hard we are working to do just that.”

In the Simmons prosecution, members of the FBI Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at 2317 Lincoln Avenue in Huntington on September 14, 2015.  During the search, officers located Simmons and two additional individuals inside the residence.  Officers seized approximately 25 grams of heroin and a .22 caliber pistol from a room where Simmons was located during the search.  Simmons was previously convicted of multiple felony offenses and admitted to possessing the gun.  Simmons also admitted that during the month of September 2015, he and others used the residence to distribute heroin.  

In the Ware prosecution, Ware admitted that, from November 2014 to May of 2016, he conspired with others to distribute over 100 grams of heroin in the Huntington area.  Ware frequently received quantities of heroin which had been transported from Detroit on consignment and Ware would distribute the heroin in Huntington.  Ware then returned money from the sales to the source of the heroin from Detroit.  Ware admitted that he was responsible for the distribution of up to 400 grams of heroin during the conspiracy. 

In the Muhammad prosecution, Muhammad admitted that he mailed approximately one pound of methamphetamine from a post office in California to a residence in West Huntington on April 13, 2016.  When the package arrived at the Huntington Post Office the next day, Postal Inspectors seized the package and discovered that it contained methamphetamine.  Muhammad admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine to an individual who was to receive the package at the West Huntington residence. 

Ware faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years in prison and Muhammad faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison when they are sentenced on October 7, 2019.

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is handling the prosecutions.  United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearings.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Mexican national man pled guilty to the felony offense of Reentry of a Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Eduardo Rios-Rios, 26, was immediately sentenced to a “time served” sentence, having served nearly four months in federal custody.  He was remanded to ICE custody for removal proceedings from the United States.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Kenova Police Department.

“We prosecute one line-skipper after another,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “And we will continue to do so until they enter our country legally.”

On March 30, 2019, Rios-Rios was found in Kenova, Wayne County, West Virginia by local police during a traffic stop.  He gave the police an alias and was ultimately arrested and taken to the Western Regional Jail.  ICE agents matched his fingerprints to those of Eduardo Rios-Rios, who had been previously removed from the United States.  ICE agents spoke to the defendant to confirm his identity. Rio-Rios admitted to being in the United States illegally and that he had used an alias.  Rios-Rios had no identification documents permitting him legal status in the United States.

Fingerprinting matched Rios-Rios to a prior removal from the United States in 2011 from El Paso, Texas.  Rios-Rios was found by immigration judges to be in the United States illegally and he was deported to Mexico.  He had not obtained permission to legally enter the United States and had not sought legal status or citizenship. Rios-Rios further admitted to ICE agents that he was a Mexican citizen.

United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing.  Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes is responsible for the prosecution.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Barboursville man pled guilty today to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Mathew Byrd, 32, entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging him with distribution of heroin and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

“Black tar heroin and a gun,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “We don’t want drug dealers like Byrd in our communities.”

Byrd admitted that on January 31, 2019, he sold seven grams of black tar heroin to a confidential informant.  Byrd also admitted to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

Byrd faces five to forty years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 7, 2019.

The Violent Crime Drug Task Force West and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation.   The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.

 

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Bluefield, W.Va. -  United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that two defendants were sentenced to prison in federal court in Bluefield.  Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentences. 

Alvin Gardner, 31, of Bluefield, was sentenced to 151 months in prison for distribution of oxymorphone.  Gardner pled guilty in February, admitting that he sold a quantity of oxymorphone to an informant on August 15, 2018, in Bluefield.  He further admitted that he sold oxymorphone to an informant on three other occasions in August of 2018, and that on August 21, 2018 authorities found 193 oxymorphone pills, 165 oxycodone pills and $4655 in his Bluefield residence.  The case was investigated by the Southern Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force under the Bluefield Pill Initiative, part of a joint law enforcement effort led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia to combat the illegal distribution of prescription pills and other drugs in communities across Southern West Virginia.

Antonio Lancaster, 36, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution at McDowell, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for possession of a weapon by an inmate.  Lancaster pled guilty in March, admitting that on December 6, 2018, he possessed a handcrafted weapon known as a “shank” while he was incarcerated at the prison.  The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

“Two more convicted felons headed to the federal pen,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “On average, 130 people each day die from opioids.  130 people.  We have super-charged enforcement efforts and we are making a difference.  We have taken a ‘tough on crime’ approach.  Those in our community that break federal law, cause violence on our streets, and aid the deterioration of the social fabric of our families and communities will not be treated with kid gloves by this office.  And once prosecuted and incarcerated, we fully expect each inmate to follow the rules.  There is simply no excuse for breaking the law, being convicted and sentenced, and, while incarcerated, placing our prison guards and workers in harm’s way.  No excuse whatsoever.”     

The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John File. 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man pled guilty to illegally possessing ammunition, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Robert Adams, 34, entered his guilty plea before Senior United States District Judge David Faber.  Adams was prohibited from possessing ammunition as a result of being convicted of burglary in Wood County. 

On July 23, 2017 Adams was stopped by an officer with the Parkersburg Police Department for a traffic violation.  Adams hid a shotgun shell in his pocket so the officers would not find it.  Officers subsequently recovered the shell from the holding cell where Adams was being held.

The Parkersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case.  The sentencing hearing is set for November 4, 2019, before Judge Faber.

This case is being 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.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Kanawha County woman was sentenced today for a federal drug charge.  Bree Eberbaugh, 28, of Charleston, pled guilty on March 1, 2019, to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.  

“Fentanyl is a deadly killer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “My office is working overtime to pursue every lead and root out every purveyor of the poisons killing our communities.  You’ll find no sympathy here for anyone assisting the drug trade including fentanyl,  In every case, I will seek the maximum sentence permissible.”

Eberbaugh admitted that on August 28, 2017, her apartment was raided pursuant to a search warrant.  During the search, over 50 grams of fentanyl was discovered.  Eberbaugh stated that she believed she was selling heroin, but forensic analysts determined the substance to be fentanyl. 

Eberbaugh admitted that she helped arrange sales for the fentanyl and acknowledged that some fentanyl had been sold just prior to the search warrant.  Eberbaugh also admitted that she had assisted another individual with selling and distributing fentanyl.        

Eberbaugh was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison, followed by three years on supervised release.  Judge Faber specifically noted the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and the danger it poses to the public.   

MDENT conducted the investigation.   The sentencing hearing was held before United States District Judge David A. Faber.  Assistant United States Attorney L. Alexander Hamner is handling the prosecution.

Sentenced to eighteen months in federal prison for stealing from law firm and real estate company

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Robert Casdorph was sentenced to eighteen months of incarceration, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Casdorph, 58, of Charleston, West Virginia previously entered a guilty plea to the federal felony offense of Mail Fraud on February 6, 2019.  He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $134,755.44, to the law firm and real estate company where he was previously employed, as well as an insurance company that paid back a portion of defendant’s theft.  United States Attorney Mike Stuart praised the work of the United States Postal Inspection Service.   

“Cases like these literally defy explanation.  Casdorph was trusted by his employer to the level that he was even promoted to help manage the company’s money.  Instead of returning that trust with honest, hard work, Casdorph devised a terrible scheme to steal for one reason – personal greed,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Returning trust by biting the hand that feeds you.  Makes no sense.  We prosecute cases like these to the fullest extent of the law.”

Casdorph previously worked at a Charleston, West Virginia law firm and land company as a runner.  In 2011, he was internally promoted to receive accounts and help manage money.  Casdorph devised a scheme to defraud the law firm by including personal bills within the bills that the law firm was required to pay.   He would present a check for signature that included both the law firm/land company bill and his personal bills totaled together. These included power, water, cell phone, state and local taxes and credit card bills.  Casdorph would then place the check in the mail.  This scheme went on for four years, lasting through 2016. Casdorph also used firm monies to renovate his home.  Finally, Casdorph forged the name of a law firm member on three checks and gave the checks to local vendors.  The total financial loss to the law firm and real estate company was at least $134, 755.44.  Casdorph is no longer employed by the law firm/land company.

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution. 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Edward Marks, 33, of Parkersburg, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Marks was prosecuted as part of Project Parkersburg – a major takedown and dismantling of a multi-state drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing methamphetamine and heroin.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the FBI, the Parkersburg Police Department, the Dayton Ohio Police Department, and the Parkersburg Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force.  The long-term, joint investigation resulted in at least 29 individuals being charged in federal and state court, the seizure of 121 pounds of ICE methamphetamine, six kilograms of cocaine, 217 grams of heroin, and 290 grams of fentanyl.

“Marks is one of the 17 individuals charged in a federal indictment as a result of Project Parkersburg,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “The law enforcement operation shut down a significant DTO responsible for trafficking massive amounts of drugs in Wood County and elsewhere.”

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is responsible for the prosecution.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Fayette County man who sold heroin to an informant and possessed heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine pled guilty to federal drug charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Jason Dean Treadway, 37, of Fayetteville, entered a guilty plea to distribution of heroin and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and quantities of heroin and fentanyl.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Central West Virginia Drug Task Force (CWVDTF).  

“Heroin. Fentanyl. Meth. Guns,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Treadway’s residence was a regular drug den.  Our drug task forces do phenomenal work in ridding our communities of dangerous drug dealers like Treadway.”

On January 14, 2019, Treadway sold heroin to an informant at his Deepwater Mountain Road residence in Fayetteville.  On January 15, 2019, members of the CWVDTF executed a search warrant at the residence and seized 446 grams of methamphetamine, 89.59 grams of heroin, 90.82 grams of fentanyl, and three handguns.  Treadway’s girlfriend, Jessica Hall, 29, was also charged with distribution of heroin and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl.  She pled guilty in May 2019 to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and quantities of heroin and fentanyl.  Treadway faces 5 years to 60 years when he is sentence on October 3, 2019.  Hall faces 5 to 40 years in federal prison when she is sentenced on September 11, 2019. 

Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is handling the prosecution.  United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing. 

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Arkansas man pled guilty to drug and gun crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Justin Rogers, 37, of Mountain View, Arkansas, pled guilty to possessing 146.75 grams of methamphetamine and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

“If you’re not from West Virginia but are bringing crime, drugs and trouble to this good state, you’re not welcome in West Virginia,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Troublemakers and hoodlums need not bring their dastardly deeds here and, if they do, they’ll get what they deserve if they catch my attention.  We’re working with our law enforcement partners to prosecute bad guys and to put them behind bars as long as possible.”

Rogers admitted that on November 2, 2018, he possessed a 12 gauge Hatfield shotgun, and a Springfield .45 caliber ACP pistol. He admitted he carried and used the firearms in part to protect himself, his drugs, and his drug proceeds. He admitted he possessed the firearms and drugs in his truck in Kenna, Jackson County, West Virginia.

Rogers faces five years up to life in prison when he is sentenced on October 3, 2019.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the plea hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is handling the prosecution.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Wood County man who operated a pawn shop in Mineral Wells pled guilty to a federal gun charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Alonzo Clark Nichols, 38, entered a guilty plea to possession of an unregistered machine gun.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force (PNTF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  

“This is an egregious case,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “Firearms dealers are held to a common standard of complying with federal laws. In the wrong hands, the modified firearm could’ve been the instrument of the next terrible disaster. We will not tolerate such disregard for laws that are intended to protect law enforcement and the public.”

In January 2019, Nichols was a federally licensed firearms dealer operating 5 Star Pawn on Elizabeth Pike in Mineral Wells.  On January 4, 2019, Nichols gave a police officer a gun part called an auto sear designed to convert a pistol from semiautomatic to fully automatic.  On January 8, 2019, Nichols sold another auto sear to the officer.  On January 11, 2019, PNTF and ATF agents executed a search warrant at 5 Star Pawn where they seized additional auto sears and several rounds of 25mm high explosive incendiary tracers used by the United States military.  Auto sears meet the definition of machinegun under federal law.  Consequently, it is unlawful to possess an auto sear unless it has been registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.  Despite having a federal firearms license, Nichols did not have authority to possess or sell machineguns, machinegun parts, or other National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons.  He faces up to ten years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 25, 2019.

Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks is handling the prosecution.  Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr. presided over the plea hearing. 

This case is being 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.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Jeffrey Alan Kummer, 30, of Summersville, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for possessing two sawed-off firearms.  Stuart commended the efforts of the Summersville Police Department, the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). 

“In order to protect our Second Amendment rights, we must strictly enforce federal firearms laws,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.   “Gun owners need to be responsible and follow the letter and spirit of our gun laws.”

On March 24, 2018, a Summersville Police Officer and a Nicholas County Deputy Sheriff responded to a domestic violence complaint at Kummer’s Hughart Lane residence in Summersville.  Kummer was also wanted on a capias issued by the Kanawha County Circuit Court.  The officers entered the residence and encountered Kummer in the bedroom with two sawed-off firearms, a .20 gauge shotgun and a .22 caliber rifle.  The shotgun had been reported stolen from a federally licensed firearms dealer in January 2018.  Kummer told police that the shotgun had been sawed-off prior to his having purchased it several months earlier.  He admitted cutting the .22 rifle himself.  Short barreled rifles and shotguns are illegal to possess unless they are registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer record.  Neither firearm had been registered.  Kummer pled guilty in March 2019.   

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

This case is being 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.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –   Two Detroit men were sentenced to federal prison for heroin trafficking crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

“Far too many Detroit drug dealers have come to Huntington to peddle their poisons,” said United States Mike Stuart.  “Since the very first day I became United States Attorney, I pledged my support to fighting the onslaught of out-of-state drug dealers causing death and destruction in the City of Huntington.  We are working tirelessly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute and imprison those that prey on the citizens of Huntington and surrounding area.”

Rudolph Donnell Willis, 45, was sentenced to 48 months in prison, having previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin.  Between March and June of 2015, Willis received heroin which he delivered on multiple occasions to a residence located at 1751 Buffington Avenue in Huntington.  Willis provided the heroin to the occupants of the residence and the occupants would in turn distribute the heroin to various customers.  Willis later collected money from the heroin sales at the residence.  Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the residence on June 29, 2015.  Just prior to execution of the warrant, officers observed Willis enter the residence.  During the search, Willis and other individuals in the residence were arrested and officers seized heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine. 

Charles Deshawn Lockhart, 27, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, having previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.  Between November of 2014 and May of 2016, Lockhart and others sold heroin in Huntington after it was transported from Detroit.  During his participation, Lockhart received quantities of heroin from other individuals which he would sell to various customers.  After distributing the heroin, Lockhart would return the proceeds to other individuals.  Lockhart admitted that on, November 14, 2014, he possessed approximately 10 grams of heroin in Huntington which he intended to sell.  Lockhart also admitted that he sold heroin on multiple occasions during the investigation to confidential informants.  As part of his plea agreement, Lockhart admitted that he was responsible for the distribution of up to 400 grams of heroin during his involvement in the conspiracy.    

Both of the investigations were conducted by the FBI Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecutions.  United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.

These cases are being prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), a focused enforcement effort that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas. 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – An Ohio man was sentenced today to spend 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and traveling in interstate commerce in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  

“The message should be clear -- if you try to sexually exploit our children and we find you, we will prosecute you,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.

Douglas James Allmon, 51, of Canton, Ohio,  previously pled guilty to both charges in January 2019. Allmon admitted that during August and September 2018 he communicated via text message with a minor he believed to be a 14-year-old girl in Parkersburg, West Virginia. During the conversations, Allmon attempted to persuade and entice the minor to meet him in order to engage in sexual intercourse. On September 7, 2018, Allmon traveled from his home in Ohio to Parkersburg, West Virginia, in order to have sex with the minor. Only then did Allmon discover that the minor was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.

Upon his release from prison, he will be required to serve a term of supervised release of 15 years. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia States Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald was in charge of the prosecution. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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.

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart issued the following statement in recognition of West Virginia Day:

“On June 20, 1863, the greatest state in the greatest nation on earth was born out of struggle as a beacon to freedom and individual liberty. We have certainly struggled at times along our path but West Virginia remains a tremendous beacon for freedom and liberty with amazing economic potential today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR BELOVED WEST VIRGINIA!  A great history with only brighter, bigger, bolder days ahead. Our mantra must be: Bold in vision; Bold in purpose. We must compete and we must compete to win. Greatness is at our doorstep if we choose to embrace it.  Our brightest days are surely ahead.

I’m always proud to be a West Virginian in these mountains, along these ‘Country Roads’, among our great people.  

Take time today to appreciate our blessings and our opportunities on this special day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEST VIRGINIA!”

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart wants the public to be aware that THC-infused edibles are being packaged in a manner that is appealing to kids.  Parents and caregivers need to be aware of this fake candy and potential other THC infused products containing, in some cases, potent levels of THC.  Parents and caregivers should be vigilant to insure the safety of consumable products that could be ingested, intentionally or innocently, by their children.

On June 15, 2019, members of an Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Initiative interdicted a parcel containing 7.5 lbs. of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) infused candy.  The parcel originated in California and was destined for Florida when intercepted.  Both packages of candy had clear warnings to keep out of reach of children and animals, however, the packaging was almost identical to commercially available products.  The AHIDTA Seizure Bulletin can be found here.

“Trick or Treat will never be the same again. This fake “candy” is all trick and no treat,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart. “It is packaged like candy. It looks like popular candy. It tastes like candy. But, instead, it is a very powerful and potent way to get high.  Any unsuspecting child or teenager could easily stumble along a package and innocently eat it not realizing the potency of the THC infused in the product.  The average marijuana joint contains .3 grams of THC. This fake “candy” contains nearly 35% more THC than an entire average joint. It is outrageous that this powerful drug is marketed to children. Parenting is challenge enough without having to check a child’s candy for potent levels of THC.  This just means parents will have to work double duty on Halloween.  I want to personally thank AHIDTA for its initiative and its interdiction of this dangerous product.” 

 

 

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Photo comparing packages of authentic candy and THC infused edibles.

 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced that Brandon Starr Clemons, 33, of Dunbar, was sentenced to 41 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Stuart commended the efforts of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). 

“No, it’s not Groundhog Day,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart, “but, yes, we’ve convicted yet another felon caught with firearms and dealing meth and he’s going to prison for a substantial stay.”

Clemons pled guilty in March 2019, admitting that he sold methamphetamine to an MDENT informant in December 2016 and that he possessed two firearms at a residence in South Charleston when he was arrested on December 13, 2016.  Clemons was prohibited from possessing the Lorcin, .380 and Hi-Point, 9mm pistols due to his having been convicted in Kanawha County Circuit Court of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in 2008.  

United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Joshua C. Hanks handled the prosecution.

This case is being 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.

 

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Defendant faces up to 30 years in federal prison and up to life on federal supervised release

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Donald E. Ward, 59, of Logan, Ohio pled guilty today to traveling in interstate commerce in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  

“We’re working with our law enforcement partners as hard and as fast as possible to identify and prosecute those who troll the internet to prey on minors,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “My intention is to lock up the monsters that prey on our children and families.”

Ward admitted that beginning in January 2019 he began communicating via a social media application and text message with a minor he believed to be a 14-year-old girl in Parkersburg, West Virginia. On February 13, 2019, Ward traveled from Ohio to Parkersburg in order to meet the minor to engage in sexual activity, including oral sex. Only then did Ward discover that the minor was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.

Ward faces up to 30 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 11, 2019. Upon his release from prison, he will be required to serve a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

The investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia States Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the FBI Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Parkersburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald is in charge of the prosecution. The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin.

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.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Kanawha County methamphetamine dealer was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Douglas Matthew Spry, 42, stands convicted of possession with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. The investigation was conducted by the Nitro Police Department, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations.

“Drug dealers aren’t welcome here,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “If they chose to peddle their poisons in our communities, we will push for the longest sentences possible.”

Spry admitted that on December 10, 2017, his vehicle was the subject of a traffic stop near Nitro, West Virginia. The vehicle was stopped for a defective registration light. An officer with the Nitro Police Department could smell burnt marijuana emanating from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers located digital scales, a large amount of United States currency, and 70.41 grams of methamphetamine in the glove box. Spry denied knowledge of the methamphetamine but informed the officer that his fingerprints would likely be on the bag.

Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is handling the prosecution.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is 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.

 

CHARLESTON, W.VA. – United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced today that a Kanawha County man was sentenced in federal court on his conviction of felon in possession of a firearm.   Malcolm Griffin, 27, was sentenced to 46 months in prison. 

Griffin pled guilty on January 29, 2019, admitting that on July 5, 2018, he was a prohibited felon in possession of a firearm. 

The case was investigated by the Charleston Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney Chris Arthur handled the prosecution.  Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.

 

 

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Charleston man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. 

Charles Washington-Robinson, 35, admitted that on four occasions in 2016 and 2017, he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant.  Each of the sales took place at or near the Charleston Town Center Mall.

“Meth sales -- not the kind of retail business that anyone wants at a shopping mall,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Great work by Charleston Police Department and my team to get Washington-Robinson off of our streets and behind bars.”

Senior United States District Judge David Faber imposed the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the Special Enforcement Unit of the Charleston Police Department.  Former Assistant United States Attorney Matt Davis and Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Tessman handled the prosecution. 

 

 

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BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – A former office manager for a Bluefield business was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for an embezzlement scheme and related tax felony charges, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Roseanna Coomes, 67, of Bluefield, West Virginia, previously pled guilty to executing a decade-long wire fraud scheme where she embezzled more than $969,000 from her employer, Cole Truck Parts. She also pled guilty to a related tax offense.  As part of the plea, Coomes agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $969,316.68 to Cole Truck Parts and $64,330.10 to the Internal Revenue Service. The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and the Bluefield Police Department conducted the investigation. 

“Unbelievable.  Coomes embezzled almost $1 million from her employer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “As a result of the great work of law enforcement, her employer will receive restitution and Coomes is going to prison.”

At her plea hearing, Coomes admitted that from about January 1, 2007, through mid-2017, as the office manager at Cole Truck Parts, she defrauded her employer by writing checks to herself and to another person and disguising those checks by making false entries into the company’s accounts. She further agreed that she made false statements on her tax returns for numerous years by not reporting that income.

Former Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Thomas and Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Boggess handled the prosecution.  Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A California man pled guilty today to a federal drug charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Gerardo Delgadillo, Jr., 22, entered a guilty plea to an indictment charging him with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana.

“Now we know why there’s never any room in the overhead bin – 30 pounds of pot in his luggage,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “It doesn’t matter whether drug dealers transport drugs into West Virginia on foot, or by car, train or plane – we will send them packing.”  

Delgadillo admitted that on October 17, 2018, he had flown to Tri-State Airport in Kenova, West Virginia from California.  He admitted to possessing approximately 30 pounds of marijuana in his suitcase.  He admitted he intended to sell the marijuana. 

Delgadillo faces up to five years in federal prison when he is sentenced on August 5, 2019.

The Violent Crime Drug Task Force West conducted the investigation.   The plea hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecution.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Cabell County woman pled guilty today in federal court to three counts of bank fraud, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Kimberly Dawn Price, also known as Kimberly Dawn Swann, age 60, of Huntington, was employed as a staff accountant with a local accounting firm.  Between 2009 and 2015, in the course of her employment, Price wrote and forged signatures on checks on at least three accounts belonging to the firm’s clients without authorization.   Price deposited checks into her own bank account and used the money to pay gambling debts, as well as other expenditures.

“A thief is a thief,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “I don’t care whether you are stealing money to pay your gambling debts or to donate to a charity, if you are caught stealing your company’s money, we’re going to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”

Price faces a maximum of 90 years of imprisonment and a $3 million fine when she is sentenced on September 9, 2019. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police were in charge of the investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Greg McVey handled the prosecution.  United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Cabell County man was sentenced today to spend seven years in federal prison for child pornography crimes, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart. Scott Edward Riggs, 41, of Huntington, previously entered his guilty plea to distribution of child pornography in March. Stuart commended the investigative work of the Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations, the West Virginia State Police, and the Queensland (Australia) Police Service. 

“A despicable crime,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “We work with law enforcement across the United States and abroad to protect our children from pedophiles like Riggs.  This case is particularly pathetic.”

Riggs admitted to using his phone to secretly record a video of a minor in the shower at his residence in Cabell County in late 2017. Riggs then extracted still images from the video depicting the 13-year-old minor and uploaded the images of child pornography to an image-hosting website. He admitted that he knew that other users would be able to access, view, and download the images of child pornography from the website. 

Riggs will be placed on federal supervised release for 15 years following his release from prison.  He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald handled the prosecution. The sentencing hearing was held before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers.

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.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – A Branchland woman caught delivering fentanyl to another individual last year in Huntington was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Rebecca S. Bryant, 41, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in federal court in Huntington.  Stuart commended the investigative efforts of the Huntington Police Department.

“Fentanyl.  It’s a killer,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.   “That’s why we are relentless in our efforts to identify and prosecute all fentanyl dealers.”

On May 23, 2018, officers with the Huntington Police Department observed Bryant meet with another individual in her vehicle in the parking lot of the Little Caesar’s restaurant located at 100 7th Avenue in Huntington.  After meeting with the individual, Bryant left the lot and officers conducted a traffic stop of Bryant’s vehicle.  Bryant admitted that she had provided a package containing drugs to the individual.  The other individual was also stopped and officers seized a package containing in excess of 100 grams of fentanyl.  Bryant admitted that she received the fentanyl earlier the prior week and that, on May 23, she was directed to deliver it at the Little Ceasar’s.   

Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution.  The sentence was imposed by United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.), an enforcement surge that seeks to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A man from Detroit, Michigan, pled guilty to a federal drug trafficking charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Eddie Riago-Javone Bryant, 27, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute heroin before Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.  Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the Charleston Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

“Another Detroit drug dealer is convicted,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “They are not welcome in the Southern District of West Virginia.”

According to public court hearings and Bryant’s plea agreement, Bryant sold drugs to a police undercover confidential informant in Charleston and Cross Lanes, West Virginia, on February 8, 2018; February 12, 2018; and February 14, 2018.  Bryant sold drug mixtures containing heroin, fentanyl, and phencyclidine (PCP).  On February 15, 2018, investigators arrested Bryant at the Cross Lanes Motel 6 and found that he was carrying around 30 grams of a heroin mixture, $688 in drug proceeds, and a digital scale.

After Bryant’s release from jail, he again sold a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to a confidential informant on April 18, 2018, in Charleston.  Investigators arrested Bryant and executed a search warrant at his apartment on West Washington Street.  They recovered approximately 12 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mixture and found a .22 caliber revolver hidden in a cereal box in the kitchen cabinets.

Bryant faces up to 20 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 10, 2019.  Assistant United States Attorneys Drew O. Inman and Joshua C. Hanks are handling the prosecution.

 

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A St. Albans man pled guilty to a federal firearms charge, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Dakota Zachary Williams, 24, pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon before Senior United States District Judge John T. Copenhaver, Jr.  Stuart commended the investigation conducted by the St. Albans Police Department, Nitro Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

At public court hearings, it was established that on January 19, 2019, police stopped Williams for erratic driving in St. Albans.  Williams told an officer that he was swerving because he was rolling a blunt while driving and that he had marijuana in his cup holder.  Investigators searched his SUV and found a loaded pistol under the driver’s seat and marijuana.  They arrested Williams and found that he was carrying more marijuana, various pills, and around 3 grams of methamphetamine.

Further, on February 12, 2019, police arrested Williams again in the parking lot of Walmart in Nitro, where Williams had shoplifted an item.  On scene, investigators recovered another loaded pistol from Williams’ pocket and a box ammunition.

Williams had previously been convicted for felony wanton endangerment in 2016 and his right to possess a firearm was not restored.  He faces up to 10 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on September 11, 2019.  Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is handling the prosecution.

This case is being 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.

 

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Four drug dealers were sentenced to prison today, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences.

“The message is clear – we don’t want drug dealers in our communities,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “Cocaine. Fentanyl. Methamphetamine. Heroin.  And for peddling their poisons in and around Huntington, these drug dealers received prison sentences ranging from 34 to 87 months in federal prison.”

Elizabeth Powers, 29, of Barboursville, was sentenced to 87 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.  Powers previously admitted that on June 14, 2018, she was pulled over on I-64 in Wayne County.  Officers found a black bag in her vehicle that contained one kilogram of cocaine.   She told officers she intended to sell the cocaine for money.  The Kenova Police Department conducted the investigation.  

Brandon Scott Kidd, 39, of Huntington, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for selling fentanyl and methamphetamine.  Kidd previously pled guilty to distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine in federal court in Huntington.  On July 16, 2018, an informant working at the direction of the Sheriff’s Department went to Kidd’s residence located at 831 15th Street in Huntington to purchase fentanyl.  Insider the residence, Kidd sold the informant fentanyl in exchange for $220.  Kidd then offered to sell, and sold, the informant methamphetamine in addition to the fentanyl.  Later that day, deputies executed a search warrant at Kidd’s residence.  During the search, deputies recovered approximately 12 grams of fentanyl and approximately 48 grams of methamphetamine.   As part of his plea agreement, Kidd admitted that he distributed fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine in Huntington between July of 2017 and July of 2018.  Kidd further admitted that he allowed others to stay in his residence for the purchase of storing and selling drugs.    The FBI Drug Task Force and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. 

Oshae Hamilton, 25, of Huntington was sentenced to 39 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin.  Hamilton previously admitted that on June 27, 2018, West Virginia Parole Services and members of the Huntington Police Department located approximately 60 grams of heroin in his residence.  He admitted to officers that he intended to sell the heroin.   

Curtis Traylor, also known as “Gurt”, 51, of Huntington, was sentenced today to 34 months for distributing heroin in Huntington, West Virginia.  Traylor previously admitted that on October 12, 2017, he met a confidential informant and drove to the Family Dollar in Huntington.  He gave the informant six grams of heroin in exchange for $400. 

The Huntington Police Department conducted the investigations of Hamilton and Traylor.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie S. Taylor handled the prosecutions of  Powers, Hamilton and Traylor.  Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams handled the prosecution of Kidd.

 

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